This is Egbuka with the stick:

I also saw the same stick in Hartline's mouth.

Listen, I am a bit of a cigar snob but I totally understand taste is subjective. What I like other people might not like. That's what makes cigars so interesting, imo.

BUT, the Montecristo Whites are one of the worst cigars I have ever smoked. And I'm not one of those "one try and done" guys. Cigar batches can be different. I tried three Mc Whites over a period of time and kept coming back to the flavor nuance of burnt grass.

Someone with a reasonable amount of cigar knowledge needs to get the ear of whomever is buying sticks for the players.

Keeping in mind that some players will be first time smokers and that a lighter strength cigar OR a fully-flavored, aged cigar is preferable, here are my suggestions for alternative sticks:

1. Atabey Benditos
Listen, if you enjoy cigars and have yet to try an Atabey, do yourself a favor and find one. These sticks are aged at least 5-years. (BTW: aging reduces the bitterness of tobacco, much like aging wine reduces tannins) The flavor profile is is like coffee with heavy whipping cream. Rolled in Costa Rica, the blend (likely containing original Cuban leaf) is an undisclosed mystery. Pricey, but a worthy Natty celebration stick.

2. Aladino Corojo Cigars
Not quite as pricey but highly enjoyable. This is a Honduran stick with a medium flavor profile but it's aged so it's smooth. Flavor profile is a bit like browned sugar but it's not sweet.

3. Cohiba Connecticut
This is a Dominican stick. The Connecticut wrapper puts a more mild spin on the flavor profile. A very earthy smoke with hints of leather and coffee and cream.

4. Sobremesa Gran Imperiales S
I mentioned this in another thread. This is a mild to medium smoke with a sweetened wrapper. It's not too sweet like Tatianas or other flavored sticks; it's like a half teaspoon of sugar in your black coffee. This is an Ecuadorian blend, coffee and cream on the pallet. Very enjoyable and a long smoke. This one is good for long conversations or longer celebrations.

Last, but not least, my every-day, as long as the temp is above 20 degrees, cigar...

5. La Gianna Havana
This is a Honduran blend. Light and creamy with maybe a little pepper on the end. The Churchill is a long smoke worthy of a celebration. Not cheap, but affordable enough to convince your friends that you know about good cigars. They'll thank you for sharing as you talk the night away about what it was like to hoist the Championship trophy.

What a year this has been. What a team and what amazing young men! Go Bucks!