Don Melo Centenario Review

[rjs]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-01-01 AT 077 PM (CST)[/font][p]Cigar: Don Melo Centenario (Pyramid)
Overall smoking experience = A-

Who is Don Melo? And if that’s his face on the band, he must be feeling pretty good about himself and his cigars. I first heard of Don Melo reading the CA reviews on Pyramids (or was it torpedoes?) But what about that price? Over $10 each. Does Mr. Melo think he’s Graycliff or something? Anyway, while in Chicago, I visited Cigar King (another story) and picked up a Pyramid to try.

A very nice looking cigar that appears to be well made from the outside. The wrapper is free of veins and a medium tan with a light sheen to it. A nice looing, if unassuming, wrapper. I think the overall appearance is helped by the band. There is something about that large, imposing band with the picture (Mr. Melo’s?) on it that sets this stogie apart from the others.

The cigar is supple to the touch and the “torpedo cap” is finished nicely. Once cut, the draw was nearly perfect, with a light tobacco pre-light taste. So far, so good. The cigar burned slightly uneven, but not enough to be worrysome. The ash was a firm white/grey color. This cigar is well made.

The light was easy. The aroma was pleasant and smooth, but one I wasn’t familiar with. Hmmmm, something new!

This cigar was never overpowering. I would call it mild to medium bodied as far as strength is concerned. The flavor was subtle, light and very clean. I could not help comparing this smoke to the Graycliff Pirate. Looking at the band, I noticed it was from Honduras. This didn’t taste like any other Honduran cigar I ever smoked. Must be some sort of blend, just made in Honduras, I thought to myself.

About half way through Mr. Melo, the flavor started to build strength, but still very clean and smooth. The smoke ended with pleasant, medium bodied complex flavors that I found difficult to describe. I smoked it to the band.

The only cigars that I have smoked with that “clean”, “airy” taste are ones that begin as very good quality cigars and age well. I don’t know what blend, if any, Mr. Melo uses or if his tobacco is aged. But I like the result. A very well made, pleasant smoke, just a little pricey. I would definitely smoke another and hope it is as good or better than the one I tried. I found this to be a light refreshing smoke, a tribute to the maker and Mr. Melo. Personally, I prefer a stronger taste, but I had to acknowledge the quality and unique flavor of this cigar. I give this smoke an A-.

My biggest surpeise? This cigar is a product of Felipe Gregorio. I have never been particularly impressed with his products, but I'm willing to change my mind.

... rjs

[big_bish]

Very nice review. I'd drooling just thinking about it.

Personally I've never seen or heard of this brand. Now I'll keep my eyes open.

big_bish

[Pablo]

Hi rjs,

I have a couple of these in my humidor, which I bought on a whim ata local tobacconist. I'll fire one up this weekend and let you know what I experienced. I do admit they are a great looking cigar...from a "humidor candy" perspective.

-Paul

[rjs]

pds,

I checked out Felipe Gregorio's web site and foud out that Don Melos are named for the founder fo the Honduran cigar industry. These are limited edition cigars of only 1000 boxes or each shape.

I've only had a couple, but liked them a lot in the same way I like the Graycliff. This is not a "knock you down" smoke, but a very pleasurable smoke IMO.

Enjoy!

... rjs

[Pablo]

I like the Graycliff's, and have a box of Pirate's in the humidor. If the Don Melo's perform as well, I'll be a happy man!

-Paul