La Corona Corona

At the end of the 19th century, La Corona was the biggest cigar factory in Cuba, but ownership changed frequently. Eventually the factory settled in the "Iron House"—so named because it was the first building in Cuba with a steel framework. Production was discontinued in the 70's, but La Corona was reintroduced both in Cuba in 1989 and in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras. Sadly—for Cubans but not for us—the Cuban version is now a cheap machine-made one. We bring you the handmade version made in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras. It's a traditional Honduran blend, pairing Piloto Cubano and Honduran fillers with Connecticut and Ecuadorian-grown wrappers. Note the solid construction. Panelists found La Corona smooth off the start with notes of spice through the nose and subtle coffee-like undertones. Halfway though the cigar, spicy notes prevail on the back of the palate, but the medium body of the smoke remains consistent until the end. Coffee notes subside on a long finish, leaving a lingering "nutty" flavor. On a chilly winter's eve, sit by a fire with this cigar and a snifter of Appleton Estate Distilled 21-year-old Rum (or a similar well-aged dark rum) and suddenly you're transported to Cuba!