Over the years, I’ve learned that there are two primary types of cigar smokers, or two camps. There are your genuine cigar smokers, who actually enjoy cigars, try to experience as much as possible every time they light up, and may or may not have opinions to share. Then, there are your faux cigar smokers who just want to look like they’re smoking a cigar. They go through the motions, try to look cool, especially in public places, and waste the cigar without ever experiencing what it has to offer. Unfortunately, many times, that “look like cigar smokers crowd” will waste an expensive cigar.
My guess is you’re wondering why I’m talking about this in a review intro.
Believe or not, there are a lot of cigars launched to market that were designed with those “look like cigar smokers” people in mind. I won’t name names, and I won’t shame any brands, but in my experience, that’s often what you see with collaborations. A not-so-big-on-cigars brand, or maybe even a celebrity, will partner with a cigar brand and they’ll pop out a limited edition stogie and everyone goes “oooo” and “ahhh” and then it eventually goes away and nobody really talks about it again. Not always, but usually, that’s because the cigar wasn’t very good.
I’m happy to report that’s not the case with the Montecristo Bardstown, at all. And also, that drives home the biggest point I’m trying to make, this is a cigar for genuine cigar lovers. Now, not everyone will like it and that’s okay. But it’s a great smoke, and that’s why we’re here to talk about it.
Pour yourself a tall glass, light one up and let’s smoke this thing out.
Montecristo Bardstown — What is it?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
You already know Montecristo, so I don’t need to introduce you to the brand. But Bardstown is a whiskey and bourbon company — Bardstown Bourbon Company — based out of Kentucky. So, naturally, the Montecristo Bardstown cigar is a collaboration between two masters of their craft.
The limited edition cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, with a wrapper, binder, and fillers all from — you guessed it — Nicaragua. The wrapper is a toasty brown color and while it’s not too oily, it has an attractive sheen and gives off the smell of coffee and a subtle sweetness before it’s even lit.
Storage and burn
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll probably roll your eyes here — because you’ve heard it several times — but I like to share how I store my stuff. I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That will give you some idea as to the conditions they’re stored in and hopefully, it will allow you to compare if and when you have your own experience.
I always let my cigars rest and the Montecristo Bardstown had at least two weeks to rest at my preferred humidity conditions.
When I lit one up for the first time, it was actually during a podcast that I’m a co-host on. It cut easily, with no fussing, and lit easily as well. The burn stayed that way with an even ash-line the entire time. However, one thing to note, and this could be because I’m in hot, humid Florida and it’s summer right now, but the thin outer wrapper cracked and bubbled a little.
As you know, I smoke more than one before I write reviews and that problem persisted during other sessions. My podcast co-host also had this issue and mentioned it.
Personally, it’s not enough to make me stop smoking as long as the cigar isn’t completely falling apart. Moreover, if it tastes good, I’m always okay with putting up with some stogie tantrums in there, especially here in Florida. Still, it’s good for everyone reading to know these details so you can make an informed decision for yourself.
Flavors and experience
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
This is where things get interesting. Because I’ve poked through a few retail sites, and their descriptions, and I’ve seen “peppery spice” mentioned in a few places. I would not describe the cigar or its flavors as a peppery spice. In fact, there’s almost no “pepper” standout that I could taste, at least in comparison to stronger cigars with lots of peppery kick. There are, however, some notes of baking spices, even some subtle cayenne, in flavor but not heat.
This is not a strong cigar. It’s medium-bodied and the flavors, while toasty, are actually pretty light. There’s a lot of sweetness that sticks around, which is what makes this such an excellent pairing with Bardstown’s bourbon, were you to do that. And that’s precisely what these master crafters want you to do.
Flavors like toasted bread, dough, coffee, milk chocolate, sugar and sweetness, salt, earth, and some cream all came out to play during the smoke. I also tasted what I would describe as a delicious Nutella on toast flavor about mid-way through. Not just during the podcast, but also when I smoked it later.
Comparing the Montecristo Bardstown to my usual lineup of cigars, I would smoke this earlier in the day, maybe even in the morning with coffee, or, at the very least, first in my lineup if I’m having it in the evening. It never quite builds in pepper and strength to the level of a satisfying smoke if it was the only cigar I was smoking. As an opener, it will be fantastic.
If you tend to like your cigars lighter and stick to the mild to medium range, and don’t like a lot of pepper to hit your nose on a retrohale, you’ll enjoy this cigar.
Montecristo Bardstown review: Closing statements
All in, the Montecristo Bardstown is a truly limited edition, which means they probably won’t be sticking around for long. If you have the chance to try one, I say take it. It’s a great experience and the flavors and the pairings — if you decide to pair — would work out well. I’ll probably keep a few around for when I’m feeling froggy, but it’s not something I will be smoking on the regular, as in daily. Considering the limited availability, that makes a lot of sense, anyway.
Briley specifics
Recommended: Yes
Would I smoke it again? Yes.
Will I buy more? Sparingly, if available.
My preferred size: Toro
Montecristo Bardstown specs
Profile: Medium-bodied
Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Box count: 10
MSRP: $180 or ~$18 per stick (Toro size)
If you like this, you might also like: Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez, Romeo Y Julieta 150th Anniversary, La Aurora 120th Anniversary, Montecristo M, Ferio Tego Summa, San Cristobal Revelation, Arturo Fuente Hemingway, Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne, Aganorsa Supreme Leaf.
You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this La Aurora Fuerte Sol review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
