Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra

[Kangaroo495]

Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra - box date 2001

Does anyone smoke these? If not, get a box immediately.

Lit one up last night after a tough and aggravating day at work. Wanted nothing more than to sit down and relax, and forget about work. Just wanted to concentrate on the cigar. Sat inside especially for this purpose.

My RGs are a little non-standard for the brand. I.e. they're almost pitch black and every single one is perfectly constructed (they usually do experience some inconsistencies), in addition, upon opening the box your nose is assaulted by a rich dark-chocolate aroma. I can thank Prez for hand picking this box. If there was a classification above PSP, then this would be it.

You light the thing up and from the first scent in the air, you're engulfed in cigar nirvana. The taste/scent/aroma is so damn pungent! And earthy, and very "heady" (I just looked up the meaning of that in the dictionary, it definitely fits). In addition, you'll get a bunch of dark chocolate in the mouth and a bit of cappuccino on the tongue. And shot after shot of pepper in the sinuses.

The taste is something I would describe as "benchmark Cuban". Having extensively tried all brands of CCs (except Fonseca and Gispert), I can't think of any other cigar that so perfectly embodies the definition of "Cuban twang".

These cigars are known as quite light-bodied. Though I enjoy light-bodied cigars, I've been a bit lucky with this box in that they have a bit more balls. I can't praise this cigar enough.

The only criticism I can give is that it doesn't develop much over the course of the smoke. But it is by no means a one-dimensional cigar. And the 1.5 hours I smoked it were among the most captivating I've spent smoking a cigar.

Put it down when it was burning my fingers. But the ultimate relaxing experience was ruined when I realised that these have been discontinued. Just makes me want to nuke someone. I mean really... Are they trying to turn people against them or what? It needs to be brought back. I don't care what anyone says.

92/100

[dicko]

awesome review mate! sounds like a great cigar. you don't really see these around to much but i would give them a go for sure.

maybe there's an old soviet nuke laying around you could send the discontinued panel's way

[Kangaroo495]

awesome review mate! sounds like a great cigar. you don't really see these around to much but i would give them a go for sure.

maybe there's an old soviet nuke laying around you could send the discontinued panel's way

There might be a few left in Cuba. Will check, as that would be an easier and cheaper way.

Anyway, you should try the RG. Might be one of those "revelation" moments.

[MontrealRon]

Brilliant review of one of my all time favorites.

It was this cigar, and from this period, that totally hooked me on Habanos.

They were exactly as you describe them; dark, luscious, and with an intoxicating aroma.

You are most fortunate to have aquired such a box!

[cigaraholic]

Thanks for the review, you've given me hope.

Smoked lots of PC and PE and still hoarding a box of Slenderellas that are just like you describe your smokes, but haven't had luck scoring a great box of Coronas Extra.

Went thru two boxes of good ones but they were a little mild to me, wrappers weren't very dark and they were from 01. Others said this was a mild smoke and that was their profile, now I know that's bullshit.

Looks like I need to put Rob to work.

[bolivr]

Top review Kanga! That is what I am searching for - benchmark Cuban. I get glimpses of it here and there and it really is what you need after a harrowing day. Hope things improve there mate.

[Habanakane21]

Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra - box date 2001

Does anyone smoke these? If not, get a box immediately.

Lit one up last night after a tough and aggravating day at work. Wanted nothing more than to sit down and relax, and forget about work. Just wanted to concentrate on the cigar. Sat inside especially for this purpose.

My RGs are a little non-standard for the brand. I.e. they're almost pitch black and every single one is perfectly constructed (they usually do experience some inconsistencies), in addition, upon opening the box your nose is assaulted by a rich dark-chocolate aroma. I can thank Prez for hand picking this box. If there was a classification above PSP, then this would be it.

You light the thing up and from the first scent in the air, you're engulfed in cigar nirvana. The taste/scent/aroma is so damn pungent! And earthy, and very "heady" (I just looked up the meaning of that in the dictionary, it definitely fits). In addition, you'll get a bunch of dark chocolate in the mouth and a bit of cappuccino on the tongue. And shot after shot of pepper in the sinuses.

The taste is something I would describe as "benchmark Cuban". Having extensively tried all brands of CCs (except Fonseca and Gispert), I can't think of any other cigar that so perfectly embodies the definition of "Cuban twang".

These cigars are known as quite light-bodied. Though I enjoy light-bodied cigars, I've been a bit lucky with this box in that they have a bit more balls. I can't praise this cigar enough.

The only criticism I can give is that it doesn't develop much over the course of the smoke. But it is by no means a one-dimensional cigar. And the 1.5 hours I smoked it were among the most captivating I've spent smoking a cigar.

Put it down when it was burning my fingers. But the ultimate relaxing experience was ruined when I realised that these have been discontinued. Just makes me want to nuke someone. I mean really... Are they trying to turn people against them or what? It needs to be brought back. I don't care what anyone says.

92/100

Wow...stunner huh??? I've only smoke a few of these over the years. Seems like I have been really missing out. Damn it!!! The review was awesome...thanks

[ChanceSchmerr]

These are perennially underrated smokes that got killed from a lack of identity IMO, but they are sooooo good when on! I lobbied El Prez for an HQ box or higher a number of months back, I'm glad to have a box in my Locker now so that I won't miss out....worth picking up!

Also worth noting that these are readily available in Canada......they just don't seem to sell for some reason, so every B&M in Canada that I know has lots of them. I wouldn't peg the quality as high as what you might get from our Host though!

Great Post man!

[thechenman]

Kanga...great review...but with me you are preching to the choir. I love the RGCE. One of my staples, that like you I am sad to see go. 2010 saw the demise of three of my favorite cigars which would include the RS11 and RS12. I've been stocking up on these....I presume you are as well.

[cigcars]

DONE - will hunt some down

[FrankBlack]

I have some 08's and thoroughly enjoy them in the afternoon with coffee - dark chocolate and cocoa flavors throughout....I plan on grabbing a few more boxes before they are gone for good...have the pantelas too, and although they are a little milder than the corona extra, I find them quite enjoyable - can't beat the price of the pantelas either

[nonameno]

Hi Kanga,

Super review! Thank you for taking the time to post your review. This is a cigar I had not really considered, but now, I am going to start looking around for a box of these before they are only a part of cigar history.

Thank you,

Curtiss