Coming to a local cigar shop near you is the new Signature line from H. Upmann. Make sure to pick a few up because they’re a real treat.

Created by master blender Jesus Piñeda Henríquez and made at the Flor de Copán factory, these are the very first Upmanns to be produced in Honduras and are billed as a new and unique twist on the famed brand.

The first thing that strikes me about the Monarca, a seven inch by 54 ring gauge vitola that retails for $7.50, is that it’s simply huge. My picture – which showcases the cigar’s seamless, russet-colored wrapper – just doesn’t do this stogie’s massive size justice. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s big.

After toasting the foot with a wooden match and drawing a few start-up puffs, the Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Peruvian filler tobaccos mingled with the Connecticut Shade wrapper to create a mouth-watering creamy almond and butter taste. Despite the slightest traces of spice, the stogie maintained this mild flavor for what seemed like ages.

Even though I relished this easygoing aroma, I kept anticipating the spice to kick in and the true colors of the cigar to shine through. It finally got to the point where I thought that would never happen.

Then, at the halfway mark (which is a full 60 minutes into the smoke), I began to see why the cigar is advertised as “medium bodied.” A distinctive black licorice spice entered the equation that mixed with the creamy flavors to produce a wonderfully balanced taste. Good things come to those who wait.

This is what I was hoping for all along. And, in retrospect, I’m glad the blender chose to ease the flavor in over a long period of time instead of throwing it all out there from the get-go. It makes the smoker fully appreciate the complete taste once it arrives.

Aside from an unstable ash that prematurely falls off the foot at will, the Monarca’s construction is also admirable. Expect a razor-sharp burn and a smooth draw.

Overall, this is a memorable journey from mild to flavorful that does not disappoint. Just make sure you have the time and attention this cigar deserves.

Since I’m enthusiastically looking forward to my next H. Upmann Signature Monarca, I give this expertly crafted gem four and ½ out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

-Patrick A