Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure #2 AME MAY 13 (PRRRW)

[Riverstyx]

I've been suffering a sinus infection for the last couple of weeks.  It's gone for the most part, but I still can't get many flavors from cigars.  Most just taste like an old ashtray.  And they all taste strong and burn on the retrohale.  I thought maybe a mild, aged HdM would do the trick...

Construction is great on this robusto.  It's not tight at all, but I prefer it this way.  It forces me to slow down my puffs and pay attention.  Plenty of smoke.  However, I'm still getting that hint of ashtray.  If I'm very slow I can get some of the lighter flavors like a graham cracker or cream.  But they are muted.  Since I've been feeling better and cigars still don't taste right, I'm starting to get concerned.  Maybe my palate will never recover.  At this point, even though I can get a few flavors, overall it's a waste to smoke.  

The cigar doesn't change much throughout.  The second third was almost identical to the first third.  In the last third the lighter flavors came through a little stronger, but still not in my face.  I've historically enjoyed every cigar out of this box and none have tasted harsh.  I guess it's this stupid sinus infection, but even this lighter smoke is too much for me.

I'm going to rate this cigar an 88 but it's (hopefully) entirely user error.