Okay, I will start by saying this was my 1st Christmas ever as a cigar smoker. As such, I got quite a load of yardgars. Some are decent, most are pooch projectiles. What I have decided to do is pick a few out of the group and try my hand at reviewing. The rest of the cigars will be given away. All will be NC and most will be NF (non Fuente). So w/out further ado...
I will first review a cigar from the La Aroma De Cuba line. The Monarch (6.0x50) sports a deep reddish brown wrapper that is silky, smooth, oily and very inviting. I begin by cutting off the cap with my trusty hedge clippers. After lighting, there is a bit of uneven burn w/ grayish black ash. Draw seems to be perfect, delivering plenty of smoke. However, to be such a dark and luscious looking cigar, the 1st 1/4 is somewhat mild w/ slight cocoa and espresso notes. Medium and mild floral on the finish.
At the end of the 1st 1/4 the cigar begins to take off. The burn is still a little uneven, but flavors become more complex w/ roasted nuts and espresso w/ cocoa undertones. Finish begins losing all floral notes and becoming loooong and creamy. Getting good now much to my amazment.
After the 1/2 point cigar has become rich with espresso and cocoa undertones. Finish still loooong and creamy, but has picked up an ever so slight hint of pepper. Given the first 3/4 of this cigar, I have high hopes for the final 1/4 and it does not disappoint. At the beginning of the end (final 1/4), this cigar is delivering loads of thick billowy and very aromatic smoke. The creamy notes are more evident and bordering on dominant with espresso becoming the undertone...very nice! Whats more is the burn also evens out making it easier to nub.
So in summary, this cigar was fairly well constructed, slight uneven burn w/ loose grayish black ash. Medium bodied, well balanced and complex cigar. Espresso, cocoa and cream the dominant and most identifiable flavors.
I think it's safe to say this cigar surprised me. In no way was I expecting such a nice and flavorful smoke priced under $5/stick. So, did the Monarch make the grade? Complexity B+ Construction B+ Flavor A- Value A+
Given all factors combined but price the Monarch gets IMHO a B+. However, with price being a factor, the Monarch definately makes the grade ....A-
I will first review a cigar from the La Aroma De Cuba line. The Monarch (6.0x50) sports a deep reddish brown wrapper that is silky, smooth, oily and very inviting. I begin by cutting off the cap with my trusty hedge clippers. After lighting, there is a bit of uneven burn w/ grayish black ash. Draw seems to be perfect, delivering plenty of smoke. However, to be such a dark and luscious looking cigar, the 1st 1/4 is somewhat mild w/ slight cocoa and espresso notes. Medium and mild floral on the finish.
At the end of the 1st 1/4 the cigar begins to take off. The burn is still a little uneven, but flavors become more complex w/ roasted nuts and espresso w/ cocoa undertones. Finish begins losing all floral notes and becoming loooong and creamy. Getting good now much to my amazment.
After the 1/2 point cigar has become rich with espresso and cocoa undertones. Finish still loooong and creamy, but has picked up an ever so slight hint of pepper. Given the first 3/4 of this cigar, I have high hopes for the final 1/4 and it does not disappoint. At the beginning of the end (final 1/4), this cigar is delivering loads of thick billowy and very aromatic smoke. The creamy notes are more evident and bordering on dominant with espresso becoming the undertone...very nice! Whats more is the burn also evens out making it easier to nub.
So in summary, this cigar was fairly well constructed, slight uneven burn w/ loose grayish black ash. Medium bodied, well balanced and complex cigar. Espresso, cocoa and cream the dominant and most identifiable flavors.
I think it's safe to say this cigar surprised me. In no way was I expecting such a nice and flavorful smoke priced under $5/stick. So, did the Monarch make the grade? Complexity B+ Construction B+ Flavor A- Value A+
Given all factors combined but price the Monarch gets IMHO a B+. However, with price being a factor, the Monarch definately makes the grade ....A-