K.A. Kendall’s 7-20-4 Corona

It’s been a little while since I’ve done a review having been a bit under the weather since…well, since before Christmas believe it or not. I’m just now starting to really get the old taste buds back to working; however still not 100%. Although there’s still snow on the ground, it’s not bad out on the back porch with the temp gauge showing 52F and a low humidity of 28%. I’ll certainly be glad when all the snow has melted, but from what I’m hearing there may be more coming, which I’m really hoping it doesn’t. One time is enough for around here!

I’ve poured a glass of Terrapin Hop Monster to have with the K.A. Kendall’s 7-20-4 received from another excellent BOTL, who I thank very much for sending. Admittedly, I had not heard of this cigar before, and after some research found that it is revived from an old line from the R. G. Sullivan factory that existed from 1875 to 1963 and was located at 724 Elm Street in Manchester, NH, hence the name of the cigar. Also, you can see the now owner of the brand K.A. (Kurt) Kendall has his name across the front of the band, who’s shop is called Twin Smoke Shop, also located in NH.

Inspecting the cigar, I find the Brazilian wrapper very dark with leather like appearance, noticeable oil, and one prominent vein running the length. It is firm when squeezed, has a good weight in the hand, and after punching the pigtail cap I find the draw to have slightly more resistance than I like; however air does flow through well enough with a rich, earthy tobacco taste coming through in the cold draw.

I light the foot and blow on the embers ensuring an even burn, take a few quick puffs, and then let the cigar rest for a bit. After a small amount of ash has formed, I take a couple more quick puffs and then a slow, long draw. There’s a soft spiciness on the back of the tongue and throat, that of a mild black pepper. The strength is a good medium with the smoke smooth, but with full body over the palate leaving a somewhat oiliness in the mouth. Flavors are rich and full from the get go, dark earth comes to mind first and then a bit of coffee and sweet cocoa in the lasting finish.

Through the first third and into halfway, the burn is razor sharp with a light gray ash forming in thick layers, holding strong until tapped off in the ashtray. Full bodied smoke is flowing just right through the perfect draw with the strength continuing to be right at medium and spice still somewhat mild on the back of the tongue. Flavors have been consistent with tastes of earth, coffee, and a rich, sweet cocoa that lasts in the delicious finish.

I will say that in the final half, especially getting towards the end, the strength picked up becoming a close full with the spice kicking up a notch as well. The burn remained sharp to the very end with the ash light and holding strong, the draw perfect for the almost full strength and full body. The finish lasted long after exhaling slowly through the mouth and nose, very rich and delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar from beginning to end and again must thank another BOTL for the opportunity to try it out. Excellent smoke my friend!