Nat Cicco HHB Gold Corona Extra – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Nat Cicco is a brand that has historically focused on making cigars at a lower price point, the HBB line is their most premium cigar. The Nat Cicco HHB Gold Habano is described as full-bodied with the blend using an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The cigar also features a pigtail cap and closed foot. It comes in 5 sizes: Corona 5.25×50, Corona Extra 6.25×50, Churchill 7.75×54, Toro 6.75×58, and Robusto 5.25×56. Pricing ranges from $8.00-$10.00

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Nicaraguan American Cigar S.A. (NACSA)
Blender: Omar Ortez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Kevin J. (maninblack77) Bill C.(Bill) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
Price: $9.23
Age: 12 Months
Release Date: July 2021
Contributed by: Nat Cicco

Initial Impressions – Nat Cicco HHB Gold Corona Extra

Appearance: 97

“This is visually an amazingly constructed cigar. Super smooth dark brown wrapper, perfectly rolled seams, and well-applied cap with a straight pigtail and a closed foot.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Aroma: 91

“There is quite a bit going on as far as aromas go. Lots of leather and salted caramel coming from the wrapper. I can’t wait to see what this smoke has in store for us.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

First Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“I decided to attempt to just twist off the pigtail and was shocked to see it work perfectly and result in a smooth and open draw. The closed foot also burned through well and didn’t flake all over me. The opening flavors were very much the heavy muskiness that I smelled on the wrapper along with a buttery toasty flavor.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)”

“Really nice flavor of the light. Milk chocolate, pepper, light earth. The chocolate is the primary flavor on the standard draw, but the pepper forces its way to the front. The draw is nice, smoke is fairly light and whispy.” –Bill C. (Bill)

Second Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Milk chocolate has transitioned to dark chocolate, earth is a new addition to the profile and seems to be replacing the pepper as the secondary flavor, pepper is still there in the background. The smoke is silky smooth. The finish is short. Cigar goes out for no apparent reason. Off bitter charcoal flavor for a few puffs and then it gets right back on track.”-Bill C. (Bill)

“As this third opens there is a slight shift in profile. The smoke on the palate is reminiscent of a slice of German chocolate cake with coconut shavings. It makes my mouth water with its rich finish. The retro is starting to match the palate with notes of Mascarpone dusted with cinnamon. The mouthfeel and finish have stayed the same. The smoke is velvety and plentiful.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Final Third

Flavor: 96
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“There were really no significant changes towards the end. I am still getting tons of cocoa, leather, caramel, and graham crackers. The strength remains consistent throughout the cigar, medium. This was impressive from start to finish.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“A sweet paprika-style spice has kicked in the final third, especially lingering after a retrohale. The bitter earth remains as the forefront flavor, but that new sweet spice addition has added just enough to take the blend to the next level.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Overall Impressions – Nat Cicco HHB Gold Corona Extra

Draw: 98

“The draw on this cigar was exceptional. Just the right amount of resistance from start to finish. Each draw has smoke billowing out of my mouth.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Burn: 96

“No re-lights or touch-ups were needed. The burn line had a few wobbles but never enough that it couldn’t rectify itself.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Construction: 97

“This cigar was constructed like the best. Visually perfect looking, a pigtail that worked perfectly, a closed foot that didn’t attack me. I wish every cigar I smoked was this well-made.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

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

“I couldn’t believe how well this cigar performed as a whole. The cocoa, leather, and salted caramel flavors mixed in with some cinnamon and graham crackers at times really created an extraordinary smoking experience. I can’t recommend this cigar enough. I’m anxious to find out what this cigar is so I can buy some more.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“Really like the flavor, really disappointed in the performance and its effect on flavor. I’ll grab another one and hope for better once I find out what it is.” –Bill C. (Bill)

“The cigar was rolled like a high-dollar stick and I always rave about a functional pigtail. I wish the blend had lived a bit more up to the construction but the flavor was solid. Opening muskiness followed by a more classing bitter earthiness. My favorite part was the final third when a sweet paprika-style spice was introduced and perked me up. Overall just based on how well made this cigar was I would smoke it again and suggest others try it.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“I cannot say enough good things about this cigar. From look to smoking experience, it has it all. The flavor profile, transitions, and construction are all top-notch. The only warning I will give is that the wrapper is fairly thin and the cigar might have some trouble in colder temperatures. Outside of that, I highly recommend seeking this cigar out and enjoying it. I will for sure be keeping an eye out for it once I know what it is.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 82

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Nat Cicco HHB Gold Corona Extra – Blind Cigar Review