Monte Pascoal Robusto

As I think of cigar milestones in my life, I remember times such as my first “premium” cigar on my 18th birthday, my first humidor on my 22nd birthday, and stumbling across DogWatch Cigar Radio in 2009 while at work. You may ask “why would you consider DogWatch Cigar Radio a milestone?”.  It was through this radio show / podcast that I began to appreciate cigars at a whole new level and understand the brotherhood that existed within the community of cigar smokers. I faithfully listened to the weekly show until its last episode at the end of 2012.  It was through Bob and Dale, the hosts of DogWatch, that I was introduced to the cigar I will be reviewing today, the Monte Pascoal.

Monte Pascoal is a Brazilian puro produced by Tobacos Mata Fina Ltda. At this time, Monte Pascoal is available in six vitolas:  Minutos (4 ⅜ by 42), Corona (5 ⅝ by 42), Petit Robusto (4 by 50), Robusto  (5 ⅞ by 50) , Belicoso (5 ½ by 52), and Double Corona (7 ⅝ by 49).  By using different portions of the tobaccos, each vitola has been blended to provide a “unique” experience. Back in 2011, Daniel reviewed the corona size of the Monte Pascoal. His review can be found here.

The Facts

Price: Around $6.00
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 4 ⅞ by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina and Mata Norte
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

Pre-light

The Monte Pascoal has a gorgeous, ugly wrapper.  I instantly think of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper when I look at this stick. Not because of the color but its rugged look. The medium brown Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper has a reddish hue, along with a fine tooth but little to no oils. The wrapper is extremely bumpy and there are some medium sized veins.

Dry cedar notes come off the wrapper, with just a slight sweetness. The foot aroma is similar to the wrapper but with an added layer of pepper and rich tobacco. A shallow cut into the cap reveals an easy draw with some resistance. The cold draw has a clove richness to it and there is a slight spice tingle on my lips.

First Third

The flavor profile consists of leather, earth, and dry cedar. The mouth feel and finish of the smoke reminds me of the flavor and feel after you chew Dubble Bubble Gum for too long and most of the flavor is gone. While the connection may be strange, this is not the first cigar I have come across this in.  The retrohale delivers black pepper and a sting that runs from the back of the throat through the nasal passage. The thin burn line, which started off with a wave for the first half inch, is just about perfect. The grey, toothy ash held to an inch. The flavors at the close of the first third are at the low side of medium and there is no perceivable strength at this point.

Middle Third

The intensity of the flavors are really picking up. A dirt-like, earth note is at the forefront, as the leather and cedar have taken a lesser role in the profile. The finish remains a bit dry with deep earth notes and coffee bean. The burn became a little edgy, but quickly corrected itself. While the ash is not the prettiest ash, I love how the fine tooth of wrapper can be seen in it as it burns down. The draw has become effortless and each draw produces a satisfying amount of smoke.

Final Third

The smoke remains cool as I enter the last third after forty minutes of smoke time. The cedar, woodsy flavor has once again peeked through, and the deep earth still remains. Even though the smoke leaves my mouth a tad dry, my palate restores itself  quickly after each puff. There remains a slight spice tingle on my lips, which I have been feeling since the draw check.  As I begin removing the band, I notice some glue made its way onto the wrapper during application. My initial concern was tearing the wrapper, but by taking my time, I was able to remove the band with no tears.  At the close of the Monte Pascoal, the flavors crept up but are still in the medium range and I am feeling no nicotine.

Wrap-up

The Monte Pascoal Robusto delivered three core flavors throughout the entirety of the stick: earth, cedar, and leather. While the intensities of the flavors shifted around, I would not consider this a complex cigar. But does that make it a bad cigar? Not at all.  The flavors were enjoyable and the performance was excellent with great construction and burn. I tend to enjoy cigars that offer a little more sweetness, but that it is only a personal preference. I believe all levels of cigar smokers, from novice to veteran, will enjoy this stick.