Popular Post ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Popular Post Posted April 12, 2014 A little while back, I noticed there was quite the chatter over some of the harder-to-find Corona cigars, and the usual disappointment at their discontinuation. I count myself among those who strongly lament the loss of most of the Corona-size cigars from HSA's catalog, because they are still my favourite size of all cigars, and I still think the offer the best package for Cuban tobacco possible - the perfect proportions of size and length to deliver the most of each marca's unique flavours. To that end, I decided to put aside a month this year to do a series of reviews - one review for each marca's Corona that I could find, to remind us all of what we've lost, to salute some of the finest cigars HSA has ever discontinued, and to see if we can't build a little more awareness and support to the vitola....lest we lose the few coronas that still remain in production! Besides all that - it's fun to review and compare, and see who comes out on top! So here's what I'll do - I'll post a roster of the Coronas I could find for review, and post a review at regular intervals on this thread. (there are a few that I could not acquire in trade, but I'll comment on the ones I might have had in the past - in the interest of completeness). I invite everyone who wants to post about Coronas to chime in, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Coronas you've liked, experiences you've had, and if you want to review a Corona and post here to go with my reviews - by all means join in! I'd like this to be a fun month - I hope you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane, and that you can join me in lighting up a Corona or two yourself this month. Cheers! 7
Popular Post ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Author Popular Post Posted April 12, 2014 Here's the Roster for this Month's Reviews! Bolivar Corona Diplomaticos #3 El Rey Del Mundo Corona De Luxe Hoyo du Roi Juan Lopez Corona Montecristo #3 Partagas Corona Punch Corona Quai D'Orsay Corona Claro Romeo y Julieta Corona Saint Luis Rey Corona Sancho Panza Corona Vegas Robaina Familiar I was not able to find - Hoyo Corona H. Upmann Corona/ #3 Ramon Allones Corona ........but I will comment on the 1st and 3rd cigars, as I've smoked several of the first and one of the last. Finally - there are a couple "Special Guests" for this series of reviews - they will appear near the end! A big thank you to Jay and Ray for helping me complete my list above - you helped make this possible, gents - very much appreciated! 7
ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 First up - Bolivar Corona - April 1st Box Code - 2006 Source - From the 2013 FOH Box Pass, a gift from participant Ophidion, thanks again Kevin! Discontinued - 2006 Abstract - Boli Coronas are treasures to me - this is one of the only ones I have (Pigfish was kind enough to trade me a couple in case this one didn't pan out). I have always loved these cigars, but have never been lucky enough to score a box of them, only a few singles here and there. Pre-light impressions - A great looking stick, with a smooth silky wrapper, slightly oily to the touch. Veins are minimal in the wrapper. Overall a good firmness, no soft spots. The cigar smells of Sweet tobacco with what I can only describe as fresh hot-cross buns. Curiously enough, it appears there has been a repair here! Near the foot, there is clearly a triangle of tobacco applied to the wrapper. I won't remove it, but I will say I've never seen that before. Fascinating! A clip of the cap, and I'm met with a pleasant surprise - a divot in the head! A sign to me that i'm in for a great-drawing cigar! Pre-light draw/taste - Nice even draw. Slight pepper on the taste. Accompaniment - Chivas Royal Salute 21 Yr Whisky First Third - Here we go! This cigar is a rich, pepper mocha LOL. Swirls of mocha throughout each puff, with pepper on the edge of the palate, delivered in a strong wave. I love it! The Boli is throwing out tons of smoke - the draw is perfect - just a hint of firmness on the draw. As I smoke it, probably every 5th puff brings forth a taste of fresh cream, something I wasn't prepared for.........and then BAM - capsicum spice! This cigar is truly delicious! An inch in, and the flavour takes on a dry-roasted character. Definitely a medium-strength cigar, which is surprising, as these are usually pretty powerful to me. Perhaps 8 years has mellowed it a bit? If it has, only the strength has waned, certainly not the flavours present - this cigar remains a vibrant smoke! Just keeps getting more rich and nutty, though I am struggling to identify the nut it reminds me of. Walnuts maybe? Middle Third - There's something incredibly satisfying about this cigar. There's a lot going on, but it feels effortlessly delivered - like the cigar doesn't have to try, to provide a great experience. Probably one of the more relaxing cigars I've had of late. I don't have to struggle to find the joy in this cigar - it's everywhere! The burn is razor sharp and even, and the strength remains medium - though more of that capsicum spice is coming up. And I thought that was only in Diplomaticos! One flavour that appears more and more is a deep sugary note - Demerara (Brown) sugar. Glad I'm not drinking Rum with this one - it would muddy both flavours! I should note -the Chivas is a great pairing for this - the smooth whisky melds very well with this increasingly spicy cigar - now definitely more Medium-Full. Final Third - Ok now I can nail the nutty flavour - sweet cashews. Funny enough - the cream has returned a bit, I would have never expected that in the final third! It doesn't last long though, the power has ramped up right to Full, and the cigar gets sharper and sharper as we get down to the nub. Seems a little discombobulated in the final stretch.....I guess it still had a little room to grow! Still, I can't turn away from this smoke - just so captivating a taste! I put it down at last with a half inch left. Final Thoughts - This was a smoke fit for a King. Perfect construction, beautiful delivery of so much flavour (and variety of flavours!), and that effortless nature of it - this truly was a treat. Only that last little bit of confusion in the final third kept this from a 97-98 point score. Overall Score - I'll give it a 95, and state that this is characteristic of all Boli Corona's I've had. These are truly awesome cigars, and I highly recommend that if you see these anywhere, pick them up. I know I'd trade almost anything for a box of these. You will not be disappointed if you find these - unless you can't handle a full-flavoured cigar! This cigar in a word - Regal. Next up - the Vegas Robaina Familiar! 2
ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 I'll note quickly - My grades for these cigars are based on nothing but my own impressions. Don't take my scores to mean anything but what I thought when I smoked it!
cottierm Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Nice threat! Keep up the good work! Best, Michel
Blakes Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Great Idea, and such a great size... I really do love the Corona, it's the perfect size. Looking forward to this thread!
marper331 Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 looking forward to all the reviews...great work!
DrunkenMonkey Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Beautiful review for the first one in the set, and a great idea overall. When it's done, someone should print it all out and deliver it to HSA. So sad what they've done to these cigars. I can't wait to read the rest! 1
Ptowncigar Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Thanks for the thread! I look forward to your reviews.
Armaniac Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Nice going, now you've made me crave a cigar that is impossible to find lol
earthson Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 I'm with you on this one, brother. It's a bit disconcerting to see Habanos SA starting to release more and more big RG cigars while discontinuing some of the coronas (and the 50 cabs!!!). Is this to get new smokers? Are there really that many people who prefer dong-like cigars? Most of the accomplished aficionados I know prefer a robusto 50 at the thickest. I'm a hypocrite - I'm waiting for some Petit Edmundos - but really, most of my collection is between 40-46 max.
fabes Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Keeping a close eye on this thread. Great review on the Bolivar!
ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 Mmm Partagas Corona...Love the RAC. I still need a RAC for the reviews if you want to swing a trade, man...:-)
ChanceSchmerr Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 Thanks for the props guys! The Boli was the perfect way to start this off!
baragh Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Great thread mate, will keep an eye on this as a fellow lover of smaller RG smokes
crasmith Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Awesome thread! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!
Stogiedude3 Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Cant wait for the VR Familiar. A stick I desire but have never had!
BatFastard Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Great review Chris! Looking forward to the rest of them.
FLB03TT Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Thanks for doing this Corona review series. Can't wait to see more!
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