Corona Gordas - Tribute/Reviews/Comparison

[TomHagen]

I have transferred over this project, as it is a valuable work in progress...

Feedback please!

Corona Gorda – The White Horse

I got inspired to create new thread and comparison/review by my love of one of the rarest of sizes – the Corona Gorda 5 5/8 X 46. In today cigar marketplace most lines of cigar brands don’t even include this size, especially outside of Cuba. (Even my personal favorite Padron doesn’t have this size in their profile) It took me a while to arrive upon my favorite size Corona Gorda because in most humis larger ring-gauges are paramount, Robustos are king, Lanceros are romanticized, and although I constantly smoke these sizes (among others), the Corona Gorda remains in the background in all her glory.

Many connoisseurs consider the Corona Gorda to be their favorite size, due to its balance and complexity of flavor(s). It is well-regarded due to its balance of proportions between wrapper, binder and filler. The Corona Gorda is not too thick, not too slim, not too long and not too short, but has a great feel in the mouth and in the hand and gives a great flavor profile for it’s smoking time. Classic.

In fact in a recent Cigar Aficionado article about the cigar size of choice for cigar makers, many said that the Corona size, and specifically the Corona Gorda, was best for tasting all of the elements of a cigar blend. Of the makers who specifically said the Corona Gorda was their favorite, Ernesto Perez-Carillo said he “gets the most complexity and taste from the blend”, Jonathan Drew of Drew Estates mentioned the mouth-feel, Dion Giolito of Illusione said the Corona Gorda is the “perfect vehicle for flavor” and Pete Johnson of Tatuaje also said it was his favorite size because “this is one of the all-time greatest sizes… To me, this cigar is like the white horse in the field with a bunch of regular horses.” One of my best resources on Cuban cigars, (in the Cuban factories frequently) considers the Corona Gordas coming out of Cuba to be the “best bang for the buck” as far as flavor, smoking time and price point.

We are all familiar with the classic Cuban Corona Gordas – Punch Punch, H. Upmann Magnum 46. SLR Serie A, Cohiba Siglo IV, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1, Juan Lopez Seleccion No 1 etc… but this comparison focuses more on the few NC Corona Gordas on the market. While not in the profile of most cigar lines, it should come as no surprise that the majority of them are rolled by Don Pepin Garcia, one of the best and most authentic rollers/blenders that create cigars the Cuban tradition. The other cigars are by Illusione, Ashton VSG and the one CC is the Punch Royal Seleccion #11, what many consider to be the best Corona Gorda coming out of Cuba today, yet not one of the aforementioned standard Corona Gordas. Here’s the breakdown…


Tatuaje Black
Tatuaje Havana IV Hermosos
Tatuaje White P1
La Riqueza #3
Cabaiguan Guapo 46
Don Pepin Garcia Blue Exquisitos
Illusione cg:4 white horse
Illusione eccj 15th Anniversary
Ashton VSG Corona Gorda
Cabaiguan Maduro 46
Padilla 1932 Corona Gorda
Punch Royal Seleccion #11

I will be reviewing each of these smokes, at least one per week on this thread. I have not reviewed many cigars, nor claim to have the most developed palate, but I hope you enjoy the ride.
If you have any other Corona Gordas you would like added to this thread or any input let me know.








It was easy to pinpoint this size for review, because so few cigars fall into these parameters, but I think this kind of cross-section review of similiar Marcas in the same size by true BOTL's is of great interest to CA members.

ps.Thanks to Dan from New Havana Cigars for helping complete this line-up.

[TomHagen]

Tatuaje Havana VI Hermosos

Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

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Blended in the style of the flavorful yet Medium Bodied Cuban Cigars.
Cigars are rolled in Nicaragua using select Nicaraguan tobaccos and classic cuban blending with a beautiful Cuban triple-cap.

Staying true to the pride of El Rey de Los Habanos. The Hermoso is simply a perfect size, and translates to "beautiful, lovely, fine" - all of which describe the Havana VI blend in a size that everyone is bound to enjoy. This corona gorda highlights the flavors in the blend and allows the cigar to change in subtle stages while smoking it.

