Stogie Reviews: Alonso Menendez Robusto
Tuesday, October 24th, 2006The Alonso Menendez is not your average cigar. It is a Brazilian puro made from the highly aromatic Mata Fina tobacco (unlike the Honduran-made CAO Brazilia, which employs a Brazilian wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler).
While Stogie Guys readers may be familiar with Alonso Menendez, it is unlikely many American cigar smokers have heard of the cigar, which is from a lesser-known line by the Menendez Amerino Company that also makes the still relatively unknown Dona Flor line. The cigars are top sellers in Brazil, but are only now making their way into the American market.
This thick robusto (five inches by 52 ring gauge) has a dark brown wrapper that is considerably looser than most premium cigars. But the attention to detail in the construction – such as the Cuban-style triple cap – suggests this characteristic is not a oversight, but a conscious choice.
Pre-light this cigar gives off a rich aroma with sweet chocolate notes. It lights easily and the smooth, easy draw becomes immediately apparent. The smoke is not at all hot or harsh despite the quick burn. Coffee and milk chocolate notes abound, but as the cigar progresses a slight peppery spice develops. Hints of clove were noticed when smoked through the nose.
The stogie is very balanced on the palate and falls somewhere between a medium and full bodied cigar. It has a sturdy white ash, although the burn was bit uneven – a problem that developed in multiple cigars. Thankfully, this flaw was never a problem that interfered with the cigar’s complex, rich flavors.
Overall, this robusto had a strong showing. It won’t be everyone’s favorite, but it is well worth trying to see if a Brazilian puro is just what you’ve been looking for…That is, if you can find it! (You may have to ask your local store to help you locate the cigar.)
Rich balanced tastes and a unique flavor profile earn the Alonso Menendez Robusto an impressive four out of five stogies.
Note: The cigar pictured has a classic white band. We like the look, but we’ve been told that it will be changing. You may find this cigar as “Alonso Menendez by Dona Flor” with a gold Dona Flor band. Fortunately, the cigar itself will remain the same.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]
Any idea why they are changing the band?
It’s my understanding Brazil Cigars wants to distinguish this band from other white bands, such as Davidoff.
I’ve never heard of this line (or this company) before, but I’m going to have to look into it now. Thanks for the review.
What does one of these babies retail for?
Expect to pay in the $5-7 range (plus tax) for this stick.
StogieGuy readers desiring a sample ALONSO MENENDEZ cigar, please e-mail:
parneson@cigarsofbrazil.com
Please include your name, mailing address, age, and name of your favorite local tobacconist. Our only request is that if you LIKE IT, please ask that tobacconist to also send me an e-mail for information on becoming one of our retailers.
For more information about this Free Cigar Offer see our Friday Sampler
This cigar rocks! A friend brought me a stick from last year’s NYC Big Smoke. I have been hunting it ever since I smoked it.
[...] 1) We want to point out a generous offer made in the comments section of Tuesday’s review of the Alonso Menendez Robusto. Paul Arneson, the Mid-Atlantic rep for Brazil Cigars, is offering StogieGuys.com readers a free Alonso Menendez! As long as you live in the Mid-Atlantic region (DC, MD, VA, DE, PA, or WV), you can email Paul for a free stick. What’s the catch? Paul simply asks that, if you like it, please ask your local cigar shop to carry the line. Sounds reasonable to us! Click here for details and Paul’s email address. [...]
[...] Alonso Menendez Robusto [...]
[...] While it is true that in the beginning, noticing more complex flavors is difficult, but its far from true that the flavors aren’t there. I would challenge the author to try a Carlos Toraño Exodus Gold or an Alonso Menendez and say that there aren’t chocolate flavors in cigar. [...]
[...] Which brings me to an important point: Contrary to a common misconception, CAO Brazilias are not puros. If you’re looking for the 100 percent Brazilian tobacco experience, I’d suggest trying a Dona Flor or an Alonso Menendez. [...]
[...] Not unlike the Château Grand Cru, the five and ¼ inch by 50 ring gauge PG has a striking appearance. With a metallic sheen of blue and gold, the band easily catches the eye, and its style conjures memories of Merlyn the Magician from The Sword in the Stone. The oily, rustic wrapper is appealingly similar to an Alonso Menendez. [...]
Along with the Garcia brothers, Cuban born Alonso Menendez was the founding force behind the Monte Cristo. This namesake cigar is my standard and I put the maduro robusto in the category of Partagas SP #2, but at a third the cost.
A great Cigar with great taste.