H. Upmann Monarcas SLA MAY 01

[MaytagMan]

H. Upmann Monarcas

7 x 47

Box Code: SLA MAY 01

Wrapper: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Filler: Cuba

Date: 10-03-08

Smoke Time: 110 minutes

Prelight:

A beautifully constructed cigar covered with a smooth light-brown wrapper. There was a small tear in the wrapper at about the halfway point of the cigar, and not other defects or major veins. The cigar had a pretty fair box press – likely due to a 7+ year nap in a dress box. Prelight aroma was dominated by a pleasant spicy mustiness. There were also hints of salt and cedar. Prelight taste consisited of raisins, a touch of sweetness, and leather.

1/3:

The draw was a touch tighter than I prefer, but it was not distracting at all. The cigar started right off with some very pleasant leathery flavors that filled my mouth. There was also the slightest hint of the saltiness that I found in the prelight aroma. This third is very smooth and well-balanced.

2/3:

The leather flavors became a little more subdued, with a subtle grassiness moving to the forefront. A very slight spiciness also mixed in with the grassiness as this third progressed. It was very subtle – just barely noticable – and it was a great compliment to the grassiness.

3/3:

The spiciness intensified just a little bit, but it is still a small overall part of the flavor profile. The grassiness has transitioned back to the leather of the first third, but this time it is a very smooth wet leather flavor. It is not heating up at all, and the cigar is still very tasty.

Overall:

I really enjoyed this cigar! It was a very smooth and refined smoke, with an interesting evolution of flavors that certainly kept my interest. I think that the age has really made this into a smooth and enjoyable cigar without any bite or twang at all. Definitely recommended!

(Review also posted on my blog - http://berris.wordpress.com)

[El Presidente]

Excellent review and thanks.

Upmann Monarcas has lived in the shadow of its brother Sir Winston. Winston went to finishing school and is generally considered a more well rounded elegant cigar.

Monarcas has headed along its own path being satisfied with a more leather core accompanied by simpler straight forward flavours and a fuller body. Monarcas secretly believes its brother Winston is an overpaid nancy boy ;-)

Winston is too confident within himself to reply to the behind the scene slurs believing that sales speak fo themselves. Monarca yearns for a fancy vanished box and a new band to pove that no-one could really tell the diffeence.

Rob just yearns for a new "r" key on his laptop that doesn't stick.

[greenpimp]

Nice review. I have not been overly happy with my 01 Monarcas. They have been very tightly rolled, and the ones that are smokeable are overly mild for my tastes.

And um, MaytagMan, what is the deal with the circle of blue dots on your thumb? Is it secret code for...something...?

[MaytagMan]

I just picked up a couple of boxes, and the draws are fine (fortunately!) Though on the milder side, it was at least a flavorful mild in my experience...

Oh, and the dots? I would love to tell you that they represent some secret occult practice, but alas it was nothing more than me+pen+boredom... :-D

» Nice review. I have not been overly happy with my 01 Monarcas. They have

» been very tightly rolled, and the ones that are smokeable are overly mild

» for my tastes.

»

» And um, MaytagMan, what is the deal with the circle of blue dots on your

» thumb? Is it secret code for...something...?

[havanaclub7]

Excellent review. And interesting flavor profile. I've always gone for the Sir Winnies myself and have never tried a Monarcas. I might have to pick up a few to sample next time I order.