Today I would like to introduce you to a new, small, premium cigar company that has a most interesting name – The Grouchy Monkey Cigar Company. Now I will say this, when you get up in age like me, the terms “grouchy” and “old” go together more than I like to admit, so when I found out about the Grouchy Monkey brand I could certainly relate.
The company was founded by Hyman Lazega in Miami, Florida late in 2024 and notes:
“…our company is built on a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Our mission is to share the Grouchy Monkey experience with a close-knit troop of enthusiasts, fostering memories and connections over expertly crafted cigars. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or unwinding after a long day, our blends are designed to elevate every moment.”
Hyman is told me he is a private jet pilot and flies to many a destination and has experienced a number of cigar lounges in his travels. He grew up with a dad smoking cigar and was always drawn to cigars. He originally wanted to have his own lounge but then connected with Miguel Pinto who owns the MGE factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. They created a single blend – the Jungle Land Habano as the first cigar in the portfolio and then expanded to include a Connecticut and a Maduro. Hyman told me this is pure passion on his part and since founding the company the portfolio has consistently expanded.
I received a package of samples for review from the company. To be honest, my eye was immediately attracted to the The Shipwrecked Monkey barber pole and that is where I will begin my reviews of the company’s portfolio of cigars.
The Shipwrecked Monkey blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Habano and Oscuro
- Binder – Criollo Desflorado
- Filler – Estelí, Condega and Jalapa
The cigars are expressed in a single (6 x 50) toro vitola and come packaged in both 10-count boxes and also 5-packs with an MSRP of $9.99/cigar. You can purchase these through the company website.
For this review, sampled 2 of the The Shipwrecked Monkey Toros
Pre-Light Examination
When it comes to barber poles, Hyman and his factory partner Miguel Pinto certainly know how to construct them. Using a dark oscuro leaf that exhibits a bit of an oily sheen and joining that with a bright golden habano leaf would attract the most experienced barber pole enthusiast just from its looks. The wrapper leaves, exhibit minimal veins. The foot is is neatly wrapped with an small extra leaf, not just for aesthetics but for construction and early burn quality. The cigar is firmly packed and rolled. Construction is finished with a well applied double cap.
Two Bands adorn the cigar. The primary band is large and bold depicting the company’s “smoking monkey” image along with a n image of a sailing ship and the bottom. The name “The Shipwrecked Monkey” is displayed on top and the company name in the center. It uses an attractive blue, gold, and white motif. A secondary band is placed just below using the same motif and declares that this is Handcrafted in Nicaragua and Blended by Miguel Pinto.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up enticing, mildly sweet and spicy notes along the barrel while the foot exuded pleasant butter cracker note.
Once I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar, I gave it some cold draws that I found to be a tad tighter than I prefer while offering notes of tanginess and a gentle pepper note.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot and drew in the first puffs of mild sweetness and cashew to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Mild sweetness and cashew start the journey
- A white ash develops on thin char line
- Toasted cracker notes join the early mix as the sweetness becomes more creamy
- The ash dropped in good chunk revealing a well formed and centered burn cone
- Enticing nutty aromas waft off the foot
- Midway through the burn, spice notes develop
- The ash starts getting flaky
- A touch of espresso adds to the pleasure, deep in the second third
- Sliding into the final the spice increases
- Moving through the final the flavor got a tad bitter/harsh
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Medium in Strength
Final Analysis
The Grouchy Monkey Cigar Company – The Shipwrecked Monkey Toro journey begins with mild sweetness and cashew notes, offering a soft and approachable opening Toasted cracker notes soon join the profile as the sweetness takes on a creamier texture. Enticing nutty aromas continue to waft off the foot, adding to the early enjoyment. Midway through the cigar, spice notes begin to develop, adding a bit of contrast to the previously creamy and nut-forward profile. As the second third progresses, the ash starts to show some flakiness, though combustion remains steady. Deep into this portion, a touch of espresso emerges, adding richness and depth to the overall flavor experience. Sliding into the final third, the spice level increases, becoming more prominent on the palate. As the cigar moves toward the finish, the profile takes on a slightly bitter and harsher edge, marking a noticeable shift from the smoother earlier stages. This is worth grabbing a fiver of and I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Jagged Burn; (-1) Tad bitter harsh in final
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasantly Complex and Balanced
