Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- light gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The Alonso Menendez No. 40, a Petit Corona from Brazil, presents itself with a brown wrapper and a slightly rough texture under the fingers. Its rustic appearance, with small veins on the wrapper, catches the eye. The construction is meticulous, revealing a promising cigar at first glance.
Upon lighting, you are greeted by a rich aromatic spectrum. The initial puffs unveil notes of chocolate and earth that quickly come to life, mingling with woody touches. As the burn progresses, the olfactory character becomes more complex, inviting an airy and captivating exploration.
On the palate, the strength builds steadily. The flavors evolve across the three thirds with a beautiful coherence. The chocolate remains constant, accompanied by a subtle presence of nuts and leather, adding a fascinating complexity. The harmony between these aromas transports you to a realm where each inhalation reveals a new facet of the cigar.
The finish is delightful, providing a smooth and silky mouthfeel, devoid of bitterness, and leading to a medium length. This balance between sweetness and strength makes it an ideal cigar for enthusiasts seeking simplicity and authenticity. It is a wise choice for those who wish to be elegantly accompanied by a small pleasure during their evening.
The perfect moment to savor this cigar would be on a sunny afternoon, ideally in the company of a gourmet coffee or a light spirit. You will definitely appreciate the versatility and enjoyment of an excellent everyday cigar that this little Brazilian gem has to offer.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its pleasant flavor and well-balanced sweetness. Highly regarded for its quality-to-price ratio, it offers an aromatic experience that is both simple and refined, making it accessible to both novices and aficionados. With its subtle pre-light aromas and careful construction, the Alonso Menendez No. 40 is a reliable choice among Brazilian cigars.
How to taste: Alonso Menendez No. 40 (Petit Corona)
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1.The Visual Examination
The Alonso Menendez No. 40 showcases a very dark, almost black hue, typical of intense maduro cigars. Its construction is exquisite, reflecting quality craftsmanship, and the Petit Corona format of 127 mm (5") with a ring gauge of 43 fits perfectly in hand.
This initial visual impression often heralds the richness of the forthcoming aromas — a beautiful wrapper and a carefully chosen format positively influence the overall perception of the tasting.
2.Pre-light Aromas
By sniffing the unlit cigar, one can detect aromas of chocolate, damp earth, and wood. These succulent notes testify to the quality of the Brazilian tobaccos used in its production.
Anticipating these aromas before lighting allows for a better appreciation of the evolving flavors and mentally prepares one for the tasting — the initial aromas provide a glimpse into the aromatic complexity to come.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut, performed just under the cap, is crucial for ensuring an easy draw. This step must be executed with care to preserve the integrity of the cigar.
A well-executed cut ensures a consistent draw, which is essential for fully appreciating the aromas and strength of the cigar without interruption or discomfort.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of this Petit Corona is easy, offering minimal resistance. This indicates good internal construction and adequate filling of the tobaccos.
A light draw ensures that the burn will proceed effortlessly, thus avoiding discomfort during the tasting — it also foreshadows a pleasant smoking experience.
5.Lighting
When lighting, it is important to ensure that the foot of the cigar is evenly toasted to avoid canoeing. The process should be slow and attentive to guarantee an even burn.
Properly lighting the cigar sets the stage for a smooth smoking experience, minimizing the risks of uneven combustion that could alter the flavor.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the strength of the Alonso Menendez No. 40 reveals itself as mild, while dominant aromas of chocolate and damp earth take center stage, accompanied by a medium volume of smoke.
This initial phase is generally the most intense and allows for a quick discovery of the cigar's personality — smoking slowly helps to appreciate the richness of the flavors without being overwhelmed.
7.Second Third
As one progresses through the tasting, secondary aromas of nuts and leather emerge, enriching the experience. The balance of the cigar remains very good, allowing for a complex evolution without saturating the palate.
This stage is crucial for appreciating the depth of the aromas — the transition to more subtle notes reveals the complexity of the blend, making each puff unique.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the Alonso Menendez No. 40 are light gray, indicating good combustion. The finish is pleasant and slightly sweet, with no bitterness, and a medium length.
The quality of the ashes and the final sensation are indicators of the mastery of drying and fermentation — a harmonious finish often reflects the complexity and richness of the blend.