Graycliff 1666 Petit Corona Maduro

This is a vintage that I have never smoked before. The cigar presents with a dark toothy maduro wrapper that is nearly black in color. The veining is minimal and the cigar is supple and well packed. The pre light aroma is acidic with ammonia notes. The pre light draw is non descript with some light hints of tobacco.

The cigar begins with hints of espresso and light cocoa, there is an acidic undertone that is present but not hurting the core flavors of the cigar. The burn is sharp and there is a noticable presence of oils around the shoulder at the edge of the burn.

One inch into the cigar the acidic undertone drops away and an underlying hint of orange peel becomes noticeable. This marries nicely with the core of espresso and cocoa that is still at the head of the experience. The shoulder is prominent and the ash burns slightly lopsided with a nice gray/white color and a flaky texture. This cigar produces mouthfuls of satisfying smoke, a little surprising as Petit Coronas usually do not yield billows of smoke. There is some harshness through the nose, but it does not detract from the overall presentation of flavors.

At the halfway point the cigar develops some bitterness as the core of flavors falls away. I am left with the citrus undertone and bitterness. The experience has deteriorated at this point. There is also some sort of acidic bite that is presenting itself.

The last third of the cigar recovers somewhat as some rich tobacco notes assert themselves and there is a return of some light cocoa. Interestingly, a peppery flavor has come around in the final stages as well.

The finish is short and bitter. There are hints of pepper and earth, but they are muddled and difficult to identify.

Appearance- 91 a beautiful cigar
Taste- 77 the flavors were prominent in the first half, but deteriorated in the last half
Construction- 88 well made and held up well
Strength- 77 this is trying to be full offering, but it is difficult to evaluate because of the acidity and bitterness that throw off the experience
Overall- 83.25