Corona Gordas - Tribute/Reviews/Comparison

[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.

[TomHagen]

La Riqueza #3 nub



Next reviews are probably a Tat Black, Punch Royal Seleccion #11 (2007), Esencia Corona Gorda...