Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Corona Gorda (46x5.625)
11 – 18 €
10 – 17 CHF
Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
Be the first
Organoleptic profile
Strength
full-bodied
Balance
medium
Draw
tight
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Corona Gorda presents itself with a wrapper from Mexico, featuring a slightly oily texture and visible veins. In hand, the presentation is elegant, though the appearance of the seams may lack refinement. Its generous size of 46x5.625 inches promises a robust experience with each draw.
The first contact immerses you in a rich aromatic world. Pre-light, you detect notes of chocolate, accompanied by spicy nuances. Upon lighting, the magic continues with aromas of wood and earth, supported by a hint of black pepper. The transformation is palpable, with each puff revealing a refined complexity that deserves exploration.
On the palate, the aromatic progression unfolds in three distinct stages. The first third is dominated by smoky, woody, and earthy flavors, while the second reveals more delicate floral notes, never losing its spicy character. Finally, the last third shifts towards more robust notes of leather and earth, always dressed with a hint of pepper, creating a well-balanced yet demanding experience.
The final sensation on the palate is marked by a slight bitterness and a spicy warmth. The finish is satisfying, but the balance between strength and sweetness presents a challenge. This cigar is both captivating and complex, requiring a certain level of experience to appreciate every facet.
Ideal for tasting after a hearty meal, this cigar pairs admirably with a good peated whisky or a full-bodied coffee, thus enriching the tasting experience.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar offers a rich and complex experience, albeit demanding. The aromas of chocolate and black pepper dominate, while smokers note the challenge of a draw that is often difficult. Despite occasionally uneven characteristics, it remains a choice for experienced smokers in search of powerful flavors.
How to taste: Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Corona Gorda (46x5.625)
▼
1.The Visual Examination
The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Corona Gorda features a dark brown, pronounced maduro wrapper that catches the eye. However, the construction is noted as poor, which may raise concerns about the quality of craftsmanship, and the straight format of the vitola allows for a standard cut under the cap.
A careful observation of the appearance and construction allows for anticipating the behavior of the cigar during tasting, particularly in terms of burn.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, the aromas reveal themselves with dominant notes of chocolate and pepper, accompanied by subtle hints of white flowers and wood. This aromatic palette promises a rich and enjoyable experience.
The pre-light aromas are often indicative of the nature of the tobacco used — this step allows you to mentally prepare for the tasting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut is made on the cap of the cigar, facilitating immediate access to the draw. Special attention is required due to the construction being deemed poor, to avoid exacerbating any potential defects.
A clean and precise cut is essential to ensure an optimal draw, while avoiding uneven burn that could alter the tasting experience.
4.Cold Draw
During the cold draw, difficulties may be felt, signaling a potential manufacturing issue. This draw should be performed cautiously to avoid worsening the situation.
A blocked or difficult draw can compromise the smoking experience, and this step allows for identifying necessary adjustments before lighting.
5.Lighting
Lighting should be done carefully, ensuring the foot of the cigar is evenly toasted to avoid canoeing. This is especially crucial given the draw difficulties observed previously.
A good lighting is key for balanced combustion, minimizing the risks of unpleasant surprises during the first puffs.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII reveals a marked strength, with dominant aromas of chocolate and pepper asserting themselves with a medium volume of smoke. This first third promises a rich and intense experience.
Observing the strength and aromas at the beginning allows for a better understanding of the cigar's evolution and adjusting the tasting pace.
7.Second Third
At this stage, secondary aromas begin to manifest, notably white flowers, wood, and leather. The balance of flavors becomes perceptible, adding an additional complexity to the flavor profile.
This evolution in the second third enriches the experience, and paying attention to the secondary aromas reveals the complexity of the blend.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII are gray, indicating a relatively stable burn. On the palate, the finish is characterized by a spicy warmth, a persistent texture, and a slight bitterness.
The color of the ashes and the finish provide clues about the quality of the tobacco and the drying technique, contributing to the overall assessment of the tasting experience.