Hoyo de Monterrey La Escepcion 2009 Limited Edition Toro

This is a cigar that was new to the scene last year, and is an effort from General to punch up sales (pardon the pun). The cigar presents well with a dark brown wrapper that is oily, leathery and has very few veins. A survey of the cigar reveals that it is a bit soft and feels as though it may be over humidified. The pre light aroma is somewhat sour, but has some notes of earth. The pre light draw shows some pepper and rich tobacco flavors.

The cigar opens with a profile that shows some nice pepper, tobacco and earth. At the back of the palate there are some bitter notes that further lead me to believe that the cigar may be over humidified. The burn is slow and produces lots of thick smoke. The draw is a bit tight, but the labor is not untoward.

The first half of the cigar settles down to show notes of wood, tobacco and earth. At the back of the palate there are still some issues with bitterness and a metallic undertone hurts the impression. The burn has deteriorated and a run has developed that I can't avoid relighting. The draw opens slightly, but is still too tight for my liking.

The final half of the cigar shows charred notes of wood and tobacco. The back of the palate impression has not improved and I am disappointed by this cigar. The burn continues to perform poorly and another runner forms. The draw is still too tight.

The finish is acrid, short and leaves a nasty impression.

Appearance- No score due to condition
Taste- No score due to condition
Construction- No score due to condition
Strength- No score due to condition
Overall- I will review this again at another date

La Escepcion 2009

This is an extension of the Hoyo De Monterrey line for 2009, it will only be available for a limited time. The cigar presents with a dark natural wrapper that is nearly a maduro in color. The pre light aroma is earthy and has a tone of light wood. The pre light draw is of tobacco and earth. An examination of the cigar leads me to conclude that it is well made.

The cigar opens with a profile of tobacco and earth, there is a slightly bitter note at the back of the palate that is off putting. The burn is developing well and the cigar produces ample smoke through a fine draw. The first third of the cigar progresses in the same fashion.

After the first third, but before the halfway point, there is a profile change. The core develops a nice solid leathery note with hints of tobacco and earth at the back of the palate and through the nose. There is still a bitter note present that is trying to be peppery, but it is coming up short. The construction, draw and burn all hold together well.

The final half maintains a core of leathery, earthy notes. There are hints of tobacco in the background, but the bitter note persists through to the end.

The finish is acceptable and smacks of tobacco and leather.

Appearance- 91 an attractive cigar
Taste- 83 bitter notes detract from the profile. More depth and complexity would definitely be a plus
Construction- 93 excellent draw and burn
Strength- 85 a sold medium/full presentation, but it does not compliment the profile well
Overall- 88 an acceptable smoke, but the taste (some would argue the most important component) is lacking