Por Larranaga Petit Corona LEP DIC 16 (NRW)

[FatPete]

Por Larranaga Petit Corona LEP DIC 16 (NRW)

The PLPC, a cigar much loved by many on this forum, but as yet not by me, is my nemesis cigar. I purchased one cab of 50 in early 17 while still experimenting with different marcas. A cigar that turns into caramel, and one that doesn't break the piggy bank, sounded good enough to me to spring for a whole cab for my first PL purchase. I remember eagerly lighting my first one up on a lovely summers day after 3 months rest, and then coughing and spluttering as the acrid tobacco hit the back of my throat. It got tosssed far away. Sampling them every 4-6 months have always been a decision I have regretted, and have never finished one yet due to harshness, though none have been as bad as the first one.

A bright and cold autumn day dawned and I remembered this competition, so I went for a walk to see if this PLPC wanted to be friends with me. 

Like all of them from this box, this had a dull dry wrapper.

I punch cut, producing a snug but workable draw. Sweet tobacco on the cold draw.

First Third 

I got no taste to start with, then a strong taste of vegetables that have gone off and sour. 

Second third 

Some black pepper was sprinkled on the sour vegetables, and the familiar harshness bothered the back of my throat. Retrohale ? No chance. I would have chucked it at this point but hey it's a review.

Last third 

A pleasant change-the sourness became manageable, the pepper more balanced, toasted tobacco revealed itself and it became mildly enjoyable.

Conclusion:

It's gone up in the ratings from unsmokeable to pretty awful, so I don't think we can be friends just yet, perhaps in a couple more years? (but only if that long awaited caramel hits me like a goods train on the first puff)

 

[Mikeltee]

I concur. I feel as if I am doing something wrong saying so on the forum. I have a feeling that we will be lynched tonite for speaking negatively about the PLPC. I have had a 3yo PC a 1yo PC and a 3yo MC and they all were exactly as you described. I dont have the patience to wait 5 years for a turd to sprout into a mushroom. PL will never get another dime from me. A great cigar will be good right off the rollers table. I just dont see how something so utterly unsmokable can turn into a swan over any amount of time. They obviously do though as we cant be the only ones that noticed a young PC sucks. They dont last 2 minutes on 24.

[medzikone]

Got almost 5 yo PC last week and it was outstanding. 

Also, I got box of Panatelas from FEB14 and I love its. What can I say is that there is a lot of notes which I couldn't find in other marcas. 

But I'm a fan of smaller ring gauge and all petit coronas (beside HU Regalias) 

[FatPete]

32 minutes ago, Mikeltee said:

I concur. I feel as if I am doing something wrong saying so on the forum. I have a feeling that we will be lynched tonite for speaking negatively about the PLPC. 

I think I can already see the snake of burning torches from my upstairs window..?

[rascalmonkey]

I've got PLPC with that same code from November 2016... also with an ugly, dull, light-colored wrapper

and yes they are the worst cab of PLPC i've ever smoked

[Mikeltee]

Can anyone argue that they are indeed smokable before 5 years of age? I'd love to give them a fair shot. Maybe the 3 boxes mine have come from were all the bad boxes that year. What are the odds though?

[TTP21]

I've had them with 1-2 years and just got a May 19 cab I won't hesitate to try shortly. Also have had 3 or 4 MC LGR AGO 18. 

I've really enjoyed all but 1 of 10+. 

My thoughts...

1. Expectations can be killer, but when I'm spending 4 bucks a stick I don't mind the occasional rough drag or 2.  

2. Dry box, dry box, dry box.  Especially with the skinnies - a minimum of 7 days with closer to 10+ days is preferred. 

3. I'm a slow smoker, but these guys require a slow smoke with a light/medium drag so they don't get hot.

2 and 3 are my MO with cigars, so it doesn't bother me, nor is it a change from the norm, but I can imagine that being annoying if it's not your preferred style.  

Best of luck, and thanks for sharing!