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.
The Oliva Gilberto Reserva Corona smokes more like a $7 to $8 dollar cigar as the overall bouquet of flavors doesn't merit a cheap cigar at all. The flavor in itself isn't all that complex but it is enjoyable. For these reasons, I would revisit and many fans of "yard gars" will find this pleasing.
The Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Número 6 had a bit more black pepper spice to it than most newly marketed Equadorian Connecticut shade wrapped cigars, in which I found it to be a pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to smoking the remaining sizes in the lineup to especially gauge how much spice each vitola delivers.
In the case of the Foundation Tabernacle Havana Seed CT #142 Corona, the pure number of full flavors ranging from sweetness in chocolate, bread to spices such as dry red peppers and cinnamon made me engaged the entire time. So engaged that every draw made me say "dang this is legit." Excellent job by Nick.
The Partagas Legend Corona Extra Leyenda is an enjoyable smoking experience. With a complex flavor profile of cream, chocolate, leather, pepper, baking spices and loamy earth. I particularly enjoyed the vitola, and found the soft square press very comfortable.
The Caldwell Long Live the King MAD MF Corona is a really enjoyable cigar and a great new offering from Caldwell. Very different than the original Long Live the King. You can't go into the cigar looking for similarities to the original. Just a great cigar all around and one I will come back to down the road.