2006 H. Upmann Monarch en Tubo (CRW)

[maverickdrinker]

 

 

The wrapper is a mottled, leathered chestnut hue. Slight toothy but generally smooth to the touch. Nice sheen to it. Oils seems to have been retained while in the Tubo. Construction is decent. A little firm at the foot of the cigar. Hope this doesn’t lead to draw problems. The rounded triple cap looks good and the foot is packed. Aromas of milk chocolate, cream, barnyard and a hint of brown sugar emanate from the wrapper.

 

A quick twist from my Siglo multi punch and we are ready to fire this up. The draw is good. Nice air flow and a slight resistance. Earth, cream, brown sugar and leather, with touches of cedar come from the cold draw.

 

First Third

The retrohale is sleek. Beautiful layers of light cedar, cinnamon, earth, leather and cream move easily through the nasal passages. A nice bite to it with no harshness.

 

The after finish shows great complexity and nuance. Light cedar, cinnamon, leather, earth and cream evolve to coffee notes, toffee, with hints of butter and clove. Expansive on the palate due to the medium bodied strength level. Nice balance between strength and flavours. An excellent start.

 

Second Third

Just beautiful at this stage. Gentle layers of light cedar, oolong tea, earth and leather, with touches of cinnamon and cream move smoothly through the nasal passages.

 

The addition of oolong tea in the forefront, enriches the flavour profile. Joins light cedar, earth and leather to deepen the complexity. Coffee notes, clove, cinnamon with touches of buttered toffee trail in the back end. Strength continues to be at a medium bodied level. Really enjoying the range of flavours on the palate. Good lasting power as well. Brilliant.

 

Final Third

An interesting change in the flavour profile. Oolong tea, cocoa and light cedar, with touches of earth and leather move more assertively through the nasal passages.

 

The after finish is richer with the addition of cocoa to the lead flavours. Joins oolong tea, light cedar, earth and leather in the front end, while cinnamon, lavender and buttered toffee finish off the flavour profile. Lush and vibrant on the palate. Beautiful complexity and depth of flavours in this final third. The medium bodied strength level allows for the flavours to envelop and linger on the palate in perfect harmony. Wonderful way to end this journey.

 

Final Impressions

This is smoking beautifully. A privilege to enjoy and another example of what could have been. Habanos S.A. discontinued the H. Upmann Monarch en Tubo in 2009. 4 years after they discontinued the 25 count dress boxes (in 2006). Unfortunately, I only have a few of these left.

 

Makes me wish that I bought these and Sir Winstons back then. Hopefully, they make a reappearance in regular production or show up in the secondary market for a decent price. One to treasure if you have any...

 

 

 

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[teamrandr]

Well done as always.  Sounds wonderful!

[Chucko8]

Great review and pictures. Thank you

 

[rcarlson]

Terrific review.  

[Mr.T]

Great review! Makes me want to reach into in my box of 07s Monarch A/T and see how they’re doing


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[maverickdrinker]

Great review! Makes me want to reach into in my box of 07s Monarch A/T and see how they’re doing


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No time like the present.....


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[Goodfortune]

Very nice review!

[Gamehawker]

On 9/21/2020 at 10:06 PM, Mr.T said:

Great review! Makes me want to reach into in my box of 07s Monarch A/T and see how they’re doing


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Me too. I have a sealed box of '07 Monarch A/T and I would like to see how they are doing too.

[mprach024]

Wonderful review, felt like I could taste it, and it sounded glorious.  Very well done