Sorry, no pictures - this was a blind review cigar recently done for Smoke Magazine as part of their Summer '09 issue, based on 2 samples smoked a week apart.
Basic Info:
Barrington House Montalvo Tubular
Approx. 6-1/2" x 46 ring
Manufactured in Jamaica
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Jamaica
Aesthetics – Light brown wrapper, very thin, almost see-through. The cap looks slapped on in a sloppy manner. This is a very lightweight cigar, having almost no heft to it. Prelight smell offers little but tobacco scent.
Score: 7.6/10
Construction – Inconsistently rolled, it is well-packed with just some give at the foot, but looser as it traveled toward the head, with the last third feeling very soft and spongy.
The draw is too loose, yielding mouthfuls of smoke with the slightest sip. Burn is surprisingly good given the inconsistent rolling, and requires only a few touch-ups. Ash is dark gray and quite flaky.
Score: 7.6/10
Flavor & Strength – It begins on the milder side of medium in strength with a tasty mix of slightly spicy wheat bread, nuts and floral flavors, developing later with more baking spice & a bit of bite with a soft, creamy after-feel to the smoke. Very smooth on nose exhale. The second half sees the creaminess dissipate into more of a dry woody feel with more
sharpness in the taste and more like a medium in strength. The last two inches get stronger and more charcoal-like with every other puff, though never overbearing.
Score: 8.5/10
General Comments – It was an “OK” smoke, but nothing special. The loose roll and too-free draw took away from the overall experience. The flavors in the first half complemented each other much better than the mix in the second half. Too delicate for a strong drink, this works better with a lighter rum on the rocks.
Final Score: 7.9/10
[Reply]