There has been a surge over the past five years or so amongst cigar connoisseurs, for heavy, full-bodied, full flavored smokes. Many of the manufacturers have accommodated by creating new blends that blast the palate and awaken the taste buds. I do enjoy certain brands of this nature, but some just plain make my head spin. While these type of “knock your socks off” cigars continue to grow in popularity, in the big picture, they are in the minority as the general public at large still enjoys milder to medium bodied smokes.

Over the years I’ve come to enjoy all flavor profiles, which allows me to effectively rate cigars, as well as enjoy many brands and types of tobaccos. A nice mild cigar earlier in the day or on an empty palate is just right for me, while a medium bodied smoke mid day or at dinnertime always hits the spot. Two cigars that fit these categories are world-class in my opinion, and I personally don’t know any finer made.

The Montecristo White and the Montecristo Classic are superb examples of outstanding cigars – well made with remarkable flavor. Many will say that mild cigars are flavorless – and if you have made that statement, trust me, you’ve NEVER smoked the Montecristo White. It’s a creamy smoke, perfectly balanced, and smooth as silk throughout. Then there’s the Classic – definitely a bit bolder sporting one of the most exquisite wrappers I’ve ever seen or tasted on any cigar.

I wanted to write this article for a couple of reasons – one, is that I realize there are a lot of people who read this site that are occasional or novice cigar smokers – or, know someone who is. And whether it’s for yourself or someone else, these cigars will truly impress the hell out of anyone who takes a puff. I am personally SO impressed with these – the leaf, the construction, and the flavor – and with all this attention given to heavier smokes, I thought those on the milder side should get their due as well.

So I contacted the good people at Altadis to advise them that I wanted to write an article, and VP of Marketing, Janelle Rosenfeld immediately asked if I could use several boxes of the cigars to give to the Planet Zman readers – hence the Great Montecristo Giveaway contest was born! Guys, I can’t thank Altadis enough for their generosity and you should be grateful as well. This is a real treat.

A funny and true story… When I was in the Dominican Republic this past April, I visited General Cigar’s headquarters in Santiago. While JR CEO Lew Rothman and I sat in the conference room waiting for General CEO, Daniel Nunez, I had just lit up a Monte Classic Churchill and remarked how amazing the cigar was. Lew said that it was without question a tremendous cigar and had perhaps one of the very best wrapper tobaccos in the world. He then told me with all his wonderful candor to “take off the goddamned band” since we were at Altadis’s competitor. And THAT’s what makes him the genius he is and me a dumb-ass Polack bloggger.

I’ve been around cigars a while, and I have a pretty good sense what people will like. The Montecristo White Label and the Montecristo Classic are two of the finest cigars in the world today and I recommend them highly. If you want to know more about them, the range of sizes, or just want to get your hands on some for yourself, check out the incredible selection at JR Cigars by CLICKING RIGHT HERE!