Archive for the ‘mata_fina’ Category

Dona Flor Alonso Menendez Series

Sunday, February 12th, 2012

DSC07574

After a lengthy period of slacking, Ed and I are back at Stogie Review, where it all started in January 2008. Our first review was a Dona Flor cigar, and rightfully so. They offer something to the beginner and seasoned smoker. I was reminded of this while making this review. The subtle beginning leaves you unprepared for a flavor profile that explodes into rich sweetness and spice.

Soon Ed and I will be paying a visit to Mike from MikesStogies.com and Stogie411.com. We have done a few joint cigar reviews with Mike before, and they are always a good time. Keep an eye out for that one. In the mean time, take 24 minutes out of your day and join Ed and I as we review the Dona Flor Alonso Menendez Series.

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Monte Pascoal Corona

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Earlier this year I reviewed the Robusto size of this cigar. The blends are the same, but it is said that each size provides a different smoking experience. These cigars are Brazilian puros. You don’t run across that very often. When Wesley from Tabacos Mata Fina USA asked if I’d like to try the Monte Pascoal Corona I jumped at the chance.

I’ve been a fan of Dona Flor, another Brazilian puro, for years. I wonder what ever happened to them anyway. Anyone out there know? They literally just went quiet and dropped off of the face of the earth.

Anyway… I was sent a five pack and smoked a few before doing this review.

 

Wrapper: Brazil Mata Fina

Binder: Brazil Mata Fina

Filler: Brazil Mata Fina and Mata Norte

Size: 5 5/8 x 42

Price: Around $6.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

It is common for these wrappers to look very rugged, yet they look velvety at the same time. This was no exception. The odor from the wrapper was a smooth, sweet earthiness. The foot was basically the same. The cigar was pretty evenly packed, and had a slight give when pinched. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, and there was a smooth sweet earthiness with notes of cedar.

The ash held for about an inch, and the burn required no corrections.

1 Monte_Pascoal_Carona cigars

Flavor:

The first third was woody with wispy earthy notes. There was something else going on with the aftertaste, but my palate may be too crude to find something to compare it to. When passing smoke through the nose, I picked up an easy pepper and wood.

2 Monte_Pascoal_Carona cigars

The second third kept the same dominant woody flavor with earthy notes. What changed was the smoke feel became thicker and clung to the mouth and lips. The aftertaste hung around for awhile, and eventually developed a nice sweet note. Like before, the pepper didn’t go anywhere when passing smoke through the nose. Occasionally I got bitter sweetness, similar to what you’d find in dark chocolate (not the Hershy candy bar), if you know what I mean.

3 Monte_Pascoal_Carona cigars

The last third developed into a focused combination of wood, chocolate, and peppery spice. The smoke feel became creamier and sweeter. Basically the flavors blended together and became more focused.

4 Monte_Pascoal_Carona cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good, solid medium bodied cigar. I can’t recall if the other 3 I smoked were this rich. I only recall getting that from the large ring gauges. No matter, this cigar hit the spot. As always, I have to point out any negative aspects, and that would be the price. I’d hope to pay a little less for a corona size, but these Brazilian puro’s tend to cost a little more. Since my old favorite Dona Flor went MIA, these would easily satisfy a craving for Brazilian tobacco. Although the flavors are common, something about tobacco from this region is unique. I can’t quite explain it. Monte Pascoal is definitely worth checking out.

Monte Pascoal Robusto

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Wesley from Tabacos Mata Fina USA, LLC contacted me asking if I would like to review the Monte Pascoal. I’ve been a fan of Brazilian puro’s for years now, and gladly accepted his offer. They claim the different sizes of the Monte Pascoal offer a different smoking experience. Of all the sizes, I prefer the this one. That’s just a personal preference. The flavors just felt thinner in the smaller sizes. I let the cigars rest in the humidor for awhile, and finally got to smoking. I paired with water, and here’s my review.

 

Wrapper: Brazil Mata Fina

Binder: Brazil Mata Fina

Filler: Brazil Mata Fina & Mata Norte

Size: Robusto 4 7/8 x 50

Price: $6.79

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

I’ve noticed that most cigars with a Mata Fina are a little tooth and rugged yet velvety looking. This was no exception. There were no real flaws, and a few small to medium veins. The wrapper and foot had a mild, sweet barnyardish odor. The cigar was solidly and evenly packed, with only a slight sponginess when squeezed. The pre-light draw had some resistance, but fell within tolerance. The flavor of the pre-light draw was sweet and almost cocoa.

The burn got a little wavy but I never had to correct it. The ash held for almost two inches.

1_Monte Pascoal Robusto

Flavor:

The first third started off with a simple earthiness. After a little time passed, the earthy flavor filled out. It just tasted more fuller and satisfying. Through the nose, there was a nice peppery spice. Coffee joined in and rounded out the first third.

2_Monte Pascoal Robusto

The second third: The coffee seemed to dominate the flavor profile. The earthiness didn’t go away either. At times the earthiness would fade away, but for the most part it stayed. There were nutty flavors in there as well. The smoke became very thick and had a sweet creaminess. There was something else going on that I can’t describe. This happens often when I smoke a Brazilian puro. Tobacco from that region often has something unique that I can never put my finger on. The aftertaste lingered on the palate for awhile.

3_Monte Pascoal Robusto

The last third was basically the same as the second third. The only change was a sweet tingle on the lips. It wasn’t quite cinnamon, but I was similar.

4_Monte Pascoal Robusto

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium bodied cigar. It had that unique flavor that only tobacco from Brazil can offer. I usually find it when smoking something like the Dona Flor Selecao. This one was a little different as it didn’t have that candy bar chocolate I am used finding in Brazilian puros. In the end this was a good cigar, and I recommend it.

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