Hoyo de Monterrey Piramide 2003 EL

[Habanos2000]

July 4, 2010

88°F, Windy, Humid

I’ve had this single sitting the humidor for close to 7 years now and thought with Smitty’s call for a figurado review, it would be the perfect time to try it out. While the outdoor conditions weren’t my favorite for optimum enjoyment of a cigar, I consider it just about mandatory to smoke a cigar on a holiday weekend!

Pre-cut: I can pick out the aroma of sweet, dry hay. The wrapper isn’t exactly oily, as I don’t seem to find many of my cigars in that condition, but it is a lovely shade of Colorado with a few small veins. Not objectionable at all. Nicely bunched and a firm feel from head to foot.

Taste at cold was pure sweet tobacco. Draw was firm to a bit tight.

1st third: the cigar gives off sweet, floral notes. Body is slightly below medium at this point and the draw, while a bit tight, in not an issue. After 19 minutes the first stage of ash separates from the mothership, right in my lap. Not the first time that’s happened.

2nd third: the body of the cigar is picking up to medium and slightly above. While still on the sweet side, I do detect some pepper notes coming through as well. I’m pleased to see some evolution and while it’s not wowing me at this point, it is a pleasurable smoke. With the windy conditions it’s difficult to notice the amount of smoke being generated. But considering the slightly firm draw and lighter body, I don’t think she’s giving off clouds. Evolving nicely, pretty consistent burn throughout with no touch ups required even when the burn went a little squirrelly half way through.

2nd stage of ash comes off at the 42nd minute into it.

Final third: the power is picking up to a steady medium/medium full, more preponderance of black pepper, some fresh grass, wood, and bittersweet chocolate if you look hard enough for it. I smoked this as far as I could. No harshness or unpleasant heat on the back end.

Laid to rest at 1 hour 23 minutes.

Overall I enjoyed this cigar. It was a nice smooth ride with no unexpected negative occurrences and a decent evolution through the length. The negatives were that it was a bit uneventful for a longer smoke and since it already had several years of age on it, I don’t see them developing any further, they might even be on the way down.

Since I typically enjoy a cigar only twice a week I’m looking for one that hits right out of the gate. Ultimately I feel comfortable giving the HdM Piramide 2003 EL a solid 90 points and think that maybe I should have tried it a couple years ago for more of a bang.

Cheers!

[El Presidente]

Excellent review of a cigar I have fond memories of.

If I remember correctly the lads and I purchased 5 boxes while in Havana just after release. I was floored by the sweet creamy nature intertwined with beautiful rich tasted tobacco. They held up beautifully for 5 years but mine began to lose the flavour edge so I traded the balance. Ken still loves his to this day.

Well done

[MIKA27]

Love your review Habanos.

Many have posted some fine reviews with pictures but thus far, IMO, I'd have to say your review was far more in depth.

Only one problem.....Wish I could get my hands on some of those fine cigars!

[Stalebread]

Nice review.

Nice cigar.

I was in Prague a few weeks ago and was very excited to see an open box of these in a cigar shop there. I've really enjoyed the few that I've smoked.

As I looked at them more closely, however, I had second thoughts. Excess glue all over them. The caps were crude with more dried glue all around. Wrappers at the foot were cracked and torn.

I passed on them but probably I made a mistake and should have picked up at least a few singles.

Oh, well . . .

[joeypots]

There were two release dates for the HDM Pyrimid. I sampled the first and bought a box of the second. Too bad it wasn't the other way around.

[bassman]

There were two release dates for the HDM Pyrimid. I sampled the first and bought a box of the second. Too bad it wasn't the other way around.

Yes, the first release with the darker Hoyo band was superior. Fantastic cigars when fresh & up until maybe 3 years ago when they began to fade.

[habanablue]

I remember having one of these pretty early back in 2004. Damn thing knocked my bloody socks off. Glad to hear your experience was somethat more subdued and prob slitghtly more pleasureable!