I posted a couple reviews yesterday that I found on an old computer disk, they are the original drafts which I did blindly for SMOKE mag in 1999. Here is another one.
Petit Corona #30
Flamenco "Coronas Habano" (A Lew Rothman smoke with the then new Havana2000 wrapper)
1) Aesthetics: A dry cigar with green water spots and light veins.
Score for aesthetics: 3.5
2) Pre-light Construction: A nice firm cigar, well rolled, with good tobacco aroma and a slight hint of the barnyard.
Score for Pre-light construction: 4.0
3) Post-light Construction/How it smoked: A firm, slightly flaky, white ash held until forced to drop. It remained firm throughout - a wonderful example of the roller's art for smaller cigar.
Score for post-light construction: 4.8
4) Flavor and strength: Wow! I don't normally get too excited about small cigars, but this was a wonderful reason to reexamine my position on such. Full-bodied complexity predominated as it developed wonderful tobacco flavors.
Score for flavor and strength: 4.8
5) Aftertaste/Finish: I couldn't believe th rich flavors I tasted as the finish of this cigar lingered tantilizingly on my plate.
Score for aftertaste:4.3
6) Aroma: I was overwhelmed with the rich aroma of this cigar, nirvana ain't got nothing on this.
Score for aroma: 4.9
7) General Comments: I dipped immediately into the bag for a second sample, because I really wanted the experience to continue. I was amazed at the flavor, complexity and rich flavors that were packed into this cigar. I wouldn't be surprised to find out I headed a bit south of Florida for the time it took to smoke this treat. This is a smoke that can stand up to the fullness of even a Cajun dinner.
Overall score for the cigar: 4.8
8) Recommendation: Highly recommmended. I am not a small corona fan, but, if these are legal, I will definately reexamine that conclusion.
[Reply]