Hoyo De Monterrey Governors candela Review

[d_day]

These arrived today:



So, I went down to the local B&M and gave a couple to the owner before I fired one up in his lounge. Before I get in to the review, Here's some background information. I've always loved candela cigars. My grandfather smoked green AyC Grenadiers by the box. He passed on when I was only 7, but I never forgot his cigars. When I first started smoking, that's what I went with. Sure, they're short filler, machine made sticks, but I liked 'em. I smoked a few other cheapies here and there, but pretty much stuck with the AyCs. Some time in the early 90s, I started trying long filler hand made cigars. I tried quite a few maduros and EMS cigars along side many candelas. 95% of the maduros I tried tasted horrible to me. about 75% of the EMS smokes I tried tasted just as bad. Every candela I ever tried was wonderful. Most other smokes were just bitter and unpleasant to me. I could never figure out why. I never liked coffee, tea, liver, brussel sprouts, or many other vegetables either. One day, my doctor suggested I may be a supertaster and suddenly it all made sense. Candelas are normally mild, and so I was able to pick out the more subtle flavor from them instead of being overpowered by the flavor of a maduro or natural.

On to the review. Aside from the Hoyo De Tradicion, I've never smoked a Hoyo De Monterrey that I thought was even remotely good. Naturally, I was a bit skeptical about their candelas. Unfortunately, I couldn't find singles or even a fiver anywhere, so I had to spring for a whole box. That's quite a gamble to take when you've never smoked a single one before.

I pulled off the celophane and took a good look at it. It was a much darker green than what I've seen on a candela before. It appeared to be constructed well, as Hoyos always do. I clipped off the cap, and tested the draw. It had a decent enough draw, but was a touch tighter than I like. It was plenty good enough to smoke though. So, I fired it up.

Almost instantly it started to run up one side. It burned unevenly and required a couple of adjusments over the first third of the cigar. The ash was light and flaky and just got all over everything. I suspect this was caused by a veiny piece of tobacco just under the binder, and is unusual. After the first third of the cigar the burn evened out nicely and the ash seemed to firm up and stay put.

The flavor was nonexistant over the first quarter inch or so, but the first quarter inch of everything I smoke seems to be inconsistent with what follows. After the first quarter inch, the flavor started to pick up a bit. It tasted very similar to an A. Fuente Seleccion Privada candela at first; a touch grassy with the slightest hint of black pepper. The pepper may have come from the uneven burn, since it disappeared after the first third of the smoke. After the first third, the subtle grassy taste seemed to turn into this luxurious, rich and creamy smoke with just the slightest touch of sweetness. This is by far the best tasting candela I have ever smoked.

The Fuente candelas will always be my old stand by, but this is my new number one. I'm certainly glad to have bought an entire box, and at about $3 a stick, I'll probably buy every one I can find.

[madurolover]

Nice review. I am not much of a candela fan but they do have their place in the cigar world. At one time they were the prefered cigar among American smokers.

[d_day]

Quick update: I've smoked a half dozen or so now, and only the first one had the problems with the burn. I'm very happy with these so far.

[PaleRider]

Thanks so much for the review. I'm not and have never been a candella man myself. However, I may just try one in your honor next time I'm at the 'ole B&M, which, as luck would have it, will be tomorrow!

[d_day]

Originally Posted by PaleRider

Thanks so much for the review. I'm not and have never been a candella man myself. However, I may just try one in your honor next time I'm at the 'ole B&M, which, as luck would have it, will be tomorrow!

There aren't many of us left, that's for sure. But, if you're B&M has them, then someone out there must be doing it. Out of the dozen or so B&Ms I pop in to from time to time, only 2 have candelas on a regular basis. Of those, one keeps them in just for me, otherwise, he wouldn't carry them.

If you do pick one up tomorrow, I hope you enjoy it thoroughly. If not, well then more for me.

[tx_tuff]

Thanks to d_day I smoked this same cigar. My review was a little different, for one the cigar burned perfect, and the pepper spice and green flavor didn't hit me to later. This was my first Candela and I must say it was a great cigar that I really enjoyed!