Monte Pascoal Robusto
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
