Cigar Info
Two weeks ago, we reviewed the new Corona Gorda size in Protocol‘s Sir Robert Peel line in the Maduro version. Now, we are reviewing the Natural, Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Corona Gorda. These new sizes have been out since April. The Corona Gordas measure 5 5/8 x 46 and also carry the distinction of being round while the rest of the Sir Robert Peel line is box-press.
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.
Both versions of the Sir Robert Peel Corona Gorda cost $11.50 per stick or $115.00 for a 10-count box. Like most other Protocol cigars, they are La Zona in Esteli, Nicaragua under the supervision of Hector Alfonso Sr. The name Sir Robert Peel comes from the man of the same name who is considered the father of modern day policing. Cubariqueño Cigar Co and its owners are involved in law enforcement and this is an homage to that man.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona
Blender: Juan Cancel, Hector Alfonso Sr., Erik Espinosa
Number of reviewers: 5 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Randy B. (randobush) Diana (ArmyRN)
Price: $11.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: April 2021
Contributed by: Cubariqueño
Initial Impressions – Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Corona Gorda
Appearance: 88
“A nice corona cigar with a very lumpy classically brown wrapper. It has smooth seams as well as what appears to be a well-applied triple cap.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Aroma: 89
“Getting a lot of musty smell with some sweet hints of flower sweetness from the foot to the cap. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Notes of pepper spice, a smokiness, a tang almost like a BBQ sauce, underlying woodiness” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“There was an instant grassiness to the cigar at the first puffs. It backed off a little as I got about a half-inch in. There was a slight cashew mix with some light molasses and cedar. Moving further into the first half there was more of lemongrass mixed with some baking spices and honey. The woodiness was there but more in the background.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Second Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The chocolate flavor fades into a more leathery earth taste in the second third. A slightly sweet baking spice has emerged on the retrohale. As a note, the ash has been a disaster, flaking and falling on me often.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“Brown sugar, salted butter, cinnamon, sweet cayenne. Retro is right on the edge of maximum flavor enhancement, with no pepper zing, but you get the sweet cayenne. Draw and smoke output is perfect. Nice long flavorful finish. I’m digging it.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Final Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The cigar finishes with a bit more of the same. Slight milk chocolate and leather note along with just a hint of spice on the retrohale. Nothing overly complex but a good solid flavor.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“The cigar at this point has little flavors being picked up by the tongue. Very light mouthfeel to the smoke. Even on the retrohale, the black pepper is now pretty light.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
Overall Impressions – Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Corona Gorda
Draw: 96
“No problems with this draw at all. I never struggled but I never felt like it was too loose either. It remained consistent throughout the entire smoke.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Burn: 91
“Zero issues with the burn. Nice and even burn throughout, with zero touch-ups or relights needed.” –Randy B. (randobush)”
Construction: 93
“Overall the outer construction was excellent but there were some burn issues near the end, and extremely loose and flaky ash that I often ended up wearing.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 92
“The cigar I thought was going to be pretty good from the smell. Then getting into the smoke there was little overall flavor and not much to the smoking experience. 1st third had some flavor and then after that, there was nothing to taste.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
“Great flavors and draw, just had issues with having to relight several times.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“If it wasn’t for the extreme chemical flavor in the first couple of inches this would have been a solid smoke. Nice leather and chocolate notes, nothing overly complex but for an hour’s smoke, it would be reliable. I would try this again to see if I just happened to get a slightly off sample.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“This cigar was a real treat. Exceptional flavors throughout, with subtle transitions. Even at the end of the final third, flavors were still a delight, with no heat or bitterness. I would smoke this cigar over and over.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“I really enjoyed this cigar. I liked the look of it and the vitola was right in my wheelhouse. The interesting mix of flavors provided something for every area of my palette. The only thing missing from my flavor loves was some leather, lol. Other than that this cigar is definitely something I would love to visit again and perhaps make part of my rotation.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 62
| Reviewer | Appear. | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall Experience |
| Chad M. | 85 | 88 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 83 |
| Joseph S. | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 93 | 85 | 90 | 90 |
| Lauren S. | 95 | 92 | 78 | 88 | 88 | 97 | 92 | 95 | 88 |
| Randy B. | 88 | 88 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 97 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| Diana | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 95 | 95 | 93 | 95 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.