Cigar: Corona Project Vol. 1 by Rodrigo Cigars
Size: 5 3/4 x 43
Wrapper: United States Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Sumatra Ecuador
Filler: Ligero blend of Dominican Criollo 98, Corojo, HVA (Nicaragua)
Price: $9.47 per stick at Rodrigo Cigars
Rodrigo Cigars needs no introduction from me at this point, as I’ve been more than happy to investigate several cigars that George has highlighted from his website. About six or so weeks ago, I picked up a couple of his Samplers that were on sale. While slowly working through them the last few weeks, my attention finally turned to the Corona Project Vol. 1. Rodrigo opens his information on the Corona Project Vol. 1 as such:
It started as a idea between Rodrigo Cigars owner George Rodriguez and cigar broker Brett Bowersox to bring back traditional cigar making while educating smokers about the virtues of smaller, more concentrated vitolas, namely the “corona”.
The corona size is not one that I normally reached for as that it usually has me wanting for another smoke. But after smoking the first one, I realized that I may want to reconsider that stance…or just buy more in that size.
No construction issues were found on the Corona Project that I used for review. The pre-light aroma was strong hints of cocoa, while the cold draw also had flavors of cocoa along with faint leather. Because of the tail on the clap, I made my cut and light and was greeted with an enormous amount of smoke on my very open draws. The opening flavor notes consisted of bitter cocoa, leather and a bit of spice. This cigar is on the stronger side of medium-to-full bodied and it easily jumps over the full bodied line throughout its smoking. The spice began mellowing at the seven minute mark, while the introduction of wood and pepper came to pass eight minutes after that. By the midpoint of the cigar, I started getting more bitter cocoa notes within the flavor profile while the cigar itself crossed into full bodied territory. Ten minutes after that, the introduction of a flavor I can only describe as spiced bread came into the mix. This finished out the strong and potent cigar with a smoking time of 1:06.
No problems were encountered in my smoking of the Corona Project Vol.1. This cigar made me realize that I should not be overlooking this size. While the smoking time is obviously lower, the depth and potency of flavors more than make up for it.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4.5/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9.5/10
To recap the Corona Project Vol. 1 by Rodrigo Cigars:
- Fantastic strength and flavor profile. The Corona Project, with very little effort, instantly became my favorite offering from Rodrigo.
- This might be a bit much for newer smokers or those who prefer milder fare.
- Under $10 per stick. Always a plus for me.
- There will definitely be some five packs of these finding my humidor very soon.
Thank you very much for reading. I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.
