Tasting Notes: Prelight

For this review, I am going with a Corona Gorda. Usually, I go with the Robusto but since I have had this cigar countless times, I chose the smaller Vitola to save my bigger ring gauges for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Many Connecticut cigars, in my opinion, end up with some kind of flaw on the wrapper. But this baby is near perfect. The wrapper is the smoothest even shade of brown sugar. There are some visible veins but the seams are tight and the triple cap is impeccable.

The shaft gives off notes of premium aged tobacco, wood, earth, and a bit of spice. Cold draw produces notes of caramel, nutmeg, peanuts, cedar, and a tiny skosh of cinnamon. I can't detect any spice on the cold draw which is a first from My Father cigars.

First Third

The pepper hits my nose like a ton of bricks right from the first draw. I am not surprised though. Afterall this is a My Father cigar. Amidst tons of aromatic smoke, I begin to discern notes of cedar, earth, sweet hay, some nuttiness, and a dash of pepper on the Retrohale. Surprisingly, while the pepper is very present on the Retrohale, there is absolutely none on my lips or palate- how did they do that?

A few draws in and the pepper settles down giving way to more refined flavours of buttery cream, toasted nuts, graham cracker, and a peculiar fusion of leather and hay. The back of the palate is awash with delicious freshly clipped grass notes punctuated by a white pepper zing. As far as performance goes, the draw is clean and the burn line is unwavering.

Mid Third

Into the mid third, my Corona Gorda introduces a complex tapestry of flavours. First, a fennel note creeps up followed by cocoa and a subtle peppermint nuance. Buttery goodness continues to overwhelmingly wash over my palate bringing with it underlying peanut butter and whipped cream flavours.

At this point, nicotine knocks on the door inching the strength from mild to medium. As the mid third eases into the final third, complexity intensifies, the flavours mellow, and an unmitigated balance kicks in.

Final Third

I've had some of my previous My Father Connecticut cigars develop some flaky ash situation around the mid third but this baby is beyond perfect. The ash is a stoic tower; no burn issues or cinders flying off at will. My Corona Gorda continues to amaze with extraordinary balance. The main flavours are earth, coffee, peanuts, white chocolate, graham cracker, cedar, molasses, hints of peppermint, white pepper, and leather nuances.

The airy clean draw makes it easy to discern the different flavours. Towards the nub, nicotine rears its head again. I'm pretty sure this cigar is not a mild to medium. At best it's a medium to medium plus. That notwithstanding, as I put my nub to rest, I realize it's been a flawless, extremely enjoyable smoking experience with absolutely no downers.

Final Thought

My Father Connecticut should be the benchmark upon which other Connys are measured. And even though I am tempted to recommend this as a good beginner cigar, newbies may need to refine their palates a little before taking on this beast. But if, like me, you are looking to fill a lazy Sunday afternoon slot in your rotation, then this is the perfect cigar to go with.