Review Notes: A good friend allowed me to retrieve this from his expansive humidor. I never had a Hoyo de Monterrey cigar before, though I had heard plenty about them. This specimen looked a little dry and had been in his humidor for several months. No spongy construction here. The stick was firm and burned very evenly with a nice black/white ash. I noticed a peppery taste initially that calmed down after the first half inch was smoked. Lots of burnt wood notes with a strong aftertaste. A medium strength stick that stays with you long after you enjoy it. The cigar was never harsh, hinting that age had tamed the beast within. I'm now afraid of the regular HDM line knowing this is the milder brother. I'm not sure my palate is ready for the assault.