#11: Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007 by Altadis 

Coming in for our #11 Cigar in the 2012 Cigar of the Year Countdown is the Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007.  2012 saw a distinct strategy by Altadis USAto  re-connect with a consumer-base that has now been embracing the boutique cigar market.  One way this has been carried out was by reinvigorating many of Altadis’ existing brands.  The Montecristo brand has was at the center of this strategy and it is the Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007 that was its showcase release

The Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007 marks Atladis USA’s first entry on the 2012 Cigar of the Year countdown.  This marks a return for Atladis to the countdown after a one year absence.   While this is the third time in four years, an Altadis cigar has been on the countdown, this marks the Montecristo brand’s debut on the countdown.   The Epic also is the third cigar on the countdown to feature the red hot Ecuadorian Habano wrapper joining the #12 CAO Concert and #19 Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Habano.

The Montecristo Epic does a great job at balancing some classic flavors with spice.  The flavor profile is a complex one featuring coffee, earth, grass, and cream – balanced by pepper, baker’s spice, and exotic spice.  The flavors are medium to full-bodied and make their way to full-bodied by the very end.   The strength keeps pace with the flavors as they are medium to full and progress to full strength by the very end.   This Montecristo was billed as one that was going to be more full in terms of strength and body and it certainly lives up to its billing.

Click here to read our assessment of the Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007.  It’s name certainly makes it a worthy “Epic Encounter”.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Select Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Special Selection of Vintage Nicaraguan and Dominican Tobaccos

Vitolas Available

There are three core offerings in the Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007 line.  The cigars are packaged ten per box.

Churchill: 7 x 56
Toro: 6 x 52
Robusto: 5 x 52

Recommended Vitola: Toro

Note: There is also a limited edition vitola in the Montecristo Epic 2007 blend in the No. 2 (pyramid shape). The No. 2 is a slightly different blend than the core line and did not consider part of what we ranked here.  Since we consider the No. 2 a separate blend, and since it was released after Thanksgiving 2012, it is eligible for our 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown.

No. 2: 6 x 50 (Pyramid)