Hoyo De Monterrey DC (2017/18) 12DCRC

[mt1]

Decided to start off big as I smoke through my Christmas sampler.  My relationship with the HdM DC has been love/hate, I've had great ones and some bad ones.  The flavor has always been good to great but sometimes the construction does not agree with me.  I think I've finally figured them out and we are on speaking terms now, though I feel like I'm cheating on the Punch DCs.  It doesn't hurt that I've bought one of those PerfecDraw sticks to fix any plugged cigars.

I paired this with some black tea (yes, you read right, tea) as it was still early in the evening and I was setting myself up for a couple hours here.  Started next to the tree but eventually wandered off and outside to join some friends in the area.  The weather has seriously cooled down here which has been a great time to actually be outside and enjoy the open air.  Most of the time, it's just too humid to smoke outdoors.

My cigar started great, with a peppery barnyard predraw flavor (which I suppose really means spicy poo aromas).  An old friend once told me that the best cigars all smell like poo before you light them.  ?

The smoke started creamy and nutty to me, with predominant almonds and a touch of pepper.  Underneath the creamy nuttiness was a base of woody tones.  As the cigar progresses, that initial pepperiness dies down until about halfway, where it completely disappears.   The middle and end of the cigar focus on cream and some kind of sweetness, maybe caramel (but quite distinct from the PLPC caramel flavor), that I can't quite put my finger on but it's really damn good.  The last half of the cigar is quite consistent without any further development in flavor.  Overall, the HdM DC is a solid 9/10 for me, perhaps only overshadowed by the Punch DC in its weight class.

Just one photo below as I got distracted by my friends and forgot to take more, but I think this initial shot really captures the spirit of this month going forward.  Happy holidays everyone! ?

[alloy]

Thanks for the review. I have never tried one and look forward to tasting the one in my Christmas sampler.

[Markspring1978]

Nice job on a good review of a classic DC. 

“Spicy poo”. Nice. 

[Chucko8]

Nice review. Thanks for the Xmas poo!!?

[DeskSmkr]

Beautiful picture, thanks for sharing.  Happy holidays:)

[mt1]

Thanks guys, hope you'll all enjoy yours soon!  I mean, let's be real, "barnyard" means poo, right?  Am I right guys?  Guys?

[leafdream54]

9 hours ago, mt1 said:

Thanks guys, hope you'll all enjoy yours soon!  I mean, let's be real, "barnyard" means poo, right?  Am I right guys?  Guys?

Everyone has their own name for it ?

 For me the more barnyard the better!

[99call]

Nice review, and lovely pic