J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last November, J.C. Newman relaunched the Perla del Mar line First released in 2012, this line is budget friendly but handlade at J.C. Newman PENSA in Nicaragua. The look and blends were updated in the relaunch. Coming back are the Shade and Maduro blends refreshed, but there is also a totally new blend: J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo.

The J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda uses an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It comes in what they call a Tampa-style press and sell for between $6 and $7. There are four sizes: Robusto (4 3/4 x 52) $6.45, Toro (6 1/4 x 54) $7.10, Double Toro (6 x 60) $7.60, and Corona Gorda (5 1/2 x 46) $6.45. All of them come in boxes of 25. The Perla del Mar brand goes all the way back to Cuba. The name comes from the beautiful Caribbean water that can be found in Cuba. Perla del Mar translates to Sea Pearl.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: PENSA
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Adam B. (Bushboi) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Isaac M. (The Nothing) John I. (John I.)
Price: $6.45
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: November 2020
Contributed by: J.C. Newman

Initial Impressions – J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda

Appearance: 93

“Great little box-press, The veins were flattened well, and the cigar feels firm.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Aroma: 94

“Taking a moment to smell the wrapper, I’m met with an intoxicating mixture of molasses and fermented tobacco. Turning to the foot, there is a delightful citrus note with undertones of hay and raw walnuts. After cutting the cap I take a few cold draws and the package is wrapped up nicely with a wonderful cherry cordial sweetness. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

First Third

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

“The first puffs were light and airy with very little flavor, however within a minute the smoke completely changed and flavors exploded on my palate. I was greeted with deep pepper and rich espresso. The pepper is a true black pepper that is all flavor and little heat… through the nose, the smoke is significantly smoother yet still has a punch. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Great chocolatey flavor on pre-light.  Opens with robust leather notes. Slightly sharp and peppery on the retrohale, but very manageable. Leather and slightly sweet caramel notes on display. Really enjoyable.
Mouthfeel is great, slightly slick, and definitely fills the palate. Dark wood flavor joins the show toward the finish of this third.” –John I. (John I.)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Working through the various splits and cracks the second third brought flavors of toasted wood and coffee. Relights was still a fairly consistent requirement. There was a touch of pink salt that came in partway through.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“This third opens with rich dense cream on the center of the palate. This is in complete opposition to what is happening in the retrohale. The black pepper is dominant leaving a lasting tingle. As I reach the dying moment of this third a floral note begins to build as well as a note of virgin white oak in the finish. The finish continues to be medium in length. While the ash tightens up a little bit. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Final Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Flavors remained pretty steady into the third part of the cigar with no significant changes to the overall profile. Sweetened from the beginning, however, still tasted the caramel and marshmallow flavors from the start. The burn was amazing and the draw was easy as they get. I found myself chewing on the cigar more towards the end and enjoying the aroma.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

“Into the final third the flavors are much the same as the middle portion, which is no problem for me as I’m really enjoying it! Plenty of pepper and wonderful espresso…a total win!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions – J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda

Draw: 89

“A very nice draw on this cigar. The relatively thin profile heats quickly so I need to be conscious of my puffs…a bit of a challenge since the cigar is so tasty!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Burn: 91

“It was always even but would at a time become wavy. The combustion line was thick at the beginning but became thin as I smoked on. Never once thought about touching it up. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Construction: 93

“Construction was great. No issues from start to finish. Definitely, a cigar that is on the softer side when doing a pinch test. As a cigar burned and heat it up it seems to get even softer.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 94

“First of all, I have to say that I am a huge fan of the size on this cigar. I’m glad that the industry is returning to these types of cigars after a long run of big ring gauge cigars. That being said, this was a very enjoyable cigar. I could see it easily pairing with a fresh cup of coffee each morning. Many changes throughout this long, thin cigar. Easily approachable by all levels of smokers. I will surely grab a handful of them to enjoy with my weekend coffee. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Overall this was a pretty good stick. The flavors didn’t evolve much, however, they were pleasant from start to finish. My favorite part of the cigar was the aroma from the burn line. I kept sucking it in through my nostrils and enjoying every second of it. Not too harsh but very nice. The cigar started off sort of squishy, and lead to a very chewy finish as they got to the nub. I would definitely smoke this cigar again.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

“I’m very impressed with this cigar and pleased to have been able to smoke it. The flavors were super and the performance was top-notch. My only issue is I don’t know what it was so I can buy some!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“I am certainly curious to know how good this cigar could be if it held together. Otherwise, it was a hot mess with the wrapper splitting every time you looked at it. There were glimpses of good flavors, but every other problem distracted from the taste. Every time I set it down, I’d have to pick it back up along with my touch. If this cigar is good for something, it’s burning up butane.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Loved it. This hit all of my sweet spots, leather, wood, caramel, and coffee flavors, with strength gradually building toward the finale.  Also very happy to see such a grown-up vitola treated so well. “-John I. (John I.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 68

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

J.C. Newman Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda – Blind Cigar Review