ERdM Gran Corona PAS EROO

cigarnv · May 28, 2006

ERdM Gran Corona PAS EROO

I have looked at this box of cigars many times and finally decided the time had come for her to lose her virginity. These are cigars from what many would suggest is a questionable period for Havana’s….. a suggestion that I personally do not feel is warranted given the cigars I have enjoyed from this period, but that is another thread unto itself.

The El Rey was enjoyed at church this morning. Several friends and I gather each Sunday morning at the Cohiba Tabernacle for cigars and coffee. It is a spiritual experience that we participate in from May through October here in Northern Virginia. The congregation is of modest size, 3-10, but all are devout.

This Havana was a beautiful Colorado with a thin silky wrapper showing off a nice sheen. The cigar was stored at 61% humidity and contracted a bit over the years leaving the band to slide freely off…. the indication to me that it was perfectly humidified for my palate. It was very firm to the touch with no soft spots… one of those cigars you fear will draw poorly. This was not the case as it clipped perfectly revealing the coveted “Pinar clitoris” under the cap that easily lifted out with the edge of my fingernail. The draw was perfect… the kind of draw, which you have to work at a bit, but is not annoyingly tight.

The El Rey lit and burned extremely well with a flat face burn and a mottled gray / black ash that was very firm. Classic ERdM flavor profile…. Floral, hints of earth and a delightful sweetness on the finish. Gobs of creamy smoke with not even a hint of harshness or bitterness. As I have said before this marca is a hidden treasure that makes one aware that tremendous flavor can exist without excessive strength. Clearly this was a medium strength vitola with tremendous flavor. A cigar to savor early in the day with a clean palate and stillness in the air.

bassman · May 28, 2006

One of the great barely known Habanos. I have a couple boxes from 01 & definitely enjoy them. Rather bland for the first inch, but then gets stronger with very complex flavors. Not a powerhouse, put never disappoints for the first cigar of the day.