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Montecristo #2 Wrapper Color

KPP

KPP

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I've noticed w/ Monte 2's I rec'd recently there is quite a large variation in wrapper color. For instance, have got two boxes within the past month or so, same factory codes (MOA)...one from 09, the other 2010.

There's a HUGE difference in wrapper color. The 09's being considerably darker....where as the 10's that landed yesterday are much lighter.

I'm sure others have noticed similar, not only with Montes of course, but am curious if it changes the enjoyment of the smoke for you whatsoever (i.e. less flavor etc.), or if it's merely an aesthetic difference only. Of course I will smoke a 2010 and weigh in myself, as i've already burned an 09 and loved it, but figured I'd ask those who might've experienced this already.
 
e-man67

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It happens with all tobacco (more so with cuban I think). I have some RYJ dukes in 3 different shades....some are almost red in color (those taste the best..but may be its all in my mind). I am half more than half way through a cab of PLPCs and the ones on the bottom are much much lighter than those on top.
 
Bull

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Truth be told, it is possible to get different color wrapper in the same box. This is usually not the case as the roller separates the wrappers by color, usually to ensure you don't see the contrast. I have found that boxes with the same codes have similar colors.

Yr to yr there can really be a difference.

On a side note, I think the 09 Montes to be far superior to the 07,08...so buy more if you can
 
Soundwave13

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I've had some darker-wrapper Monte #2's lately that were probably some of the best I've ever had (as experienced over last decade).
 
KPP

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Bull said:
On a side note, I think the 09 Montes to be far superior to the 07,08...so buy more if you can
Click to expand...
Was curious about the 09's myself, as much of what I'd heard regarding late 09 (including early 2010) was positive. The 1st box I got were DIC 09s....which is originally what I went back for more of and requested, but they were all gone unfortunately (hence the 2010s, and now the wrapper color/flavor question).

I did a little taste test between the 2009 I smoked, and followed up the next night w/ a 2003 Monte 2 (almost identical wrapper colors btw). The 2003 was definitely more refined (yet still had PLENTY left in the tank), however I didn't think the 2009 was far off at all. Certainly not 6 years of age apart....just had a little more tanins is all, but the flavors I got from the 03 were all there.
 
KPP

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No comments on the wrapper color of the Monte 2s?? (well, excluding what's been said above that is).


For starters, Anybody smoked a light shade wrapper Monte 2 and loved it??
 
KPP

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Here's another reason for my question...

I'm sure most who have smoked a decent amount of cc's are familiar with the site who grades box quality, and charges a higher premium for a high quality, or premium select box. I'd have a hard time believing that wrapper color doesn't at least in some way factor into those decisions. Maybe it's oils, smell, wrapper imperfections as well...but a darker wrapper, in my experience, typically will have more oils. More oils are better for aging etc. correct? Have to assume that wrapper color at least in some way might change the profile of the smoke. But I'm assuming here, and I know what problems that can lead to...

And Michael, thanks for the offer....I been wondering what I was gonna do with my beige Monte 2's with white, hairy polka dots...
 
TMS

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It's almost guaranteed the two boxes from the same factory produced in different years are not only going to have different shades of wrappers, but the binder and filler are most likely not even the same tobacco from the same farm. The blend will be the same, hence the familiar flavor. In any box of CC's there should only be a slight variance in wrapper shade going from light to dark, left to right.
 
Jfire

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All I know is the late 09 with a dark wrapper I recently had was MILES apart in flavor. Far greater then any other recent production 07, 08, 09, that I've had yet. I've only smoked about a box of these total thru those 3 years so it may of been a fluke. But GD was it a flavor B O M B!
 
Docbp87

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KPP said:
Not part of that there fancy social group..

So can't read that thread. I recall trying to get in there before, but it was private (invite only??). Is that not the case?
Click to expand...
Hmm. Someone invite my newbie ass too please.



As for wrapper color variation, Jim is right, they aren't supposed to vary much at all within a single box, especially a dress box. And again, like he said, I use a retailer who grades their product based on quality of construction, wrapper, etc. so I know what my box is going to look (and smell, and feel) like before I get it. Most legit vendors will inspect a box before shipping for you.
 
njstone

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I'm honestly not sure whether wrapper color effects the end experience or not. I'd love to have enough items to do a comparative research study, though, lol. As long as the wrapper has oils evident and smells good, I'm not sure if it matters ... not saying it doesn't just saying I honestly don't know.

I will say that aesthetically I prefer darker wrappers, and I think many others do as well. There are places that actually charge more for darker wrappers.

I've never had a Monte #2 that I thought was a great cigar. They've been good, not great. They were all fairly light wrappers.
 
B

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I've had MC#2s with dark wrappers that were just OK & light wrappers that were great. They make so many Montecristos that quality varies regardless of color. I'll pay extra for that vendor that picks out premium boxes of Montecristos. Only brand where I do that.

As a side note, I prefer Bolivars with a lighter wrapper & SLR has very consistant wrapper color.
 
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