HVC Edicion Especial Corona 2018 (FRCSW1)

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I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fan of HVC cigars. It’s an NC brand from a Cuban emigre and a lot of their cigars offer a very cubanesque experience. This one is rolled with a Corojo wrapper from Jalapa in Nicaragua. I’m smoking the Corona size tonight, which is maybe more of a Corona Gorda size as it’s 5x46. I have not tried this particular cigar before. 

The wrapper is a Colorado color, and has a nice feel in the hand. I can feel a stem or vein or something on one side, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll be an issue. The scent off the foot is fruity and has a touch of cedar. I clip the cap, and the cold draw is really different - it’s floral and bubble gum, almost like big league chew if you can imagine. Strange, but I’m intrigued. 

The cigar starts off on the mild side, and pretty run of the mill flavor-wise, actually. There’s plenty of cedar, and a salty finish. After a while, some leather shows up. The retro is where the action is, as about ten minutes in I get a fruity note, maybe apples. 

The second third picks up the intensity. It’s probably at medium strength but getting close to full body. The leather has stuck around, but now I’m getting something like baked spiced apples. There’s also a dough component, which gives it a very dessert-like taste; almost reminiscent of apple pie or crumble. Very good. The retro is earthy and salty. 

The final third is largely cinnamon toast. That salty component is still there, but barely noticeable. 

Construction was great. The draw was just a little tight for me at first, but it opened up quickly. The flavors were very good. Between this and the scalded milk from the Monte I’ve tasted a few notes this week that I haven’t seen in a cigar before. This guy didn’t feel as Cuban-like as some of HVC’s others, but it was very enjoyable for a mid-winter smoke. 

Total smoking time: 1 hour 6 minutes

Score: 90/100