Micallef A Petit Corona – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

In 2020, Micallef announced a new line of cigars dedicated to their Brand Ambassadors, the Micallef A, with the “A” standing for Ambassador. There was a soft launch in March of 2020 with a full release in August later that year. The initial vitola was a 6 3/4 x 54 toro extra with a 6 x 60 gordo getting added in August of 2022. At the PCA trade show in 2022, they added another size, the Petite Corona which measures 4 x 46. The cigars we were given have an upper case “A” but the actual final product that hit shelves has a lower case “a” because of the smaller size.

All sizes of the A use the same blend, a Nicaraguan Sumatra wrapper, Sumatran binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The petite corona is made as a regular production and comes in 50-count boxes priced at $275 or $5.50 per cigar.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Petite Corona
Length: 4″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sumatra
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: Micallef Cigars S.A.
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Mickey T. (irratebass) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Alan (Eulogy) John A. (Bostoneo) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $5.50
Age: 1 Year
Release Date: July 2022
Contributed by: Micallef Cigars

Initial Impressions – Micallef A Petit Corona

Appearance: 88

“This is a very tiny cigar with a dark chocolate wrapper and well applied triple cap. There are a few chips at the foot and some odd bulging in the body but it still looks well made.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Aroma: 89

“Am I at a rodeo because all I can smell is leather and barnyard?” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“On the cold draw I pick up must and dry leaves. This is going to be a quick smoke I presume. I am picking up sweet tobacco mixed with some earthiness. The cigar is a mild to medium and the earthiness is not altering the strength.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The initial flavors of this small cigar are dark and musty compost and have none of the sweetness hinted at in the pre-light aroma. On the finish, I'm getting a bit of nutmeg, particularly through the nose.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Second Third

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

“I'm about an inch in, and there's a nice bit of unsweetened cocoa, that pairs fantastically with the cayenne.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“Quickly moving into the second third, the medium-full bodied experience persists. A soy sauce like sweetness followed by black pepper and minerals keep pace in a well-balanced format.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“It took awhile to really develop flavors but the ending is truly the highlight of the cigar. Rich notes of grain, leather, stone fruit, and red pepper finally show up to the party.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“As I get down to the nub, the cayenne is in full effect, dominating every time I draw.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“I used a straight cut on this cigar and had no issues with the draw. There was a little bit of resistance which I prefer.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 93

“I had no issues with the burn on this little cigar other than it was just a bit fast and hot. No relights or touch ups needed.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Construction: 90

“There were a few chips in the wrapper but it still looked well made. The seams were drum tight, the triple cap well applied, and the body had a nice solid feel pre-light.” –Alan (Eulogy)

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

“This cigar did not do it for me, sadly. I was a very one sided smoke with the only flavors I got out of it was sweet tobacco mixed with some earthiness. I would not seek these out.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“This was a nice little full bodied petite corona that would hit the spot on a chilly day when you don't want to be outside too long. Besides the heat, the flavors were enjoyable and would pair well with a full bodied beverage.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“There was a lot of transitions from the first third to the final third and they kept getting better. The problem was the first third was almost unsmokeable and the last was great. Thankfully the cigar was very tiny and at about forty-five minutes it didn't take long to get to something work smoking. This would probably be a good wintertime smoke with its short stature if you enjoy a very fresh cut grass start.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“This was a delightful medium to medium-full bodied cigar was a nice smoke for a short break. Construction was fantastic for this short cigar as evidenced by the burn and draw. Big and bold flavors from dark chocolate, leather, soy sauce and pepper led the way in some shape or form while smoking this one, providing a quick and enjoyable experience. While it may of been a little to full bodied for me, it still didn't let me down in the flavor department. Great choice for those on a time crunch and want a quick pick me up.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“When it comes to short cigars, I really never expect there to be a ton of complexity, and this one is no different, but it definitely did not lack in flavor, with a constant barrage of cayenne and unsweetened cocoa. This really hit the spot as a post dinner cigar for me and would work well with a bit of time constraint necessary.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 44

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Micallef A Petit Corona – Blind Cigar Review