Saint Luis Rey Corona 1993 (BM OVSV)

[Mark Twain]

I was reorganizing my cabinet and doing my usual inspection when I came across this box of SLR Coronas from 1993.

The picture is a few weeks old. I opened the box and found several of the cigars missing and I scratched my head trying to figure out where they went to when I realized that I had already sent them along to fellow BOTL.

I decided it was time to smoke one and find out just how good they actually are.

Prelight smell

The corona had a slight mustiness to it. There was a subtle, yet noticeably pleasant aroma coming off the foot of the cigar. The wrapper shows some signs of age, but it is clearly well constructed. The corona has lost some of its oiliness that it displayed in its youth. I tested how the corona would draw and I was welcomed with an easy passing air through the filler. I could taste a developed flavor of toasted tobacco and orange peel.

Opening

I used my new Tatuaje tabletop lighter to fire the corona. The lighter is made by Lotus and it packs a serious punch. The burn was even and each draw produced a redolence of smoke. I poured myself two fingers of Zaya 12yo rum and I found that this really complemented the corona’s flavors. This corona was decidedly full bodied. The opening flavors were herbal and went along with the rum nicely. I noticed a hint of something sour early on in the smoke, but this was not unpleasant, just interesting.

1/3rd point

There’s the heavy taste of grass now and some semi-sweetness with a slight dryness to the smoke. There’s no real spice to the cigar. The Zaya is very smooth. The cigar is balanced and burns coolly.

½ point.

Now there is some spice. I notice it on the finish. The full-bodied nature of the cigar is wonderful. There are pronounced notes of earth and this flavor begins to dominate the early herbal pattern of flavors. The finish is deep and lasting.

Final

I am smoking too fast at this point. I want the experience to last, but I’m enjoying myself too much to slow down. The smoke is still quite cool even at the end.

I found this corona to be well developed and highly enjoyable. I would have loved to smoke one of these a year to see how the corona evolved into its current blissful state.

[stever]

Great review and nice photos.

[adamg]

I love the ashtray - where did you get it from?

[jqmunro]

Yeah, I really hate when that happens. Go through the ol' humidor and come across a box of cigars from 1993. I really wish it wouldn't happen to me anymore

[bassman]

Excellent review about a rarely discussed cigar. These seem to need a lot of time. I have a box of 01s that just recently have come into their own. Very enjoyable smokes.

[Mark Twain]

» I love the ashtray - where did you get it from?

A friend made it for me.

[Colt45]

» I was reorganizing my cabinet and doing my usual inspection when I came

» across this box of SLR Coronas from 1993.

»

Nice find and review - thanks!

[CIGARHead]

I opened the box and found several of the

» cigars missing and I scratched my head trying to figure out where they

» went to when I realized that I had already sent them along to fellow BOTL.

Funny, I never received them.....:-D

[El Presidente]

The cigar on the far right appears longer than the rest. I suspect fakes and recommend sending one for evaluation :cool:

Great review