- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
It is time for another ‘forbidden fruit.’ This week we are photographing and reviewing Hoyo de Monterrey Edicion Limitada 2003. Looking across HdM, this was the first and is one of the figurado shaped Edicion Limitadas.
From cubancigarwebsite
2000 – Edición Limitada – Grand Corona 47 x 235 (9.3″)
2003 – Edición Limitada – Pyramid 52 x 156 (6.1″)
2004 – Edición Limitada – Robusto Extra 50 x 141 (5.6″)
2007 – Edición Limitada – Corona Extra 46 x 137 (5.4″)
2011 – Edición Limitada – Petit Pyramid 46 x 135 (5.3″)
Visually, one is introduced to a relatively dark, aged for 2 years, oily wrapper with a lot of visible veins and seams. After clipping it, excellent draw. Considering inconsistency and construction problems, good draw in a cuban cigar puts a smile on my face. Great start ! Pleasing flavors right out of the gate. Enjoyable chocolate morphed into an espresso like taste. In addition, I was able to extract a bit of cinnamon, woodiness, and hints of sweetness on the lips. To balance it, there was a hint of spice / pepper, especially toward the end. Along with a great draw and a bit unexpected, thick, rich smoke that made photography session that much more enjoable. The burn line was a bit wavy at first but then corrected itself and progressed exceptionally well. The ash, as depicted below, was simply superb.
I absolutely enjoyed Hoyo de Monterrey Edicion Limitada 2003. Considering sweet chocolaty flavors, this cigar reminded me of Cohiba Genios and its maduro characteristics. I had couple samples of HdM EL ’03 couple years ago and recall similar experience. After reading latest reviews on this specimen, I was expecting a lot less flavors and strength. Although I agree with the latter, I believe that this pyramid is still packing quite a bit of flavor. If you can find singles or a box, I strongly recommend it.
Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Length: 6.1″
Ring: 52
Construction > Good
Burn > Great
Enjoy > Absolutely
Recommend > Absolutely
Buy > Absolutely
- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
#1 by TADD on December 21, 2011 - 8:05 am
If a picture is worth a thousand words…. why can I only think if yum…..Sounds like a super tasty smoke. I must say that I would hope something like this has aged well, and has a great construction. It sounds like these have lived up to that promise. Enjoy each and evey one Jay!
#2 by admin on December 21, 2011 - 4:37 pm
Thanks, Tadd !
I was afraid that this specimen will loose its flavor but it didn’t, thankfully !
#3 by czerbe on December 21, 2011 - 10:36 am
Jay once again Great Job buddy, these look like tasty treats, do you find that the Cubans that your trying are holding up to the upper level sticks that are out there today (Tats, Viajes, Ill) I have heard they can be hit or miss any more coming out of the Island. Hope all is well Merry Christmas
#4 by admin on December 21, 2011 - 4:41 pm
Corey,
I would prefer not to compare NCs to CCs and vice-versa. It is very subjective. You ask a hard-core CC smoker and they swear by cuban selection. Same goes for NCs and their smokers. I think there is still some inconsistency with CCs, at least based on what I have tried. If you get a good flavor / construction out of a CC, trust me, it is one delicious cigar. Not sure if I answered your question but the bottom line, I enjoy NCs (like Tats, Viaje, Illusione) as well as CCs. A perfect example of the latter would be this week’s review Hoyo de Monterrey EL 2003. Fabulous smoke … FULL STOP !
#5 by Tim on December 21, 2011 - 4:32 pm
Excellent review and fantastic photo’s as usual! So .. got any more of these laying around? ;)
#6 by admin on December 21, 2011 - 4:42 pm
Tim,
Thanks, bud ! Glad you stopped by. I actually added http://www.stogiegeeks.com to my BLOG ROLL as well ;) Yes, I have couple left.
#7 by Dalamscius on January 4, 2012 - 9:21 am
Tasty looking cigars you got there! lol
I haven’t grabbed to many EL Cubans but the ones I have had have been darn tasty. And aged from 2003? Nicely done brother! haha. I don’t think I would have had the patience to wait that long!
#8 by admin on January 4, 2012 - 9:26 am
Daniel,
This was indeed an excellent cigar. I wish I had more ! I added a 5er to my humidor on 07JAN2011, not in 2003 :) I agree with you. I can be patient but not that patient !!!
#9 by Keith on January 5, 2012 - 7:10 pm
Great review Jay, another well told story. Wish I could get a few, but damn that that stupid embargo. Good job on the pictures and review.