Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux ASB MAR07

[Colt45]

Construction: Hard but not heavy, slightly bent.

Wrapper: A little on the rustic side with a fine tooth. Colorado in color with a light even sheen of oil.

Pre-light Aroma / Draw / Taste: Aroma distinctly barnyard with a hint of raisin. Very nice draw with a light tobacco taste.

Draw / Burn / Smoke Volume: Grade A all around.

Taste: First draws are smooth and creamy, nutty, with a touch of wood. On the light side of medium in body, but with nice depth. A refined finish with a light, pleasant aftertaste. So goes the initial third.

Entering the middle third, the cigar retains it's initial character - smooth, slightly creamy, a touch of wood and nuts. While there has been little progression / evolution and I do not find it overly complex at this time, I also do not find it dull or boring - a very pleasant cigar.

Now into the mid third, things begin to pick up. The overall character remains relatively the same, but the flavor intensity has increased. Some hints of raisin fruit, body becoming fully medium, an increase in wood tannin on the finish.

Overall impressions at midpoint are a subtle sweet cream core, roasted nuts, hints of raisin, and a cedar finish. I find it nicely balanced, well integrated, toasty. A few green notes now and then, but still a pleasure.

Slightly darker into the final third, but the overall composure remains. The nutty element has become almond / amaretto, blending nicely with the sweet cream core. Still a tannic cedar finish, but it is not overly astringent and simply adds character.

In the end the cigar has shown evolution and some complexity, both coming slowly and quietly with little fanfare. While perhaps a bit more rough and tumble, I find it shows it's lineage to the rest of the line, of which I am a fan.

[CanuckSARTech]

Very cool, Ross. Thanks for sharing. Some great literations there.

Makes my mouth drool a bit - Frank, Stephen and myself have some cabs of these from Rob from both Sept 2008 and May 2010, so I'm interested to dig into these and see the development over time.

Two questions...

Firstly, with the slight tannic finish, do you think these need more time for you? At six years old now, how much further would you look at aging them for?

And secondly, while I know you don't normally rate or score a cigar, please give an estimation - what would you personally score these at now, versus where you think they were when you got them, and where you think they can go in X-amount of years?

Thanks Ross. Cheers.

[Colt45]

Two questions...

Firstly, with the slight tannic finish, do you think these need more time for you? At six years old now, how much further would you look at aging them for?

And secondly, while I know you don't normally rate or score a cigar, please give an estimation - what would you personally score these at now, versus where you think they were when you got them, and where you think they can go in X-amount of years?

Keith, first, these were in long term storage, so this was my first from this box.

Question 1: Something I was thinking myself while smoking, and after as well. My feeling is that the wood / tannin is part of the nature of these cigars, part of their character. I find similar traits in the Epicure No.1, Churchill, and DC.

If pushed to venture a guess, my gut feeling is that with these, though the tannin might fade some with time, so would the other attributes. Of course, it's always possible that the tannin might mellow some allowing the other characteristics to show a bit more

Question 2: I'd currently score these 90 / 91 - with the caveat that you have to enjoy this kind of overall character - a somewhat "drier" cigar. If I can use a wine analogy, many (not all, of course) traditionally made Italian red wines can be rather tannic on the finish. That character, in balance with bright acidity and a sense of fruit which is not overpowering, is why I love so many. But they are probably not wines for those who prefer and enjoy, for lack of better term, fruit bombs.

[CanuckSARTech]

Some great additional points there, Ross. Thank you very much for sharing that!

Very cool. Thanks, and sounds delicious overall!

[Ken Gargett]

colt, had one from 00 or 03, not sure as they've got a bit mixed. was a bit spongy when i pulled it out so was not expecting much but it was just such a glorious cigar. loved it.

[mazolaman]

Good point regarding the "drier" cigar.

I greatly enjoy these...ie the SDC I had the other day, or an RYJ cedros.

i will look into these...cheers.

[westg]

Nice review Colt , and I agree a pleasant nicely balanced cigar. Spot on .

[shrink]

Thanks for the thoughtful review, Ross. This is one of the few Hoyos that I stock, and they're always good. These cigars age very well, IMHO. I have some '99s that are delightful, and some '08s when I'm in the mood for more spice.

[mk05]

Thanks for the thoughtful review, Ross. This is one of the few Hoyos that I stock, and they're always good. These cigars age very well, IMHO. I have some '99s that are delightful, and some '08s when I'm in the mood for more spice.

What about du Gourmets? I love the size but haven't had any with serious age. Would love some input, as '12s are calling me.

[BMack]

Thanks for the review! I have a couple of them in my humidor but have yet to try one...I might just do that after reading this!

[bugman78629]

Nice review Colt..... Keep up the good work.

[Guest rob]

Thanks Rossco.

I've not had too many, however I do enjoy the vitola. If money was no object, I'm sure my humi would be stocked well with these.

[Fuzz]

Great review Ross. The Des Dieux has been my go to cigar for years.