Esencia Petit Corona

[smokin5]

Sorry, no pics - this was one of the blind review smokes I recently did for Smoke Magazine's Summer '09 issue, & I just learned the identity.

Basic Info (after the fact):
Esencia Petit Corona
5-1/8" x 42 ring
Nicaraguan Puro (wrapper, binder, filler)
Cost: about $130/box of 21 (+/-)


Aesthetics – A good-looking nicely-capped cigar with dark brown wrapper and leathery feel. Some veins were apparent, but none were prominent. Prelight smell revealed little.
Score: 9.0

Construction – Tightly packed, it felt like a stick. The draw began somewhat tight, but soon loosened up to allow a generous amount of smoke. The burn stayed fairly even and never off enough to correct.. The ash was dark gray, light & crumbly.
Score: 9.0

Flavor & Strength – An initial blast of black & red pepper that largely overpowered the slight earth, wood & molasses in the background. About an inch in, the pepper subsided a bit – still present, but it now allowed in more of the earthy wood & ginger-spiked molasses. Definitely a strong & feisty fella. It progressed into a softer, creamier feel to the smoke while giving a spicy almost citrusy-sweetness and a purposeful afterbite. Full-bodied and flavorful to the end.
Score: 9.2

General Comments – This is a muscular smoke that offers a nice combination of flavors and power. Paired very well with bourbon on the rocks. The best of the 5 cigars I sampled this time around. Highly recommended.