Grata Maduro Corona by Cesar Cigars 12/3/16

 

Appearance 

A dark chocolate colored wrapper with only one prominent vein on the surface. The seams are tight. The cigar is toothy and somewhat rustic looking which is common for San Andres wrapped cigars. It has a nice oily sheen.

Aroma 

Earthy, Chocolate, molasses and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, chocolate at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Earthy, cocoa, dried fruit and a hint of spice.

1st

The initial draws while a bit snug bring notes of earthy cocoa and a nice mild cinnamon spice. A fruity sweetness arrives several draws later. The ash is light gray and fairly tight. Burn is nearly perfect. Draw is still a bit snug at 1" in. There is a floral note joining the profile. A definite woody cedar note joins the profile late in the 1st/3rd. I noticed the wood first in the aroma followed by the flavor. 

2nd

Ash held til removal to start 2nd/3rd. Smoke production is at the low end of medium which is probably due to the snug draw. Midway in the 2nd there is a leathery texture joining the profile followed closely by some salted peanuts. Draw is finally beginning to loosen up just past the midway point of the cigar. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, sweetness, leather, salted peanuts and warm cinnamon. The smoke production moves to medium. Strength has been medium from the start. 

Final/3rd

There is a pinch of black pepper joining the profile. Draw is now perfect. Burn continues to be spot on. The flavor profile remains consistent through the final/3rd.
 

Overall the Grata Maduro Corona provides an enjoyable smoking experience. While the draw was snug till the final/3rd the flavor profile was very full and complex. With the strength being in the medium range it will appeal to most cigar smokers. I will be looking to get more. You should as well.