Blind Cigar Review: Aganorsa Leaf | Signature Series Corona Gorda

Cigar Info

The Aganorsa Leaf Signature Series was the first new release following the name change from Casa Fernandez to Aganorsa Leaf. This is a limited production cigar composed entirely of the tobacco from the farms of the Aganorsa. The blend is made up from corojo 99 rosado claro wrapper from Jalapa, Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. It also contains a leaf of rare medio tiempo. The cigars come packed in boxes of 20 except for the corona gorda which is 25. Only 500 boxes were made of each.

There are four sizes of the Signature Series: Robusto (5 x 52) — $9.80 (Boxes of 20, $196), Belicoso (6 1/4 x 52) — $9.90 (Boxes of 20, $198), Corona Gorda (6 x 44) — $9 (Boxes of 25, $225), and Toro (6 x 52) — $9.90 (Boxes of 20, $198).

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 44
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan (Corojo 99 Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaraguan (Esteli & Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli & Jalapa)
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA)
Blender: Max Fernandez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) John I. (John I.)
Price: $9.00
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: August 2018
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“Medium brown, corona sized cigar with plenty of small flattened veins running all over the oily wrapper. Topped by a perfect triple cap and fan tail. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Aroma: 89

“I get a faint wood/chocolate aroma on the body. Through the foot i cinnamon with cocoa. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

First Third

Blind Cigar Review: Aganorsa Leaf | Signature Series Corona Gorda

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Cigar starts with a very spicy walnutty wood, sweet molasses on the back end. Draw is very nice” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Off the light up, immediate notes of bold leather and campfire smokiness are present. Halfway through, the profile remains consistent with a touch of saltiness. Towards the end the flavors shift towards a creamy leather. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Into the mid portion, the peppery notes continue and develop into a nice rounded oak flavor. Spices are less apparent.

Strength picks up. The draw, which has been a bit snug, becomes more of an issue.”” –John I. (John I.)

“Spice dials down quit a bit but the profile remains much the same. Walnut wood and sweet molasses. Very balanced light medium.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Final Third

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

“Profile still remains the same, so a very consistent cigar. Burn has performed well with no touch ups, and draw was very nice” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Potency has definitely picked up into the final third. I’ve also removed the band and given this cigar a bit of a massage which has helped to open up the draw. Flavors have deepened, and are now primarily of rich, charred earth and coffee. “-John I. (John I.)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 88

“Very nice draw, no complaints” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 90

“Burn required no touch ups but was a little wavy at times” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Construction: 92

“Very nice construction, it burned quite slow and the ash held on for about 1/4 of an inch. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 89

“An enjoyable cigar, one I wouldn’t mind smoking again. Keeping a few around would be a good idea.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“This was a good cigar, but it surprised me by how dirty/earthy it was. I did get a little floral and cream on the retro, but it didn’t stick around long enough in my opinion before the mustiness developed along with nicotine. This is definitely not a morning cigar unless you like your 1st stick of the day to be strong. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“This cigar was just… okay. The intense salt and mineral notes detected halfway through just became a turn off for me and I really didn’t even want to finish the last inch of it, so it got tossed. Other than that the burn and draw were spot on, but the wrapper also lifted halfway through off the bunch. Not something I’d actively seek out tonsmoke again. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“What can I say, I love this format. Aside from fairly minor issues with the draw this was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke. Started with some lighter flavors, and developed into a big, rich and meaty finish. ” –John I. (John I.)