If you or someone you know smokes cigars indoors, chances are, you are familiar with the Rabbit Air brand. While not the only game in town, they have built a reputation as the go-to solution for indoor smoking air purification in the cigar smoking world. One of my first purchases after obtaining my own indoor smoking area was a Rabbit Air Minus A2. I used that machine for a nearly 8 years before replacing it for this review, and over the years, it did it's job well. For years, that machine was the gold standard, and today, we will be looking at that machine's successor, the Rabbit Air A3.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 is the latest in the annual line of Reserva cigars to be released from Habanos S.A. It was debuted on the first night of the 18th Habanos Festival on February 29th. These are some of the most exclusive and expensive cigars that come out of Cuba. Hoyo de Monterrey was the only national brand to not have a Reserva release prior to this year.
"With a smoking time south of an hour, this smoke was quite literally short and sweet making it a shoo-in for a lunch break or any other occasion where time is not a luxury. It is hard to say with absolute certainty whether or not the missing chunk of wrapper right at the foot was intentional or not. The fact that the wrapper was not torn and the uniformity of the transition where the wrapper begins leads me to believe that this feature had a purpose. Regardless, it showcased and highlighted in an intriguing way just how much the wrapper leaf contributes to a cigar's aroma, blend, and flavor profiles. Without it, the cigar would certainly not be the same. Aside from the obvious transition that took place once the burn line reached the leading edge of the wrapper, this smoke was dead consistent with regards to flavors. A smoke this short doesn't need a ton of transitions and with such enjoyable flavors, I couldn't be happier in their absence. Not only were the flavors right in line with my preferences, they were well balanced and the smoke was buttery smooth. A top-notch draw and trouble-free burn were the cherries on top of an incredible smoking experience that I can not wait to have again." -Noah S. (Noah)
"This smoke didn't feature a rollercoaster of transitions or over-the-top complexity and in my opinion, those qualities are certainly not prerequisites of an incredible cigar. Rather, I tend to put a premium on a stick that intrigues my palate with abundant flavors that are not only smooth but also balanced enough to keep my attention. This cigar accomplished all of that and more while maintaining similar flavor profiles from start to finish. What stood out for me the most was how smooth the smoke was from the first puff to the last which ultimately led to the incredible smoking experience. Simply put, this is just another banger that I can't wait to add to my collection!" -Noah S. (Noah)
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·"This was about as close as I have come to smoking the perfect cigar. I mean, it's hard to call the flavors perfect because everyone has a different preference, but this one was right up my alley. It was medium strength, but full flavored. The draw, burn and construction were impeccable. This may be my favorite cigar I have reviewed. I am blown away." -Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
This was a great cigar! I don't get into the hype of $30, $50 or even $100 cigars, but this Atabey Spiritus was amazing! The draw was a bit snug, but I can't blame that on the the cigar I don't think. This was given to my by the BMP's staff to review. The construction was spot on, but by the end of the second half the head started to come off a bit, again that might have been my user and I just got it too wet. Overall this cigar greeted me with lots and lots of sweetness with hay, and honey. It tipped the scales of medium, but just barely and only briefly. This was an elegant cigar that could be enjoyed at any time of the day, but I think in the morning would be the best or late at night as your last cigar of the day. They are not inexpensive, but if you get the chance I cannot recommend Atabey enough.
Overall, this was a tremendous smoke, not even taking into account the fact that it's pretty young and hasn't been released yet. I can only imagine how these will be in 6 months or a year. The draw and burn were both spot on and I had no issues with construction. I think Jon Huber has struck gold again with this release and I will definitely pick up a box for myself.
"I was intrigued before I even lit this one up. It’s a beautiful-looking cigar with a very strong and appealing aroma. I’m quite happy to report that the smoking experience lived up to my initial impression. I’d label this as a well-balanced dessert stick, sweet, but not heavy. I would be delighted to smoke this blend again. I’m looking forward to finding out what this was." -Chris M. (Chris)
"A perfect cigar! This beautiful box-pressed cigar with a chocolate wrapper makes this a cigar worth enjoying. Notes of chocolate, oak, and black pepper make me want another one. A cigar you'd want for your humidor. Pick up a few or a box, and let the pleasure begin." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
Amazing would be an understatement for this fine luxurious smoke. Ample amounts of complexity and well balanced medium bodied flavors were extracted and deeply appreciated as the blender really knows how to make a grade A smoke. I cannot sing praises high enough... you MUST... in fact I demand you to buy a Bespoke Basilica A and experience what this cigar has to offer... you will be forever spoiled.