Hoping somebody can clear up some confusion. I always thought the H. Upmann Sir Winston and Monarch were simply different blends, but then I noticed the Monarcas. I consulted Ron Nee's encyclopedia, and he seems to give the idea that the monarchs and monarcas are the same (and oddly enough, both taste like a Sir Winston). However, I get confused by the pricing for these sticks:

Monarch - $30
Monarch tubo - $35
Monarcas (cabinet) - $41
Sir Winston - $41

(rough prices in Canada).

What the heck is going on here? Is this an artifact of cuban disorganization? Are there two separate blends? Three? One? Why is the Monarcas more than the Monarch (assuming they're the same cigar)? Any help at all?

They may be the same blend, but I've smoked both & they certanly taste different to me. The Monarchs are earthier & the SWs taste sweeter. Your taste may be completely different.

Two blends. Monarchs (monarcas) are the same blend whether in dress box, cabinet or tubos.

The Sir Winston is a totally different cigar. Milder, less earthy, but more complex and refined. One of the best that Habanos has to offer.

Any idea why the different price for the cabinet then? I expect it for the tube, but not for simply being in a cabinet. Also, this is not due to different markups from the retailer, the difference in price is due to the wholesaler's price.

Monarchs are rolled with tobacco that did not make the cut to be rolled into the SW. Obviously the rollers know what they are doing otherwise it would not taste different. Monarchs are therefore "seconds" of the SW and the price point reflects this fact.

quote:

Originally posted by poupon:
Monarchs are rolled with tobacco that did not make the cut to be rolled into the SW. Obviously the rollers know what they are doing otherwise it would not taste different. Monarchs are therefore "seconds" of the SW and the price point reflects this fact.

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought it was strange that H. Upmann have 2 Churchill sizes, generally you'll see a Churchill and a Double Corona

quote:

Originally posted by poupon:
Monarchs are rolled with tobacco that did not make the cut to be rolled into the SW. Obviously the rollers know what they are doing otherwise it would not taste different. Monarchs are therefore "seconds" of the SW and the price point reflects this fact.

I find that statement really hard to believe. I've never heard that before. Those two cigars are PURPOSELY blended different. The Monarch/Monarcas to be more full-bodied and earthy and the SW to be more subtle and complex.
RyJ has two churchills as well, the Churchill and the Prince of Wales (unfortunately discontinued now). Same applies there. The POW is a bit milder and more elegant, purposely blended that way.

Btw, the ROLLERS don't determine what they put in the cigar. The BLENDER does. They bring the roller the tobacco and instruct them how much of each different leaf they are to roll into the cigar they are making. The rollers are completely unaware of what particular cigar they are making. All they know is what shape they need to roll.

Can I ask where you got your info from?