2011 Monsdale Custom Roll

[maverickdrinker]

2011 Monsdale Custom Roll

Enrique Mons is a prominent figure in the Cuban Tobacco world.  He is known for creating the 'Monsdale' which is a pig tailed, closed foot elongated lonsdale.

Recently, Mons retired as the manager of the LCDH in Club Habana however, his legacy continues as Jorge Lopez, who has been rolling with Mons for many years,  still roles Monsdales to Enrique's specifications.

The tobacco is still sourced by Mons and the blend is just fantastic.

 

The Monsdale is a 7 inch, 42 ring gauge cigar that is just mouthwatering to look at.

The wrapper is a nice light brown and is silky smooth to the touch.  No veins at all.  

The cigar itself is very packed.  No soft spots.  Construction of the triple cap pig tail is first rate.

A beautiful array of aromas emanate from the wrapper.  Rich chocolate, sugar cane and a slight barnyard aroma start to make me salivate.

The closed foot gives only a sneak peek that the foot is well packed.  The triple cap takes to my punch with ease.  

Forgot to give this a cold draw to check the pull.  Too excited to get this lit.  

Time to take this to the flame...

First Third

The Monsdale takes very easily to the flame.  Very deep, rich, robust earthy, leather and bitter coffee  notes come from the first initial puffs with a very slight sweetness at the back end.  There is no shyness in the flavours of this cigar.  It is 'in your face' fuerte.

The draw is perfect.  Tons of smoke come from both the foot and head of the cigar.  Soooo nice!!!

The ash is a 'Dirty' whitish grey.  Judging from the ash, this cigar is packed to the gills of pure cuban tobacco goodness.

Strength is full bodied at this point.  Starting things off with a bang and a full flex of power.  

Second Third

The initial booya strength has dissipated and now is at a medium tone.  Some floral notes have come in to join the earthy, leathery tones.  Bitter coffee has given way to cocoa.  Not much sweetness coming through at all as well.

The after finish is very full.  Roasted nuts, cedar, coffee with a hint of cream combined with earthiness and leather.  Very robust after finish that lingers for a long time.  

The flavours and after finish remind me of an old school Bolivar with a little La Gloria Cubana mixed in.  The boldness, robust earthy and leather notes combined with touches of floral notes throughout the second third bring me to this realization.  Very interesting profile.

Final Third

Complete 180 degree turn in the flavour profile.  The final third is composed of woodsy, creamy and caramel notes that just coat your palate with joy.  A nice honeyed sweetness claws its way to the top and dances with the woody notes.  What a change!!!!

The burn continues to be strong and the smoke is very generous, even as I get to the nub point.

Final Impressions

This is a wonderful cigar.  Full of complexity and nuance.  Had the pedigree to enjoy now and can age as well.  Will add this to the buy list when I am in Havana in November.

 

[Lotusguy]

Nice review, Art! Those are on my "must try sometime" list

[Nino]

Final Impressions

This is a wonderful cigar. Full of complexity and nuance. Had the pedigree to enjoy now and can age as well. Will add this to the buy list when I am in Havana in November.

Agree 100% with your review & final statement - Was this from stock you bought last time we had lunch there ?

It's on my buy list too for this year's meet as well ...

[canadianbeaver]

Beautiful review and photos as always. Thank you Mav!

Question about rolls by Jorge and other talented rollers when they come and grace us with their presents here in Toronto. The come with the core of the cigars pre-rolled most of the time and on site prepare the wrapper and caps in front of us. These are presented on the desk and are for sale for $15 or $20.

Are these the same quality cigars as the ones you describe here?

[maverickdrinker]

The rolling quality is the same however, the tobacco is different as the ones I have were rolled in Cuba.

[canadianbeaver]

The rolling quality is the same however, the tobacco is different as the ones I have were rolled in Cuba.

Makes sense. Thanks for the quick reply, as they are here in town tomorrow.

[maverickdrinker]

I should have picked up some Mons Robustos when he was here......