In the midst of the delightful wedding day dinner, I became painstakingly aware that I was without cigar and that it was 6:30pm…

Knowing the only cigar shop nearby that would still be open was James J. Fox on St James Street - which closes at 7pm on Saturdays - I did what any true cigar lover would do…

I polished off my steak, excused myself from the table, and made a run for it.

Arriving at the storefront at a prompt 6:48pm, I gathered three Cubans and departed as swiftly as I arrived.

Returning to the venue, I felt content, I was strapped to the brim with crafted excellence in my tux pocket and returned to my seat just in time for dessert. The world was right once more…

After dinner, the attendees headed downstairs to hit the dance floor - after a number of dances, further speeches and units had made their way into history, I ushered the groom and my cousin away from the limelight and into the fresh air.

I confess… I was an uncharacteristic number of drinks down by the time the cigar was lit, making my experience of the Petit Robusto somewhat hazy.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed it incredibly so. A great draw, a quality cigar, mild on the tastebuds; nothing sharp, nothing bitter. Hints of cedar consumed through a generous, rather surprising amount of smoke for the size of the cigar.

The cream of the smoke thickened as the burn made its way down, simply excellent.

Having been founded in 1885, one would expect nothing less from Hoyo De Monterrey; only a brand of serious quality can endure well over a century and remain at the forefront of the scene.

My co-smokers, could not quite hack the entirety of their cigars, nevertheless appreciated that which they savoured.

My cousin - a smoker of cigarettes - was taken aback by the intensity of nicotine that flooded his system without having to inhale the smoke. A whole new world indeed.

The grooms review “it’s nice”… I concur.

My review: a quality cigar if you’re looking for a sub 30 minute smoke that is light on the body and welcoming to the mind, there is no overpowering essence in the cigar. I would liken it to a warm friend with a gentle handshake, who always has a brilliant anecdote up his sleeve. A pleasure and a privilege that is both uplifting and grounding; an experience that allows time to feel real.

Hoyo De Monterrey is a brand I shall certainly be investigating further, they now have my attention.

With that, there was nothing more to do than store this new memory into the database of my life and finish the night off strong.

Yours truly,

The Cigar Lover

Cigar Letters
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