Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos EL 2007

[shrink]

I just smoked my first Regalos, from a recent Czar box. This was not an easy cigar for me to describe. Overall, I found it to be recognizably Hoyo, and would probably have been able to identify the marca in a blind tasting. However, I wouldn't compare it to the Hoyo Piramide. Even correcting for its youth, the Regalos was stronger, with considerably more black pepper, with a woody-nutty core and unmistakeable flavors of fresh 'hot' cinnamon and dusty cocoa. I would describe it as 'raw' and 'intense', but not bitter, and there was no discernable ammonia, even as it approached the band. I kept thinking, 'this tastes just like a really spicy chocolate chip cookie'.

Based on this one, and very young, example, I would expect to measure its maturity in years, not months. I put the box in the back of the humidor, and don't plan to try another for at least six months. Well worth a box, IMO.

[Moglman]

Thanks for that review Shrink. I actually planned to try one today.

[Sandman]

Thanks for the review and I agree, well worth a box. I smoked one recently and rather enjoyed it. Tasty cigar but I kept wondering what it would be like with a nice thin light brown wrapper on it, instead of the EL wrapper. A slow burning cigar, that's for sure.

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review - any thoughts on the size?

» Tasty cigar but I kept wondering what it would be like with a nice thin light brown wrapper on it

»

I'd like to see the thin light brown wrapper make a return to many regular production

cigars.

[stever]

Nice review. Pretty much what I found. Definitely worth buying for the long haul.

[Ginseng]

Thoughtful review, Bob. Can't wait to try this specimen.

Wilkey

[El Presidente]

Nice review Shrink!

I found that the first boxes of HDM LE Pirimide I tried were far fuller than boxes now with a few years age. Those early Piramides were rumbunctious cream and cocoa filled numbers medium full in body.

To be honest I miss that profile and prefer it over the current mild-medium bodied "tamer" profile. Still very good but I long or the kick I had first experienced.

[bassman]

» Nice review Shrink!

»

» I found that the first boxes of HDM LE Pirimide I tried were far fuller

» than boxes now with a few years age. Those early Piramides were

» rumbunctious cream and cocoa filled numbers medium full in body.

»

» To be honest I miss that profile and prefer it over the current

» mild-medium bodied "tamer" profile. Still very good but I long or the kick

» I had first experienced.

I agree. Liked the kick the Hoyo Piramides gave when fresh much better than the current flavor profile.

[wp2]

Thanks for the review, shrink.

Because of your (& others') review(s) I have a box in transit right now!