Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra 25-Dec-2011

Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra - 25-Dec-2011

Origin:  Cuba

Format:  Cremas

Size:  40 x 140

Initial impressions:  Medium firm draw, aromas at cold a peppery, honey and grassy character.

Opening:  This is a good little morning cigar.  Granted, its 3pm, but after last night’s Christmas Eve party, this feels a lot like morning.  Good draw, nice volume of smoke.  Flavors are mild but interesting.  Peppery still with a log of hay.  Very creamy.

First third:  Creaminess is defining itself a bit more.  Still the peppery characteristic.  A bit of a woody flavor but all together very inviting.

Second third:  Very complex for such a small cigar.  Cedar, woody, creamy and spicy flavors continue.  Burn is perfect and draw has been just south of firm throughout.

Final third:  Despite setting the cigar down to help customers, I haven’t had to relight of touch up this cigar once.  The burn has been even and spot on.  Creamy spice flavors are dominating now and the cigar is right at medium bodied.

Final thoughts:  I think this is a very underrated cigar.  Definitely a good first cigar of the day or anytime of the day.