I recently purchased a few Montes from a very reliable source and their wrappers were more mottled than I am used to. The cigars were a newer release. I put them away for a nap and the discoloration has also diminished. I think they were too wet when I received them. Sounds like that may have been your problem as well.

Provided it's been reasonably well cared for, it shouldn't require more than a couple weeks in the humi to become smokable.

Just my $.02

Just because they're unbanded from a 'cuban' guy in Miami who gets them when he visits, doesn't mean it's quality tobacco. If they're that dry, that should tell you something. Fresh cigars are never dry!

Damn Noobs!!! It's like the blind leading the blind.

Can't say I ever had one unravel on me.

Had one burn my lips once because I nubbed it too low, couldn't smoke for 2 days after that.

It's amazing how some people can say so much while knowing so little. I am not a noob but I do not downgrade their status as lower than mine because I was one once. Apparently, you never were and were born a cigar genius (very rare.)I remember a cigar if it is outstanding. The Cohiba I smoked was such a cigar. That's not to say I have a palette as experienced as you seem to think yours is. No, I don't read CA, subscribe to it or even read it. They are as inaccurate and as inane as you seem to be. Nor did I say anywhere that the Montecristo I smoked was either unbanded or bought in Miami. It was banded and bought in Cuba. I know that this is not a guarantee that it is authentic however, but I must bow to your obvious superior wisdom in all things that are cigar. You perhaps should consider writing a book called, "Smoking Cigars by an Idiot," er, I mean "Cigar Smoking for Idiots." [sarcasm]

Saying you remember a cigar is much different than saying you remember what it taste like many years ago.

Are you sure it wasn't a fine Gran Habano you where smoking?

I know what a Cuban tastes like, and I'm still a noob!

Embrace your noobness and just admit that your palette is just out of diapers.

I am voting the Monte was fake.

DED

Yup.

I've had a couple Cuban made fake Montecristos. Dunno the original source, came across an estate sale that listed a large humidor full of cigars. Threw in a lowball bid figuring it was likely neglected for some time. Won and opened it and was initially pleasantly surprised by the contents. But, the Monte bands were off-center and the wrong color. Tried some anyways, and still had the Cuban flavor profile but not the CC Montecristo flavors. They weren't awful, but also weren't anything noteworthy. They were decent mild Cubans. The fauxhibas on the other hand, were awful and got thrown out.

If you were twice as smart as you pretend to be, you still wouldn't be half as smart as you think you are.

[crapful]

You're confusing "smart" with "smart-ass". Any one who knows me, knows I'm more of the latter.

Wrong again noob. 🤦

smart a$$ LOL