Blind Cigar Review: Rodrigo | Corona Project Vol. 1 Limitada

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona
Length: 5.75″
Ring Gauge: 43
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura
Blender: George Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 5—–Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Ron (shuckins) Sandeep (Djangos) Robert (NavyPiper) Dave (mdwest)
Price: $9.50
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: November 2014
Contributed by: House of Emilio

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 91

“From foot to head this is an excellent looking cigar, with its closed foot, short tight pigtail cap, dark wrapper and clean lines. Well executed.” –Dave (mdwest)

Aroma: 91

“The cigar has a sweet cinnamon and spice like aroma. There is also a mild coffee and leather like aroma as well. The dry puff was white pepper that lingered on the tongue followed by a sweeter spice. Very good start so far.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Initially, the immediate first draws are very smooth and rich. A nice cream and chocolate take the forefront throughout the first third. The retrohale is smooth and not overpowering. The strength is medium, but is surprising due to the oily dark wrapper. I would have expected more strength and spice, but the spice hints I am picking up are very subtle and quite enjoyable with the rest of the flavors.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

“The first couple of puffs were heavy on the wood taste, most likely from the closed foot. Soon enough, a dry leather flavor with splashes of coffee showed up. This was only partly great, as the coffee had a stale taste to it. There was a noticeable presence of pepper popping in and out throughout the first third which added both strength and entertainment.” –Ron (shuckins)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The middle third starts with sweet spice and now a more pronounced flavor of almonds. As the third progresses, the nuttiness increases in intensity and towards the end, a woodsy character emerges that is offset with a more pronounced leather. The pepper is still present in every puff as well that is adding to the complexity. Still no major issues with the draw or burn.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“As I progress into the second third, the molasses flavor kind of fades out and is replaced with a nice smooth flavor of baking spices. Not overpowering, just enough to put a mild zing through the nose. Good combo with the sweet, rich tobacco flavor!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The cigar ends with a black pepper spice and a cream undertone. The retrohale becomes stronger, but can still yield great extra flavors. The sharpness of the flavors has subsided slightly, but overall, the initial flavor profile has stayed closely intact. The complexity and strength have both increased slightly, but still yield an excellent smoke.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

“The final third is much like the second in terms of flavor profile, but with the pepper getting a little bit stronger the closer I get to the end, and with the strength ramping up just a bit.” –Dave (mdwest)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

“To me, the draw was about as close to perfect as it gets.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Burn: 93

“The cigar had almost a razor sharp burn throughout, which was just another compliment that this cigar had to offer.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

Construction: 94

“A pigtail and closed foot, no easy feat I imagine, and the torcedor came through big time. As soon as the torch was applied, it took off like a thoroughbred and smoked like a champ until the end.” –Ron (shuckins)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 91

“This cigar was a truly enjoyable experience. From the initial aromas to the flavor profile, hands down, this was a well made, well constructed and well thought out cigar. For all ranges of cigar smokers, this cigar will appease to all the senses that create a magnificent experience. I highly recommend picking a few of these up if you can.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

“Easy to smoke and enjoyable flavors. I felt like there was more to enjoy, but it was being held back somehow. With such potential, it is a cigar I would like to revisit.” –Ron (shuckins)

“This was a very good cigar with a great amount of complexity with transitions between the thirds that are very desirable. The nuttiness and the sweet spice are not overpowering and mixed with the right amount of pepper. Overall, I will definitely smoke this one again.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“I really enjoyed this stogie. Loved the flavors, and the one change in the second third. I have no complaints regarding appearance, construction or flavors. I think it was well done, and one that could see definitely entering in to the rotation!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“This was a very nice cigar. If the price is right, I would absolutely consider a box purchase. One of the best reviewed this year.” –Dave (mdwest)
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Smoking Time (in minutes): 81

Edit

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall
Steve	95	90	90	90	90	95	95	95	95
Ron	92	92	90	88	90	93	97	93	90
Sandeep	88	92	92	95	92	97	97	95	92
Robert	88	88	90	90	90	97	88	95	90
Dave	92	90	90	90	90	90	85	90	90

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
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Blind Cigar Review: Rodrigo | Corona Project Vol. 1 Limitada