This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona Gorda

Length: 5.6″

Ring Gauge: 46

Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano 2002

Binder: Jalapa

Filler: Esteli and Jalapa Ligero

Factory: GR Tabacaleras Unidas Co.

Blender: George Rico

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Ron (shuckins) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn) Emmett (rhetorik) Craig (WyldKnyght)

Price: $7.50

Age: 2 Months Rest

Release Date: July 2013

Contributed by: George Rico Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 92

“Just gorgeous looking. Almost a perfect wrapper in color and smoothness. Looks to be maybe a habano wrapper. The pig tail is the icing on the cake of the triple cap. The only thing keeping it from a perfect score is the slightly oblong roundness.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Aroma: 93

“Some nice sweet tobacco flavors, maybe a little nuttiness.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

First Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“There is a citrus zing, leather, and pepper. The pepper definitely hits the back of the throat. The leather is sweet on my lips. Through the retrohale I actually found a sweet BBQ flavor? It was pretty interesting.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

“I immediately get a sweet tangyness that I was not expecting, a very nice surprise. After the first few puffs settle in, I can instantly tell this is a cigar I’m going to enjoy. I’m getting just the right amount of red pepper and leather, still with just that hint of sweetness in the background. Moving through the third, I’ve decided the sweetness is a candied almond. Just great.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Second Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Creamy cedar with light coffee and leather are blending nicely with the nutmeg, cocoa, and splashes of pepper that show up now and then.” –Ron (shuckins)

“There was a lot of spice on the retrohale that singed the nostrils and left cumin lingering at the back of the throat. I’m not really used to lighter wrapped cigars having so much spice but this one packed a decent punch without being overwhelming. I also detected some raisins as well.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Final Third

Flavor: 92

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The spice was still very prominent when retrohaling and the cashew-type nuttiness died down a bit. Raw leather, a bit of coffee and a hint of sweetness presented itself during this third. I can’t say it knocked my socks off but it was enjoyable nonetheless.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“The strength has backed off a bit in this third, and the profile has become more woody than previous thirds. That citrus flavor is still there, maybe turning into a cherry. I’m enjoying this immensely and I can’t wait to find out what it is. The finish is quite long and very citrusy.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Very good draw, think typical cuban draw, a little tight but gets the job done.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Burn: 90

“This cigar required no touch-ups and burned fairly even throughout its length.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Construction: 95

“Very well constructed, nice and firm with a little sponginess, no soft or hard spots found.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 93

“Wonderful. Great. Awesome. I would definitely smoke again.. And again. Definitely recommend! Box-worthy!” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

“This was, by no means, the best cigar I’ve had but it proved to be a decent hour and a half. The flavors intermingled well between the nuttiness and spiciness that came and went. The profile wasn’t necessarily in my wheelhouse and I can’t see myself scouring the earth to find a box, but by all means, if you wanna split one, I’m in.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“One of my favorite smokes this year, right up my alley. I enjoyed every minute of it and is definitely a must-buy for me. The flavor profile was very cuban in nature, but I’m not convinced it was a cuban. I would smoke this baby every day.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 89

Total Score: 93 (Great)

[table id=71 /]

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.