Pinar Del Rio Clasico Exclusivo Corona (5.25x44)

This vitola is one of my favorite sizes to smoke, I have always found that it imparts excellent balance but allows for the flavor of the wrapper to show through. This particular cigar is sheathed in a nice medium brown wrapper that has a small split near the band and some fraying at the foot. An examination leads me to believe that the cigar will perform well, as I find no areas that are too soft or too firm. The pre light aroma is grassy, but shows some interesting spice notes. The pre light draw is a touch sour, but there are some hints of light wood present.

The cigar opens with a profile that is flat and grassy, there is little depth and there are some bitter notes present here as well. If the opening moments are any indication I will have a difficult time getting through this one. At the back of the palate there are some vegetal undertones that deflect some hints of light wood that would otherwise be pleasing. The burn is lopsided, but I do not believe it will require a touch up. The draw is a touch tight, but at this point is not causing me any distress.

The first half of the cigar proceeds in much the same way as the opening moments. The flat, grassy core profile stays consistent and that is unfortunate. At the back of the palate there is some sweetness starting to try and show through, but it is muddled against a backdrop of vegetation and loamy earth notes. The burn has evened out slightly, but the draw continues to tighten and threatens the integrity of the cigar if heat becomes an issue.

The final half of the cigar begins to show me something, but it is too little too late. The core profile picks up some nice rich wood flavors and some hints of maple syrup. The depth and complexity becomes interesting with about and inch left in the smoke, what a shame. At the back of the palate the vegetal notes have rounded into a more pleasing mix of earth and wood. If the entire cigar had been this way it would be a winner. The burn stays a bit off throughout, but causes no issues. The draw opens once I get past a small plug and settles down with about one third of the cigar left.

The finish was lingering, or maybe malingering, as there were hints of crushed aspirin left on the palate.

Appearance- 83 some issues with the wrapper and foot
Taste- 82 a very sub par front half, saved in the last third so
Construction- 84 some burn and draw issues make this sub par
Strength- 85 a very average medium
Overall- 83.25 a below average experience that could have been much worse if not for the final third of the smoke

Pinar Del Rio Oscuro Corona

This cigar presents with a dark maduro wrapper that appears to be somewhat short of the oscuro appellation it is given. The wrapper is mottled and there are some flaws, the wrapper almost seems to be applied too loosely. The pre light aroma is acidic, but there are some notes of cinnamon. The pre light draw is sour.

The cigar begins with muddled earth notes and a sour bitterness on the palate. The burn is lopsided and the ash is a dirty gray. At the half inch point the wrapper is letting go down to the one third point of the cigar. There is no further profile development and the wrapper continues to unfurl.

The final half of the cigar is bitter and sour. There are no characteristics worthy of redemption for the rest of this smoke. It is acrid and foul. The burn is lopsided and the wrapper is not holding to the binder.

The finish is horrid, with sour flavors and bitter aftertaste.

Appearance - 72 nothing is appealing about this
Taste- 70
Construction- 70 one of the worst I have ever smoked
Strength- 70 there is nothing to report here as the profile was destroyed by the sour and bitter notes
Overall- 70.5 this is about as bad as it gets

Pinar Del Rio Habano Sungrown Corona

Another new offering. This cigar presents with a chestnut hued wrapper that seems a bit light in color and dry in texture for a sungrown cigar. The wrapper is otherwise nice and has few veins. I appears to be well applied and the cigar is appropriately firm. The pre light aroma is of light honey. The pre light draw has hints of light tobacco and a grassy undertone.

The cigar begins with a very mild profile that is floral, there are some notes of dry grass at the back of the palate. The burn is a bit lopsided, but otherwise acceptable, producing a gray/black ash. The first inch of the cigar passes without and notable further development.

At just past the one third point the core of the profile is grassy with hints of other vegetation. It is not a pleasing development and there are astringent undertones coming forward. The burn has stayed consistent.

The final half of the cigar has shown no further development either. The core is still of grass and vegetation. The burn is still acceptable.

The finish is short and grassy. There is a notably bitter aftertaste. This is not like any other sungrown example that I have ever smoked. Not pleasing and not worth smoking.

Appearance- 81 and unremarkable dry and drab presentation
Taste- 73 grassy, vegetal notes accompanied by bitterness leads to a poor score
Construction- 87 the cigar was well made and burned and drew acceptably
Strength- 75 a strength that was mild, but not noteworthy when compared to the other inferior attributes of the cigar
Overall- 79 don't waste the time