ADVentura The Navigator Francis D. – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The ADVentura The Navigator line got a new size last April, Francis D. Corona. This 6 x 44 parejo is named after Sir Francis Drake, a famous 16th century English explorer who is most famous for circumnavigating the globe in a single expedition from 1577 to 1580.

The ADVentura The Navigator Francis D. Corona is the same blend as the other sizes in the line, consisting of Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper, Indonesian Sumatra binder, and Dominican, Nicaraguan and Ecuadorian fillers. Brand owner Marcel Knobel says that because of the smaller ring gauge, the corona will be more complex than the other sizes because of the increased ratio the wrapper plays in the blend.

The cigar is rolled at Tabacalera William Ventura in the Dominican Republic. It comes in boxes of 20 that sell for $212, or $10.60 per stick. This is a regular production line and size. The Navigator line has been sold in Europre for many years, but didn’t make its way to the U.S. until May of 2019. In the U.S. the rest of the line includes Cabral, a 6 x 54 toro and Pinzón, a 5 x 50 robusto. In Europe, they get for unique vitolas, Magellan (4 3/4 x 54), Vespucci (5 1/4 x 52), Columbus (6 x 60), and a Cadamosto (6 1/4 x 50 a torpedo).

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 44
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Sumatra, Indonesia
Filler: Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura
Blender: Marcel Knobel, Henderson Ventura
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Sean F. (fullermaine) Alan (Eulogy) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) James H. (Keikan Jim)
Price: $10.60
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: April 2021
Contributed by: ADVentura Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 92

“This beautiful corona-sized cigar is wrapped in a well-textured medium to dark brown leaf with some slightly visible seams and a triple cap. The cigar has a nice sheen and is firmly packed with no soft spots.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Aroma: 94

“The aroma is very characterized with many smells. earthy molasses aged tobacco almost fruity. Very good smells.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The syrupy mouthfeel is still there but there is a lack of sweetness that was present on the predraw. Rich notes of cedar and leather seats from a new car make up the core of the profile with hay and coffee at the end.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“The sugar notes give way to some strong black pepper notes.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The second third takes a walk on the dark side. Any citrus I may have detected on light-up has disappeared and dark fruit, earth, and dark wood have taken the lead. I still get some cedar but that is relegated to the finish which is still plenty long. The retro-hale now is a nice smooth mix of white and black pepper. This second third is amazing!” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

“The leather and cedar notes are very crisp with a fantastic smoke output. I find a slightly sour stone fruit note, baking spice, and mineral finish with a syrupy mouthfeel.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The notes bounce around on this portion of the cigar. Notes of peanut oil with a hint of black pepper.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“This cigar gets better as it goes! The flavors just suit my palate. Dark fruit, earth, and wood with a slight cedar finish are the same as the second third, however, they seem to be crisper and more refined. WOW!” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Draw was almost effortless, adding to the enjoyment of the cigar.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Burn: 96

“Decent even burn, no relights or touch-ups.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Construction: 94

“Everything looked great from the seams, triple cap, and blemish-free wrapper. The body felt solid pre-light and it performed perfectly.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 93

“Cigar has a rough start but improves not long after the first third. A pretty enjoyable cigar that I would not mind smoking again or even purchase a few to put into my humidor.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Another great quick smoke that was enjoyable from beginning to end. Nice sweet and spicy notes with subtle hints of peanut and cocoa. A cigar I’d seek out and try again. Grab a few of these for your humidor and let the pleasure begin.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“If I’m being nitpicky, I would have liked a bit more flavor transitions since it was really just notes of leather and cedar the entire time. Everything that it did right far outweighs that though. I think this would pair great with coffee and I could see myself picking up a fiver of these.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Very enjoyable smoke, the flavor profile would be good for an after-dinner treat.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this cigar and would consider it to be a premium cigar for sure. Once I find out what it is, I am going to purchase a box! Starts off with a hint of citrus and develops nicely in a dark sweet and earthy smoke and finishes off beautifully.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 74

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

ADVentura The Navigator Francis D. – Blind Cigar Review