The Hermosos are made in Esteli Nicaragua at the Tabacalera Cubana factory overseen by Don Pepin Garcia.
(taken from Tatuaje & NHC websites, respectively)

This is my first review here, so here goes...

Firstly, the wrapper and appearance of the cigar was wonderful. Few veins, nice oily-ness, slightly toothy in spots, but very symmetrically rolled and wrapped.

So to my surprise, upon cutting it with my Palio, the cap revealed tobacco which almost appeared to be short filler stuck in the end. Small chunks of tobacco were exposed and fell out!!! Never had this happen with a Tatuaje before (and I have been through almost the whole lines of Brown and Red), so I decided to cut slightly lower (as I cut a little high up on the cap usually) and the same thing happened again and some the wrapper cracked revealing binder!!! OUCH!!

Not to be totally crushed, I fired it up, and immediately that wonderful aroma of Tatuaje Havana VI wafted up...Toasted Black Cherries, a slight Chocolateyness and eventually developed a little spice about 1/2 inch in. I find this flavor very akin to Illusione MK, a little in San Cristobal (but less cherry) and in some Padron 26 Maduro (esp. no. 35 the small one). I really love it! Here it is less sweet than a Maduro, more powerful, and less complex, more bold than in the Illusione's signature taste.
The cigar didn't change much in flavor throughout, but certain nuances came out and dissappeared. Very consistant.
The initial flaw in the cap didn't hurt the burn, which was perfect, leaving a solid beautiful white ash.
The rough cut on the cap left an unpleasantness in the feel, and little tobacco bits in my mouth like a short filler or machine rolled - very uncharachteristic for a Tatuaje. Copious amounts of smoke on a very even perfect draw.

Overall: out of 10
Flavor 9
Burn/Draw 10
Appearance 9
Construct 6
Value 10 (most CG's aren't cheap because they come from premium brands, and are smaller smokes, so this is relative)
Smoking Experience 8
Total Avg. 8.67
I focus a lot on flavor being paramount, so I definitely would buy again and try again, cause the cap issue was the only bad factor. Consistant flavor throughout.

[TomHagen]

The cg:4, which measures 5 5/8 inches by 46 ring, has balance as well as strength, with sweet leather, nuts and cocoa on the palate. The cigars are the brainchild of Dion Giolito.

MADE BY: Fernandez y Fernandez
FACTORY LOCATION: Honduras
WRAPPER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Nicaragua
FILLER: Nicaragua
Dion Giolito blended these cigars using tobacco from first generation Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 seeds. They are beautifully constructed, featuring a Cafe Colorado wrapper and a cuban style triple cap.

The entire line is as filled with hidden meanings as the cigars are filled with flavor.

Made at the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras from 100% Nicaraguan tobacco.

(from CA & NHC)

Which one is it Fernandez or Raices Cubans in Honduras??? or it the same thing??



The Illusione cg:4 is referred to as the "white horse" by Dion. As we know it was rated very highly on CA, ok, who cares, here goes...

First, let me say I smoke these cigars, Illusione and specifically the cg:4, very frequently.

Beautiful reddish-dark brown (colorado?) wrapper, sharp clean cut.




This particular specimen didn't have the sweetness, sweet leather or burnt black cherry-like flavor other cg:4's have had. It was more cuban-eque with a balanced earthy, tobacco flavors. I definitely enjoyed the cigar and the change in it's flavor profile, but was expecting the same.

As with most in the Illusione line, this cigar starts with a strong flavour and develops into a more moderate flavor, and then builds again by the nub (this is where the classic Illusione sweet, charred cherry flavor returned).

The cigar's first third burned razor sharp, a little uneven in the middle for a short while, but evened out on it's own shortly there after.

I must say this specimen, was different also, in that it wasn't as complex, yet consistent and tasty.

