The JRE Aladino Maduro Corona started with an average profile and remained that way until the final third when the heavy char knocked things down some. If you're a fan of charred wood and heavy black pepper, you'll find something you like here. I just felt it was too much and didn't provide an enjoyable version of those components.
I never had the chance to smoke the original Year of the Rat, but honestly it doesn't really matter because this Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Year of the Rat 2020 was great. Therefore, I don't feel like I necessarily missed out on the original. The want to chain smoke these is high and I look forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Selección No. 1 and my score reflects that. I really got behind the flavor profile and it did more than keep my interest from beginning to end. On top of that, there was a great body and strength level with the cigar. The construction was on point and the wrapper and presentation were great.
I really enjoyed the Fratello Classico Corona. The flavors are balanced and nuanced throughout the smoking experience, highlighting the best of what a corona vitola has to offer.
The price point is quite attractive for this line and for those that find they like this, could be something they smoke often. For the Southern Draw 300 Hands Connecticut Coloniales, it's probably not something I'd be in a hurry to revisit, but like I mentioned, it's intrigued me enough to see if a different vitola provides more of what I'm looking for.
Like the majority of HVC's offerings, the HVC Serie A Perlas is yet another good example of a solid cigar. The use of quality Aganorsa tobacco honestly speaks for itself. The flavors of sweet buttered bread, nuts, fresh red pepper spice, barnyard, cedar and tannins were great, especially within the first third in which the profile was direct and focused.
Overall, I enjoyed the Oscar Valladares Super Fly Super Corona. The packaging was a little over the top, but at the same time perfect for the name of the cigar. The blend itself backed up the packaging and overall presentation of the cigar, and that is what is important.
While the Jas Sum Kral Tyrannical Buc Connecticut Generosos had a good start, it became fairly average by the middle of the second third. I'd be interested in trying this again in hopes of a better draw to see if that improved things. If you're a Connecticut fan, give this a shot, just know that there may be some elevated strength.
The Henry Clay War Hawk Corona was a very enjoyable cigar and one of my favorite Ecuadorian Connecticut offerings this year. I love the use of the Broadleaf binder and the Honduran tobacco in the filler. The cigar has a great price and winning qualities.
I can't believe the Oliva Gilberto Reserva Blanc Corona is sub $6. The cigar easily smokes like twice that amount. I'd pin point this to the more traditional side of Connecticut Shade due to the dominantly creamy, sweet, nutty aspects. That, followed up with emphasized minerals, cedar and tannins all points to a Connecticut Shade done right. Best value cigar no doubt.
