Cigar: Ortega M3
Size: 6×54 Toro
Wrapper: Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
MSRP: $23.50 per five pack from Cigars International
This next cigar review is another new one for me. As I’ve stated many times over the years, I’m always on the lookout for deals on cigars. More often than not, when I go hunting for bargains on cigars, I can usually find more than plenty that I have not had. Given that this was released in 2016 and that I don’t see many Ortega cigars at my local shops (or they don’t catch my eye), and the price was right, I was more than happy to give the M3 a shot.
We’ve had a ton of rain over the last several days so my evenings to be able to review cigars were in short supply this week. They arrived Tuesday and gave them an evening to rest in the humidor. This is the first cigar out of the bundle. I did notice part of the wrapper partially coming off near the cap. Thankfully, it didn’t affect anything regarding the smoking of it. The pre-light aromas were a combination of wood and something like being in a straw field. The cold draw with a straight cut brought faint wood with hints of dried fruit. The draw turned out to be nicely balanced with a medium-to-full strength and opening flavors of nuts and something like nutmeg or cooking spices on the front of the cigar with wood and spice on the aftertaste. The M3 held firm for 27 minutes; it was after this point to where the strength pushed immediately into full bodied territory. The baking spices / nutmeg was more prominent on the front part of the palette while the nutty notes and wood moved to the aftertaste. From there on to the end, the cigar held to the strength and flavor profile. Total smoking time on the Ortega M3 clocked in at 1:27.
Minus a burn correction and a couple of re-lights, the cigar smoked just fine. I look forward to the next time I get to enjoy one (as of writing this, in about an hour or so, which is probably going to be one of the last warm evenings here in the Midwest).
By-The-Numbers
Pre-light: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
To recap the Ortega M3:
- The flavor combinations on this cigar I enjoyed as well as the quick buildup of strength. The only negative I could say regarding the cigar was that I felt that the flavors didn’t really expand as the cigar smoked on.
- Even though it is medium-to-full at the start and full bodied relatively early on, I feel that most ranges of cigar smokers could enjoy this without being blown away.
- Under $5 a cigar is a crazy good deal for these cigars.
- For simply the cost alone, the Ortega M3 is worth trying. At the time of writing, I saw that CI was out of this cigar. Definitely make a note to try these when they come back. I know I’ll be buying these again when available.
Thank you so much for reading. I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.
