Cigar Info
The Cornelius and Anthony Venganza is another line that made its introduction at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show. Cornelius and Anthony is the premium cigar division of Virginia-based tobacco organization, S & M Brands, owned by Steven Anthony Bailey. Bailey’s family has more than 150 years in the tobacco business. With the Venganza, Cornelius and Anthony adds what it depicts as a rich and delightful, powerful cigar into the organization’s portfolio. To deliver the Venganza, Cornelius and Anthony joined forces with Erik Espinosa’s La Zona production line in Esteli, Nicaragua
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Cornelius and Anthony has been in and out of the premium cigar business for a few years, but 2016 was the year where it really set it’s spot in the market with four new lines. Three of these lines (Venganza, Daddy Mac, and the reblended Meridian line) are being created at La Zona. The fourth line, Cornelius is being created in the U.S. at the El Titan de Bronze factory in Little Havana. The name Venganza, it means “vengeance”. The bundling for the Cornelius and Anthony Venganza highlights craftsmanship of the patent of the Bailey Machine Gun. It was outlined by Fortune Bailey and often called the Gatling Gun, the Bailey Machine Gun was a fast discharge automatic weapon. It is a symbol of the power behind this cigar. The text ““Use only Venganza-Caliber Stogies for Maximum Effect” appears on the cigars box.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 4 – Mickey T. (irratebass) Gregg (McGreggor57) Dave W. (mdwest) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Price: $9.00
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: July 2016
Contributed by: Cornelius & Anthony
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 89
“A nice darker wrapper with a few small veins. The cap is applied nicely and there is a consistent firmness throughout the cigar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Aroma: 90
“The initial aroma was very heavy with hay and dirt present. It was a nice mixture together that was pleasant to the palate. The cold draw was rich with earth, hay, and a slight coffee bean. Real pleasant.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
First Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“This one begins with the anticipated black pepper leaving a burn to the retrohale and a bit of char on the back of the throat. Underneath is some leather and cocoa. The spice fades revealing a creamy leather with a little sweetness on the finish.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“The cigar produces a very dry mouthfeel, and is completely devoid of any oil. Notes are leather and hay, and are well balanced and enjoyable.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Second Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Cream & black pepper have shown up in the second third now. Still have that Woody/earth flavors as well, the pepper is a nice touch.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“The second third profiles much like the first with leather notes in the forefront and some hay or dry grass in the background. Complexity is limited, but the flavor is nice and enjoyable.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The pepper wasn’t in the final third, but the cream, coffee & wood were way up front.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“The final third finished off clean with just a slight uptick in heat. The flavors turned a little hot toward the very end, but were not too harsh.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 90
“I used a punch, and the draw was very open, no issues, and plenty of smoke output.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Burn: 89
“The burn wavered throughout the smoking experience. Touch ups were needed to get it back on track, but they didn’t seem to hinder the overall experience.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 90
“This was a very nice cigar. The build was solid with seamless lines and a great feel. The overall look was soft and inviting, rounding out just a nice overall cigar.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 90
“This was a nice smoke, but I believe it needs more time in the humidor to show it’s full potential. This cigar would be a nice cigar to enjoy midday after lunch on your patio.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Limited but very good flavors. If you’re a fan of leather, mild cedar and cocoa you might want to give this one a try. The initial spice helped set the mood as the balance came together nicely once the pepper faded. This is a cigar I would smoke all day long.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“Overall a pretty simple, cigar. What it lacked in complexity however it made up for with a nice flavor profile and solid construction. If the price were right I’d consider buying a few to smoke again in the future.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar and all it had to offer. I was surprised by the fullness of this cigar based on my initial observations of the softer colored wrapper. This cigar had a tremendous amount of rich smoke filling the mouth and a stronger experience then most in this class. Great smoke and great build. Enjoy these after dinner with a nice cocktail.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 64
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Reviewer
|
Appearance
|
Aroma
|
1/3
|
2/3
|
3/3
|
Draw
|
Burn
|
Constr.
|
Overall
Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mickey T. | 97 | 92 | 87 | 88 | 92 | 95 | 90 | 97 | 92 |
| Gregg | 90 | 90 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 90 |
| Dave W. | 90 | 88 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 88 |
| Steve | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 90 | 90 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.