Size: 46 x 143 (5.6")Shape: Grand Corona
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Box Date: February 2007
Beverage: an IPA (I don't remember which)
Rafael González is a little-known brand from Cuba that is now made up of only two vitolas: a short panatela and a petit corona. Prior to their discontinuation this year, the lineup had included two others: a small panatela and today's review, the Corona Extra. The line must not be particularly profitable for Habanos S.A., as they've discontinued a total of 6 vitolas since 2006. Nonetheless, we discovered a box of these at our local B&M with a date of 2007 on the bottom, so we thought to give them a shot.
The Rafael González Corona Extra reviewed for this week had a fine, light brown wrapper with no soft spots apparent. The draw was a bit tight but manageable, with pre-draw notes of tobacco and cedar. Lighting was easy and the cigar produced a decent amount of smoke. We both noticed abundant but very mild flavours of cedar and hay in the beginning, followed by notes of bread and honey. The cigar picked up in strength during the second third but remained in the mild range, with some toasted tobacco and herb notes lingering on the palate. The last third became a bit sour but I could detect some mint on the finish and more honey on the draw, which balanced out the unpleasantness of the sour notes.
Although I couldn't put my finger on it, the Rafael González Corona Extra had a unique flavour that set it apart from other Cuban cigars, but had a similar (and somewhat common) profile of cedar and hay. Overall, I wasn't particularly impressed or disappointed by this corona gorda, and I'd probably smoke it again if it was offered to me. That's why it earns the decent rating of two and a half Fidels out of five.
- Carlton
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