German based Arnold André began US distribution with United Cigars in 2022, however the company was founded in 1817. Arnold André is the largest machine-made cigar manufacturer in Germany and began its premium cigar production after purchasing a facility in the Dominican Republic in 2011. Though their premium cigar production has been well received all over Europe, this is Arnold André’s first release in the US.
According to the United Cigars website, “The protective embrace of the Cibao Valley Mountains and fertile soils lead to a beautiful rich plant. The Master Blender fulfilled his long-desired wish with the Montosa Maduro. Creating a blend based on remarkable components and at the same time delivering an easy and accessible cigar. Richly nuanced characteristics and harmonious balance without gravity, this is Montosa.“
Cigar Review: Montrosa Maduro
Wrapper: Mexican
Binder: Bahia Sumatra
Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Kentucky Fire Cured, Nicaragua
Length: 5 7/8″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Toro
The Look: You can’t smoke the box is one of my favorite sayings in the cigar industry and that saying fits the packaging of the Montosa Maduro. It’s a no frills box of green and gold that match the band that adorns the Montosa Maduro. It’s not an ornate design on the band, but it’s minimalistic and does the job. The Montosa Maduro features a natural looking Maduro with some brindle effects from the thin veins that of the wrapper. In the hand the wrapper is slightly coarse and the cigar itself has a nice weight to it and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw serves up delightful notes of cedar along with a subtle wheat and chocolate while the foot of the cigar reveals a floral aroma bordering on ginger. Once the cigar is toasted and lit the initial note is toasted rye.
As we smoke the first third the Montosa Maduro has notes of espresso that dominate the palate with a fair amount of earth which is almost as dominating as the espresso. The cigar has a dark feel to it, and if blindfolded there would be no doubting to this being a Mexican wrapper. Also noticeable in the first third is peanuts with the skin, cedar and a subtle pepper. The retrohale showcases a mocha component which adds a nice sweetness to the finish.
The second third of the cigar sees a continued espresso component that coats the palate. Around the half way point of the cigar there is some caramel present that serves as more of an afterthought. The cigar continues to serve up notes of peanuts, cedar and a subtle pepper. If you smoke the cigar fast, which I do not, there is more pepper and I found myself slowing down at times to enjoy the savory nature of the cigar. The retrohale sees some more caramel along with graham crackers and mocha.
The last third of the cigar continues down the same path which checks the boxes for me since the perceived flavors are right in my wheel house. Espresso is dominant with notes of earth and peanuts. There is a subtle caramel present still, but you have to reach a bit to find it. The cigar burns perfect from first light to last puff and the retrohale sees continued notes of graham with perhaps a bit more pepper than the first two-thirds with a subtle leather finish.
The Finish: By the box these cigars come in at $5.44 making it an incredible value smoke that smokes like a $9+ stick. The cigar won’t win any awards for flavor changes as it’s pretty straight forward but there is a myriad of different components that kept me interested. When my co-worker Ed came in this morning he asked what I smoking, and I told him Montosa Maduro. He asked what I thought about it and I told him it’s hell of a cigar for the price. He responded, “I’ve been smoking a lot of them lately” and I can see why. This a great box buy.
Score: 92
Price: $6.40 / $108.80
Montosa Maduro Toro
Montosa Maduro Toro Foot
Montosa Maduro Toro Burn
