CoRo reivew (my first)

[IcedCanuck]

Seeing how I'm participating in the blind test I thought it might be a good idea to do a dry run first so here goes....

Cigar: Cohiba Robusto

Box Code: RAO, JUL 2010

Initial thoughts:

Good construction, small velvety almost smooth veins, no hard spots, smells like a barnyard

Clipped:

Cold draw is superb, definitely not an air tunnel but just enough resistance. Tastes like leather with a hint of coffee.

I have decided to pair this stick with a large splash of Zacapa 23. First draw after lighting it was like getting a mouthful of extra creamy coffee. Good amount of smoke, excellent draw.

First third:

The rum (Zacapa 23) tastes sweeter after a few puffs off the CoRo. It has not sweetened in flavour as much as the Zacapa XO but it is noticeably sweeter. I found myself daydreaming about the last time I smoked I CoRo ... it was back in October (almost five months ago) and I was on a beach, alone in Mexico left to my own devices, CoRo in one hand, mohito in the other, checking out a hot chick in a bikini who's name currently alludes me but she was British and we got to know one another ... and then the cold Canadian March breeze picked up and snapped me back into the present. I had to make a minor burn correction but I believe the wind was the cause of that. I found the first 1/3 was loaded with gobs and gobs of cream.

Second third:

The second third was still very creamy but not as much as the first third. I also started picking up wood flavours that evolved throughout the second third. It started off as just hints of wood but about halfway through the 2/3 it was very noticeable but had backed off again by the end of the 2/3. I also detected traces of honey when I smacked my lips together after a puff. Pepper started to become noticeable during the 2/3 as well.

Last third:

Not nearly as creamy as it once was but the cream is still detectable. Cocoa has become noticeable, this was surprising to me actually. It could be because my palate has continued to evolve since I last smoked a CoRo or perhaps this is something that only occurs to CoRo's after properly aged for a certain period of time but I do not recall ever tasting cocoa in a CoRo before (and I'm not complaining). It is actually really starting to taste more like very creamy cocoa.

The wood flavour is completely gone, getting small amount of pepper. Usually by the time a stick gets this far down I get much more pepper than I am currently getting ... again I'm not complaining! The CoRo is definitely enhancing the flavour of the run for me as I find it is tastes absolutely beautiful. I'm going to diverge a bit here ... I think I have some new neighbours a couple floors up because I am hearing what I can only describe as Muslim singing ... Sunday 16:43 is that a special time? Starting to get a little chilly so I zipped up my jacket and am glad I decided against the Bolivar Corona Gigante. Back to my new neighbours, there is a loud fart noise and then an uproar from ... either a lot of new neighbours crammed into one apartment or his guests. Apartment building living sucks balls ... can't wait to finally have my own property and my own house! There is nothing worse then enjoying a great cigar and having an external force outside your control start raining on your parade and I don't like parades ... and singing above ensues!

Soooooooo much cocoa!!! Pepper has become virtually non-existent and I'll admit to being a little weirded out by that. In my, all be it, limited experience once the pepper starts it only builds and intensifies it never tucks tail and runs. There are only trace notes of cream left but it is still present.

I am still finding that when I smack my lips together after taking a puff it tastes sweet but it no longer tastes like honey it is more sugary so I believe this is probably no longer from the CoRo but from the rum. Got lots of heat and crazy pepper ... this stick is done like dinner and speaking of which I have a sudden urge for pork. I'm giving this cigar a 91.

Now my new neighbours have me laughing a bit. I heard a dog barking and then they started barking and howling back. To me they actually sound a bit intoxicated and now they are laughing almost incoherently about it. Isn't apartment living grand?

It seems every time I go back to this box of CoRo's it just keeps getting better and better. I am now convinced that the box I've been smoking out of since last summer is definitely, without a shadow of doubt, improving over time with age.

[PuffDaddie]

Great review.

[maverickdrinker]

Nice review Phil.

[ksblazer]

Nice review and pic's

Makes me want to smoke a CoRo and see if I can have the same experience that you did.

[CanuckSARTech]

Great pics and review Phil. Well done, and nicely described. Can't wait to share a smoke with you again later on this year, bro.

Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[Guest robusto101]

Fantastic review. I can't wait to try one of these someday.

[Strada]

Good review Phil and nice to have some pairing notes!

[ckearns]

Nice review brother! And for a first time review, well done. You might be my dark-horse to overthrow Keith, of KEITHED^TMfame, for this year's blind taste contest.

[IcedCanuck]

Thanks guys, I enjoyed doing it. I might just have to do a few more.

[Rushman]

Very nice review. Thanks for sharing.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631650,-87.071020

[aavkk]

Thanks for the great review. I've enjoyed a few of these over the years but never stock up deep on them.

[isa]

Great pics & great review! The best smoke i have had yet has been a CoRo.

[cottierm]

Very enjoyable review, thank for it!

Michel