2022 Por Larrañaga Petit Corona (CROW)

[ayedfy]

 

This was purchased as a single in 2022, box code unknown.

 

The last time I reviewed one of these was a reverse blind, and my notes gathered a few guesses of Siglo II. So it seemed fitting to revisit for this review comp.

 

Opening third: begins with more barnyard flavour that I’ve previously experienced with this. Some citrus zest… a *lot* of citrus zest. Overall a strong, sour profile that conflicts with the sweetness I’m used to from these, I suspect I may have pulled this at the wrong time of its ageing lifespan. There’s a hint of a mild cream that emerged midway through this opening act. Best part so far is the construction - draw is perfect and burn is immaculate with no touch ups required.

 

Middle third: still driven by citrus tart heading into this next stage but starting to get whispers of sweetness. Notes of orange peel to start, then a firm transition to a sweeter profile with burnt sugar. The cream, a minor consolation amidst the sour opening, was at that point mild and largely uninteresting, like a glass of skim milk. Now it’s blooming into a more satisfying double cream. Body nudging towards full, burn and draw still flawless.

 

Final third: new leather and polished wood. Can’t work out whether the cigar is trying to transport me to a violin luthier or a dress shoe boutique. Burn and draw still holding up, body dropping down a touch below medium but in a comfortable way. Still sweet at its core with a more honey/syrupy aspect now, and a touch of fresh vanilla bean. Towards the end more grassy barnyard that I had almost forgotten about from the first few draws.

 

First third was at best a 60 pointer, middle third pushing 90, final about 80-85. Averaging it out to 80.

 

Well, why does this beat out the Cohiba? I can think of a few points:

 

1. The PLPC is kinder to a five-figure salary,

2. The band is prettier (the Cohiba is a more interesting and iconic design but I just love that gold sparkle from the PL)

3. The highs can get pretty close to the Cohiba highs, and at the price the lows don’t hurt nearly as much

4. Por Larrañaga is more fun to say. The rolled r’s, the eñe, I could chew on it all day long. Por Larrañaga. Por Larrañaga. Por Larrañaga!

 

80/100

[MagicalBikeRide]

Nice review

 

PLPC is also kinder to a six figure salary 😀