Overall: out of 10
Flavor 8
Burn/Draw 9
Appearance 9
Construct 8
Value 10 (most CG's aren't cheap because they come from premium brands, and are smaller smokes, so this is relative)
Smoking Experience 8
Total Avg. 8.67

[elderboy02]

Nice! I love those ~cg:4's~

I can't wait for the rest of the reviews!

[BengalMan]

This is an awsome idea. Looking forward to seeing your review on the ECCJ. Unfortunately I missed the release of these.

[Coz77]

Awesome line up you got there...looking forward to the rest of your reviews.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by BengalMan

This is an awsome idea. Looking forward to seeing your review on the ECCJ. Unfortunately I missed the release of these.

They have been re-released. Check with Dan at NHC.

[ucla695]

Cool thread! I can’t wait to read the next reviews.

[Yazzie]

Thanks for doing this. Can't wait for your review on the Ashton VSG which is one of my favorite NC's

[gvarsity]

This is a great thread. Thank you for making the sacrifice to commit to smoking this whole lineup. Love the Guapos myself. One of my personal best finds of 08. Keep the reviews coming.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by gvarsity

This is a great thread. Thank you for making the sacrifice to commit to smoking this whole lineup. Love the Guapos myself. One of my personal best finds of 08. Keep the reviews coming.

Yeah... but it's cold out there, and the typing and the photo uploads... oy!

The Guapos are definitely one of my best finds of 08 as well. I was put off by the mild/dry finish of the orig. Cabaiguans, but these Guapos are great!!!

[Boobar]

The corona gorda has become one of my favorite sizes. I really love the Ashton VSG, the Illusione cg:4, and I also really like the La Flor De Cano Predilectos. The La Flor is not quite to the caliber that the other 2 are but it is a great every day smoke.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by Boobar

The corona gorda has become one of my favorite sizes. I really love the Ashton VSG, the Illusione cg:4, and I also really like the La Flor De Cano Predilectos. The La Flor is not quite to the caliber that the other 2 are but it is a great every day smoke.

Interesting, I have never had one... but I was recently VERY impressed by one of the La Flor de Cano Selectos someone sent me. It had a darker wrapper and was incomparable to a somewhat lighter one I had before which was horrible. It came in the cello with the red peel-away band to open the plastic. Is the Predilectos similiar??

[troutbreath]

Cool thread! I look forward to following this as you continue!

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by gvarsity

Just wanted to chime in with another review of the Illusione CG:4 don't want to threadjack but I didn't feel the need to start a whole new thread either. Love the Corona Gorda size and am enjoying this thread.

Please CHIME IN!! This would be great to have an interactive thread with everyones input!

Beautiful cigar. Agreed!! Nice Colorodo wrapper.

You couldn't just sip it because it really didn't draw much smoke unless it was pretty hot on the other hand it got to hot very easily which wiped out all of the nice flavors.

I have had this EXACT experience before with MANY of the Illusione line. While many are excellent, there seems to be some inconsistencies in many regards.

Thanks for the great input and review! The more feedback the better!

[gvarsity]

Originally Posted by TomHagen

TI have had this EXACT experience before with MANY of the Illusione line. While many are excellent, there seems to be some inconsistencies in many regards.

I'm not sure if it's inconsistencies or just how the blend is put together. It might have been a tad wet but generally showed good construction. I've only had one so I can't tell if it was representative of the line or not. I will happily try these again when I get the chance. I have been following another thread about buying way more cigars than I can smoke. I'm lucky to get one or two a week and I think I added 70+ to my hoard in December. Fifty of those being in the corona gorda size thank you. Whats next on your list to review?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by alfbacca

It's because of this thread that I found myself clicking continue on an order that included Ashton VSG Corona Gordas and DPG Exquisitos yesterday morning. Corona Gordas have been my go-to size for the past month, especially those Cabaiguan Guapos 46. Thanks for putting this all together and can't wait for the next review.

