This week we had a wine tasting at one of our Jacksonville stores. Being just a few days before Halloween, the theme of this event was a no-brainer. The two young ladies that run this store informed me that they would be dressing up as flapper girls from the 20s and that I had to come as a gangster. Not being one to ruin a party, I put on a white zoot suit and joined the fun. As we prepared for our first guests to arrive, I realized that I needed a cigar to complete the look. As I looked at all of the cigars we carry I thought that I needed a classic cigar to complete my classic look of bootlegging gangsta. I decided on the Montecristo Classic and for the evening it was my prop. I posed for numerous pictures each time ensuring that this beautiful cigar was in mouth or in hand.

After concluding the very successful event I headed home for the evening with the only thought on my mind being that Montecristo Classic. As soon as I got home I turned on the World Series and sparked up the cigar that I had played with for most of the evening.

After my first few puffs I am hit with the question, “Why don’t I smoke these more often?” The Montecristo Classic has long been a staple in most tobacco shops. It is definitely on the mild side of medium in strength, but the Connecticut shade wrapper makes the stick as tasty as it is beautiful. There is the expected grassiness and earthy notes, but I also get a little pepper spice on the retro-hale. The cigar is superbly constructed and provides a nice even burn and long, pale gray ashes. You will want to smoke this cigar past the band as I assure you that this will cause no displeasure. At no time did the cigar ever become bitter or too hot to enjoy it.

I am amazed at all of new cigars that are released each year and I find myself often getting caught up in all the hype involving the new products. After all, who doesn’t want to try new things? With that said it is important to not forget about the great classics. The cigars that we have enjoyed for years can still be a part of our smoking lives without us losing a thirst for the new.

So if you are in a classic mood and want to enjoy a great cigar then stop in and see us. We carry a half dozen sizes of the Montecristo Classic Series. I promise that it is still as good as you remember it.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida regional manager, Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server

Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.