Flor de Rafael Gonzales Perla

[alephilmac]

Posted this on another site, but wanted to post it here, as it's more appropriate. Other review to follow!

Origin: Cuba

Format: Petit Corona Size: 4.0 x 40

Handmade / BRA DEC 12

After lunch Pairing: Black coffee, dark rum. Time: 45 minutes

Part of a larger order (that I will review in time). Couldn't wait more than two days to try one of these after opening the box to find absolutely beautiful little cigars, one of the nicer boxes I've seen from RG.

I chose the poorest looking of the cigars in the top layer and proceeded from there. Even being the weakest in appearance, this was a very attractive petit corona. Dark and oily, a bit of sweet toasted nut and barnyard, unlit.

Narrowly punched and lit with a cedar match, even draw. Maybe a little on the tight side, but I prefer that in a short cigar like this. Initial notes of cappuccino, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts. A slight soapy note on the back end of the first few puffs, but that dissipated quickly.

As the cigar progressed, toasted nut and bitter chocolate remained predominate, but every now and then a tangy, almost soapy note reentered the picture (not unpleasant to be honest, just intriguing).

A perfect burn throughout, without any effort on my part (aside from an even initial light). The ash was as dark as any I have ever seen, almost black. While some prefer the aesthetics of a snow-white ash, I find the differences in color to be part of the enjoyment and uniqueness of a good cigar, especially when the burn is picture perfect.

As the cigar began to wind down, the tang dissipated permanently, to be replaced by burnt coffee and smoked walnut wood notes. There was still sweetness to be found, but it was veiled to some degree by the more pronounced woodsy notes that crept in.

Didn't want to let this little cigar go and against my usual preference, I nearly grabbed a second from the same box, just to continue what was a dream petit corona, but I have designs on an Edmundo later today, so better judgment won out.

I can't wait to see where these little gems go from here. My expectations were only average when I threw these into an order, but if this cigar was any indication, these are a special box.

91pts. Exceptionally complex for a petit corona, with room to evolve further. My main concern (aside from this being a one-off), is that they will mellow a bit too much.

[ksblazer]

Nice review and pictures

I had some of these when they were first released and really liked the flavor profile. Especially after they had a few months on them. I always want to buy another box and re-visit them. But they always get overlooked for something else.

[cottierm]

Very nice review. Thank you for it.

[andrprosh]

My favorite marca

[alephilmac]

Thank you guys for the positive comments. I'm looking forward to posting more reviews.

Also, had another from this box and it was stellar. Not the same dark ash, but equally delicious. I'm going to try and snag another box from the same code.

[earthson]

Don't know why, but I've never cottoned to these. The RGPC, on the other hand, are what I often hand out to newbies who want to know what a Cuban can offer. Most people seemed intrigued when I mention "chocolate, vanilla, and honey."