Originally Posted by gvarsity

I'm not sure if it's inconsistencies or just how the blend is put together. It might have been a tad wet but generally showed good construction. I've only had one so I can't tell if it was representative of the line or not. I will happily try these again when I get the chance. Agreed. They can be too wet. I have been following another thread about buying way more cigars than I can smoke. I'm lucky to get one or two a week and I think I added 70+ to my hoard in December. Fifty of those being in the corona gorda size thank you. Whats next on your list to review?

WOW! I am really glad this thread is pushing some BOTL's down the slope!!!

I have a few cigars already smoked with pics. Just not reviewed here yet. I will try to post soon. I also have been affected by the weather to try an enjoy a smoke (and take pics) for the review. Most of my winter smoking is at a B&M. Being that I only have 1 of most of these smokes, and don't have the $ to stock up (esp. in the winter, when I go to the B&M for 1 smoke at a time), I try and really get an accurate portrayal of what they are about.

[TomHagen]

La Riqueza #3

Origin: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8
Ring Gauge: 46
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

1) The Riches or The Wealth in Spanish.
2) An Old World Medium Bodied Cuban Style Cigar created by Pete Johnson

Wrapper: Naturally Dark USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Another Don Pepin Garcia (& Pete Johnson (Tatuaje)) creation.

Blended in the style of the Full Flavored Medium Bodied Cuban Cigars.
Cigars are rolled in Nicaragua with traditionally cuban box press in dress boxes.

La Riqueza is an old cuban brand name from the 1920's that was made in the Quintero factory in Cuba. The artwork replicates the original with a few updates, of course.

Rolled at Tabacalera Cubana in Esteli Nicaragua. The Riqueza wrapper is the product of the Oliva Tobacco Company. Triple cap.

Dress boxes of 25.



First one notices the unique dark, tight wrapper with it's oily, toothy sheen and it's intense box press which almost flattens the cigar. This I believe it to give the feeling of being lighter, without heft in the hand (or mouth), and possibly made with less tobacco, so as to maintain the girth of a 46 ring gauge even after being pressed.

(click the images)


The draw was tight (as on many La Riqueza) on this "slight" stick, yet it burned very evenly throughout, imparting a good amount of smoke, yet due to it's seemingly light girth was not a comfortable "feel" in the hand (almost cigarette-like).



The flavors are very nice on this stick, the dark conneticut broadleaf imparting much of the flavor to this stick especially in a pressed 46 ring gauge, possibly leaving little room for filler. Though not very complex, the developing flavours were consistant and enjoyable.



There was a semi-sweet leathery-ness and pleasant charred taste after the initial spice (and a noted dryness) died down that built as the stick progressed through the smoking. It began a wet earthiness, that wasn't so complex.



It got stronger, yet hotter, as one reached the nub. The stick seem to end in any development as I reached the nub, nothing new, and I tasted everything it had to offer.
It had nice aromas throughout that I wished I could taste, but were somehow overpowered.

Overall: out of 10
Flavor 7
Burn/Draw 9
Appearance 9
Construct 7
Value 8 (most CG's aren't cheap because they come from premium brands, and are smaller smokes, so this is relative)
Smoking Experience 7
Total Avg. 7.83

Personal note: I have enjoyed many of the sizes of the La Riqueza, yet have been generally under-whelmed by the line, especially for the price/demand. The Robusto/Hermosa #4 size being the most enjoyable so far, perhaps due to its more square than flattened rectangle shape and it's slightly bigger girth giving it some more complexity. I really enjoyed the #4 the best, it was great!!! I think that the Tatuaje and Cabaiguan Guapo lines are a much better product IMHO. Yet, the La Riqueza definitely has it's niche and is a fine smoke. Recommend to try.

[alfbacca]

It's because of this thread that I found myself clicking continue on an order that included Ashton VSG Corona Gordas and DPG Exquisitos yesterday morning. Corona Gordas have been my go-to size for the past month, especially those Cabaiguan Guapos 46. Thanks for putting this all together and can't wait for the next review.

[ActionAndy]

Very cool thread, smoked a lot of those sticks without even realizing the size was something special..