Montecristo Robustos Millennium Reserve Jar
Back on the first jar of the brand, released on the occasion of the new millennium.
More than 20 years ago today, we entered a new millennium. Beyond fears of a potential computer malfunction, the famous "Y2K bug", Habanos introduced the "Reserva del Milenio", a trio of porcelain jars.
The total production offered 24'000 jars sampled in three brands: 10'000 Cohiba jars, 10'000 Montecristo jars and 4'000 Cuaba jars. Inside each of these are 25 Pirámides (52 x 156 mm), 25 Robustos (50 x 124 mm) and 25 Distinguidos (52 x 162 mm) respectively. This means a total production of 600,000 cigars that can only be distinguished by the vitola.
In fact, while each brand has its own jar with its own effigy, all the cigars they contain are dressed with the same white band. The latter, which has never been seen before, bears the inscription: "Reserva del Milenio - 2000 - Millennium Reserve".
Announced in 2000, these jars, produced in a limited edition, did not finally reach the market until 2002. This delay was at the time due to a rejection at the quality control of some of them, in particular due to imperfections in the lid. Thus, between 1999, when the cigars were produced, and 2002, when they were "jarred", the cigars were carefully stored by Habanos.
Let's take a closer look at the Montecristo jar, which was the first Montecristo branded jar at the time and is still the only one available worldwide. The other Montecristo jars are special regional productions such as the Montecristo No.1 Colección Vintage jar, produced for the Spanish market, or the Montecristo 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relationship China-Cuba jar, produced for the Asia-Pacific region.
The Robustos Reserva del Milenio was also a first for the brand. Indeed, it was not until 2009 that a Robustos module was introduced in regular production at Montecristo with the arrival of the Open Master. All the other appearances of the module were in special productions (Selección Robustos and Edición Limitada).
Let's proceed with the ignition of this Montecristo Robustos which is already more than 20 years old!
At the time of its release, it didn't seem to have left us with an imperishable memory, let's see if time has benefited it.
Visually, the jar seems to have acted as a protective shield during these long years, the cigars are simply perfect! The wrapper, slightly tarnished with time, bears witness to these two decades to come. The band, which has become a little loose, originally white to slightly yellowed, gives a really pleasant vintage look.
The opening of the jar, having let out the beautiful cedar scents, makes us want to use a cedar stick to start the tasting. The lighting of such a cigar, rare and unfortunately irreplaceable, gives a particular dimension to the tasting, almost a feeling of guilt.
From the very first puffs, the cigar is perfectly ventilated and offers a hint of hazelnut but above all beautiful woody notes and in particular cedar. Remember that in the jar, the cigars were protected by a cedar leaf encircling the inside wall. The latter having been part of the cigars for more than 20 years, the cigars naturally took advantage of its delicate scent.
Thereafter, the woody aromas, finally relatively characteristic of the brand, continue to accompany us. Note the appearance of a creamy dimension that somewhat softens the cedar, frankly present at the beginning of the tasting.
The last part is in line with the good lineage, it does not really surprise us in terms of the aromatic structure. Almost a relief to be able to say that we will still be able to enjoy it a little more. A slight rise in power is however to be noticed. Notes of spicy peanuts punctuate the end of the tasting. The volume of smoke also seems to increase for our greatest pleasure. It is true that this 20-year-old Robustos does not offer an unforgettable complexity, but in the end is it so important to have a good time?
It is a cigar that has truly marked the history of the Cuban cigar. Finally released in the early days of the Habanos company, it is one of the first special productions, so coveted today.
It is always difficult to decide when you really want to light the first cigar from such a piece. Whatever it is, those who try will not regret it! The Montecristo Robustos Millennium Reserve is a beautiful vintage cigar, which offers a lot of pleasure. This jar is a magnificent object to own for Cuban cigar lovers. It symbolizes the entry into the new millennium and it is almost certain that none of us will know another one...
MONTECRISTO Robustos Millennium Reserve - Jar of 25 cigars
Vitola: Robustos (50 x 124 mm)
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