Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Petit Corona SINGLE: Ode to the 40 and 42 gauge review week

[Guest Nekhyludov]

Dimensions: 42 x 5 1/8"

Box Code: Unknown

Date Purchased: April 17, 2017

Date Smoked: April 24, 2017

I had no prior experience with the RG marca at all, and had no expectations going into this. To be perfectly honest, this was a "what the hell" throw in to get me over the order limit to get free shipping. Very low bar on this one!

Appearance and Aroma: This is a neatly constructed petit corona and has a bright colorado wrapper, with fine veins and light compression marks. The construction feels consistent, if a little light. The aroma at cold is mild, but sweet and peppery.

First Third: It lights easily and produces copious, cool smoke. The combustion is perfect, with an even burn producing a mottled gray ash. The initial profile is clean (i.e. soft, with no harshness or bitterness), with a prominent cedar note. The aroma is peppery and nutty.

Second Third: Near the second third, a hint of fresh pine emerges, giving way to a bright citrus profile. That profile builds throughout the second third, developing into a citrus blossom flavor. The aroma takes on a salted pretzel note. This evolution is surprising, and very much welcome!

Final Third: In the final third, the smoke becomes slightly hot and tastes of char, but purging solves the problem. Finishes with a bready flavor.

Overall, this is a surprisingly complex little smoke. And one that I would happily seek out more of. Considering that I didn't know what to expect going in, I really enjoyed discovering a cigar that punches well above its weight. If the performance hadn't faltered near the end by burning a bit hot, my score would have been even higher.

Score: 92

[Perla]

Thank you for the review. PC are really hidden gems.

[JohnS]

I love these Rafael Gonzalez reviews this week!

[TheMonk]

Nice job!