Montecristo Joyitas Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by Joe Gellman

This is a nice, short smoke. The cigar measures 26 x 5 7/8 and is well made. It is firm to the touch, has a slight sheen to the wrapper which is a little deeper shade of Colorado than the rest of the line. The cigar is classified as a cigarrito but I feel it is more properly referred to as a Laguito #3 since I consider a cigarrito a mini, although the Mavens say this is not a true "cigar". The samples I tastes were supposedly made at the Briones Montoto factory in November, 1996. My reference books show this vitola being made in the Heroes de Moncasa, Jose Marti factories in Havana, the Sancti Spiritus factory in Sancti Spiritus and the Villa Santa Clara factory in Santa Clara. This is confusing to me, but does not alter my tasting notes.

This is a light cigar, without depth, a bit herbaceous and fruity. It has a dusty aroma which tends to be a little green (matching the herbaceous taste). The cigar is not firm, yet not soft.

It lights quickly and burns evenly, leaving a medium gray ash which, upon examination, is a little crunchy. The ash stays on the cigar for at least 1 1/8 inch and then tends to list downwards until its weight begs for a flick in the ashtray lest you dirty your shirt or tie (or your hairy chest, if this is the dress mode you smoke in). The cigar burns a little hot, but that is to be expected of this vitola. It can be a touch harsh if smoked too fast. I suspect this can be considered a slow short smoke, to be enjoyed over a quick cup of coffee or a double espresso.

There is not much in the way of a finish to the cigar and imparts only a little in the way of the Cuban leaf. At the very last, the cigar gets hot and harsh. Nothing is left on the pallette.

For the price and considering the alternatives, it is a decent cigar to have around for its intended purpose and for the proper time.