Montecristo Joyitas -- AEP Nov 06

[Van55]

A few years back a vendor was offering Monte Joyitas from 1992, and I jumped at it. These little cigars with that much age on them were simply amazing, and I went through them like after-dinner mints. When the box was gone, I replaced it with the box from which this was my first sample.

Pre-light: These are about the size of 100 mm cigarettes. The construction was excellent for such a small cigar. Firm. Nice cap. Light brown. The aroma was excelent. There were some veins and the draw seemed alarmingly tight on first impression. Made a mental reminder to myself that cigars of this vitola must be smoked gently and slowly.

First 1/3: On first lighting I got nice, significantly mild flavors with no distinct tingle through the nose. The volume of smoke was minimal due, in part, to the tightish draw I suspect. I paired the cigar with KWAK Belgian Ale whose taste overwhelmed the smoke flavors. I remember th e 1992 models as being dark and intense, whereas this is lighter and sweeter. I smoked so slowly that I had to re-light after about 1/2 inch. On relight it picked up a bit of punchiness, but still did not stand up well to the ale.

Second 1/3: Wow. Some cocoa flavors emerged and the cigar picked up some intensity. Now it held its own.

Final 1/3: Intensity, flavor and smoke volume were all there in spades at this point. There were distinct coffee and chocolate overtones. This tiny cigar built to a wonderful climax. I made it last 50 minutes.

Conclusion: For those with patience and a craving for a tny blast of Monte flavors, this is a solid four smoke ring Laguito #3.

[El Presidente]

Great review Van

Another I enjoy (and probably prefer) is aged Hoyo De Monterrey Le Hoyou du Maire.

There is so much to love about these small gems.