Hey guys, it's the last one for the month and the year sadly. Decided with one of Chad's recommendations. Went with the Artisan Blend Series Batch 2. Let's get to it, shall we.

Montecristo Artisan Series Batch 2:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Java Indonesian
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Dominican Olor Seco, Colombian Tairona

Pre-Light/Construction:

When glancing at the box itself, it almost like one of those box puzzles you see at a trinket shop. The left side is empty and the other slots are stacked in layers. Mainly looked like something Andy Warhol would build while waiting on art supplies to come in. The sticks themselves looked very standard, but with a subtle feel. The bands looked as though they were taken from the past several years to give it a more nostalgia look. The wrapper leaf itself was a nice milk chocolate color. The scent off of it was very high in cedar, hence all the wood surrounding it. Veins and Seems were present, but not too invasive. The pre-draw from the slice was a bit snug though.

The Burn Part 1:

The first few draws were a warm tingly sensation of pepper and cedar. Very gentle quite honestly. However this was aged, it was aged just right. The draw got a little more looser going down a little bit more. Mainly this start was nice and easy until the first 3rd was nearly done where the pepper notes built up a little bit. By the end of it, the sweet notes of light coffee came into play, giving it a balance.

The Burn Part 2:

As the puffs kept going, the cedar notes turn a little more broader and more oaky. It was to a point where this stick just made me want to walk outside. Sadly I was typing up a review for the Espada at this point. Better to be ahead of the game than anything. The light coffee notes became a little thicker, almost like a medium roast. My thoughts at this point are wondering about the price range for something like this. Could it be all the different blends in the filler or the age rate. Who knows? It's still a relaxing smoke. The second 3rd ends with a medium body feel to it.

The Burn Final:

With the cigar becoming spongey and yet still having a great draw and flow, the notes were becoming a little thicker. The light coffee notes became almost like a dark espresso. Some roasted nut notes soon developed to back it up. It was at this point I wish I had a glass of Malbec. Still a very calm, yet sophisticated blend. The oak and pepper are neck and neck at this point, but the oak notes have a higher degree of strength. With the last few puffs, the Oak notes were the winner, with the pepper 2nd and the coffee and nut notes last. I smiled and still wish I had a glass of Malbec with it.

Verdict:

With all the different blends of tobacco stuffed in here, it would't surprise me that every stick you get would come with a glass of wine and cheese plate to compliment it. This blend practically screams out sophistication and elegance. Simple, and yet not too complex. The budget may be steep, but grab a couple for a special occasion at a ball or banquet...if they allow smoking that is. XD

Next Month: Romeo Y Julieta
See you guys then and Happy New Year!