Rafael Gonzalez Panetela extra MAR – 06 MGT

[El Presidente]

Rafael Gonzalez Panetela extra MAR – 06 MGT

Construction is near perfect. Nice bunch to the fill which is firm but yields to the touch. The wrapper is nice with good levels of oil. Aroma a cold is a mix of hay and mild tobacco.

Serrated the cap and found a perfect draw but a rather “green” taste on the lips and tongue.

Fired up the little fella and and I was met with a rather putrid flavour which I can only describe as fresh cut grass and petroleum. Body is light/medium. The RGPE is trying to regain composure and there are some simple tobacco notes coming through in the first third but there is still a wincing attack of poorly fermented tobacco. I can’t keep an ash on the cigar as it crumbles away at every opportunity.

Into the second third and it is improving. Almost medium in body now wit a deeper flavour profile developing which encompasses some milk coffee and decent tobacco. The “greenness” of the cigar has moved to the outskirts of the flavour profile but it is still there and it peeves me no end.

Final third sees an end to the flavours of darkness which have ruined this cigar. It is now clearly medium in body with a great milk coffee and almond core. The aroma is excellent.

Overall this was a very disappointing cigar which would need years to come good …..if ever. The final third is more characteristic of the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra but there was no recovery from such a poor opening half.

81/100