Review of SmokeMonley's #1
This was even bigger than the #3, a dark torpedo measuring 6 ½” x 54. It had an oily dark chocolate brown maduro wrapper with fillers that were dark and medium brown. There were several small veins visible and two longer ones that extended the length of the cigar. The cigar yielded slightly when pinched but was solid, especially near the head. It smelled of sweet tea and some barnyard. The pre-light draw had a slight resistance and tasted like sweet tea and raisins. Paired with iced water.
After lighting the cigar and taking a few short quick puffs, my initial reaction was: this is a unique cigar, something I’ve never had before in the 6 years I’ve smoked cigars, in a dubious sense. It seemed like it was infused or dipped or treated with flavor enhancements, but in a hard to describe way. The closest description I could think of was a blend of candle wax, vinyl and bitters. After a few more puffs and a feeling of revulsion mixed with insatiable curiosity, I tried to put into words the cacophony of flavors and sensations the smoke produced in my mouth and nasal passages. There was charred wood, salty buttered popcorn, mild pepper and some odd tasting spice that competed with the candle wax, vinyl and bitters. The flavors were not harmonious, but tasted like an orchestra warming up and testing its instruments loudly. At the ½ inch point, the vinyl taste became a background flavor while a sour dough taste arrived for a few puffs. Candle wax, wood, and mild pepper led the way to the second third.
As I smoked the first third, I noticed the aroma. Smoke poured off the cigar, even while at rest for more than a minute and despite the windy conditions. This is the first cigar whose aroma reminded me of food: old buttered popcorn and weird fried food. The smoke smelled like greasy fast food…hot deep fryer oil that has been used for a variety of stuff. It reminded me of the smell of the fried food court at the county fair.
Reluctantly, I continued on and smiled when some familiar sweet tobacco tastes appeared. I noticed a tartness in my mouth after exhaling. The middle phase of the cigar was dominated by candle wax, wood sweet tobacco and sourdough bread. Near the end of the second third, the tobacco taste got stronger but not sweeter. Some mint notes appeared on the finish in the mouth and nose.
The cigar became more like a traditional cigar in the final third. The candle wax taste faded into the background, where it was apparent but not a major player. The main tastes were sweet strong tobacco, light wood, a little mint and some bread, but not sour dough. Nearing the end, I noticed some leather, cream and light wood. The cigar needed a touch up with about 2 inches left, and that brought back the candle wax taste for the rest of the cigar, which I nubbed to 1 inch. Total smoking time: 1:45.
I suspected that the wrapper may have been treated with a flavored oil, so I moistened a fingertip and rubbed it on the cigar. The water beaded and did not get absorbed. The copious amount of smoke at rest was another indication. Few cigars churn off this volume of smoke while sitting in the ashtray. The cigar’s wrapper did have an oily sheen.
The ash was a flaky, light gray that flowered before dropping, after less than an inch. The draw was favorable, just a little resistance. The cigar put out a lot of smoke. The burn was wavy, but only needed a touch up near the end. I liked the last 3rd of the cigar, but the first 2/3 were unsettling, not relaxing, due to the unique qualities of the cigar. The last cigar I had that produced the candle wax flavor was a Liga Privada Undercrown that I smoked in 2012. I don’t remember much about its flavors, but that unique taste was not my cup of tea, so I haven’t had one since. Don’t think LP does torpedoes…this may have been the yard gar, but don’t ride your mower smoking one. I felt like this cigar surprised me with its uniqueness, and may give it another go if it comes in smaller vitolas, just to see if I can pinpoint the flavors better.
