Vital Stats:

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.

Vitola: Corona Gorda

Length: 5.5″

Ring Gauge: 46

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Claro

Binder: Undisclosed

Filler: Nicaragua

Factory: Undisclosed

Blender: G. Domanico

Number of reviewers: 5—–Craig (WyldKnyght) Ron (shuckins) Dave (mdwest) Robert (NavyPiper) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $10.00

Age: 4 Months

Release Date: 2014

Contributed by: House of Emilio

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“Today’s review is light brown, with some darker brown mottling. Measurements are 5 1/2 X46. It has a nice rounded head, and is straight, but not perfectly round. Seams are very well done- well blended and smooth.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Aroma: 91

“The aroma was an intoxicating mix between sweet honey and coffee.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

First Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“A strong pepper blast accompanies the mostly herbal flavor profile on the first few puffs. Notes of hay and cream are present on the finish and the smoke is very light and silky. After only about an inch, the pepper seems to subside almost completely. Im hoping the second third impresses me as much as the first. This has been nice.” –Dave (mdwest)

“First puffs are a great combination of cedar and cherry. After a few puffs, sadly, the cherry note fades and the cedar moves to more of an oak flavor. Also joining the mix is a little bit of pepper spice. The burn is fighting me a bit like it’s wet.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Second Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“During the second third, I started to pick up hints of licorice. I also started to get more earthy notes and the spice was a little stronger than the first third.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“Second third has the leather and spice as the primary flavors, with the earthiness having faded out quite a bit. Spice is mild, not leaving any zing on the lips, but enough to let you know it is there.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The creaminess moves more to the front as a taste of leather shows up, pushing the dry cedar back and toning down the white pepper. The cocoa and nutmeg are still tasty together, although some of the sweetness faded at the very end.” –Ron (shuckins)

“While the change in flavor profile from the first to the second third was pretty dramatic, the change from the second to the final third has been much more subtle. The same flavors are present, but the herbal notes that have been in the forefront of the profile from the beginning now take a bit of a back seat to the hay notes that have been present for a good while as well. The smoke has remained extremely smooth and creamy the entire time. This has been a very good experience.” –Dave (mdwest)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

“For me, the draw was about as perfect as it gets.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Burn: 89

“A single, minor touch up was required to keep the burn in line toward the end of the second third. Other than that, no issues at all with the burn.” –Dave (mdwest)

Construction: 89

“A well rolled cigar, tightly packed, with no soft spots.” –Ron (shuckins)

Overall Strength: Medium

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Overall Experience: 91

“I really enjoyed the first two thirds of this cigar, and was disappointed how it ended. I Would like to try again to see if I get the same results.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“I liked this cigar as a very smooth middle of the day smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)

“An overall excellent experience. I would consider buying a box of these after the reveal.” –Dave (mdwest)

“I enjoyed this stogie. The flavors are some of my favorites, and combined with the perfect draw, it was a joy to smoke. I am looking forward to hearing what it is so I can score some more.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“The first third of this cigar was enjoyable, if not middle of the road. The rest of the cigar was not enjoyable and I probably would have put it out if not for the review. This cigar may have been young, and I would consider trying it again somewhere down the road, but I can’t recommend it right now.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 77

Total Score: 90 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.