Reviewed by Joe Gellman
This is the smallest vitola in the Montecristo brand. It measures 4½" long with a 26 ring gauge (4½ x 26 for future reference).
While this short smoke has been described as lacking in flavour and bouquet, I defy anyone to smoke a few of these and tell me they are not worth the price. I usually smoke this cigar on the way home from the office (luckily I live a few minutes away from the office) or on a rare break in court (just enough time to run outside and light up for a delightful short smoke).
The day just began and I found myself up a tad before my wife. Not being allowed to smoke inside the home, I quickly grabbed a Joyita and went out to see where the newsboy threw the morning paper. Right at the front steps, damn! I lit the cigar and, as usual, it flamed to a bright, sweet, start. A hint of vanilla wafted around and the sure, solid taste of a Havana leaf grabbed me right away. By the time I walked around the house the cigar was history.
How and why would I bother to describe such a little smoke, an almost insignificant period to adjust to the flavour and aroma? Why not? This little gem was dark, oily, had a delightful sheen, and was rolled in the usual manner of the Montes. Both selections I enjoyed this day lit quickly and provided sufficient smoke for my enjoyment. Both (oh, did I forget to say that I had time for a second Joyita while coffee was being made?) had a telltale dark ash and on the second cigar I never got to flick the ash off, it hung on down to the band (which, due to aging and poor eyesight, I had to wear glasses to read).
The flavour did not linger, nor did the memory of the smoke beguile me from my next delight. The New Connoisseur's Guide to Havana Cigars book has a rather low opinion of this cigar. Perhaps the factory has added to the blend, perhaps my taste buds are shot. I agree that this cigar smokes hot, but, what the hell are you expecting from a 'quickie'?
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.
-139.png "Montecristo Joyitas Cigar - Box of 25")
-504.png "Montecristo Joyitas Cigar - 1 Single")
-64721.JPG "Conquistador Panatella Cigar - 1 Single")
