H. Upmann Sir Winston SCO NOV 00

[Colt45]

Construction: Felt a bit light in the hand, but properly filled, with just a bit of spring.

Wrapper: Medium colorado, on the cooler side of the color palette, though not quite greenish.

A bit bumpy and veiny. Not ugly, but won't win any beauty contests.

Draw: A tightish draw that opened up nicely as the smoke progressed. Good smoke volume.

Taste: A core of tight clean tobacco. Wrapped around this was lightly creamy toffee.

At times this toffee bordered on light milk chocolate. On top, a light overlay of

gently cooked fruit, with a salty zing.

Just past midpoint, the clean tobacco came a bit more to the fore, and the salt

turned to white pepper. Medium in body, with nice depth and a long finish.

Perfectly balanced and fully integrated.

This is the kind of cigar that I just kept looking at, shaking my head, wondering

how it could be so good. I've had my share of tight draws and plugged cigars

from this box, but every one that has drawn well enough to smoke has been nothing

short of stellar. This was no exception. Outstanding. Even deducting for draw

and appearance, 94.

If anyone has any comments on more recent vintages, I'd love to hear them.

[jeht]

Sounds soooo good! I've had my eye on an 03' box for awhile.

[Sandman]

I love the box of 03's that I have. Just a beautiful cigar all the way around. To me it's a very unique cigar that just plain rocks.

[shrink]

Nice review, Colt! I agree with others who have found the '03s to be very good.

[greenpimp]

Great review. I've been sitting on a box that I just can't break yet.

[bassman]

Yes, the 03s are smoking great now. great flavor & so far, no draw problems.

[El Presidente]

Great review. Always good to see an ugly duckling rise to the fore.

I will review an 07 to see how they may compare.

[Sandman]

» Great review. Always good to see an ugly duckling rise to the fore.

»

» I will review an 07 to see how they may compare.

I cannot wait to hear this review!

[Colt45]

Thanks for the feedback on the '03s, and I too look forward to an '07 review.

[88keys]

I have a box of '03s which I'm rationing out very slowly. They're excellent right now. Sometimes the draw is perfect, sometimes a little resistant, but never plugged as were many earlier Monarchs I had. The flavors don't vary stick to stick but the intensity does -- some seem more restrained and some richer. Your review could just as easily describe the '03s. They're a great experience.