Cigar Geeks - Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Murphy223

84
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique. This one has been generously sponsored by our member 05Venturer (Kent). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=189225">Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda.

Those who have attended an Espinosa event already know all about the Alpha Dawg. For those who don't, let me give you a brief backstory. This uh... interestingly named cigar used to be an event only cigar for Espinosa's biggest fans. Word and demand quickly spread though, and people wanted to get their hands on this awesome handmade. Well, luckily, Espionsa is letting the Dawgs out, and has pushed Alpha Dawg into regular production for all to enjoy.

Offered in lovingly dressed boxes of ten, Espinosa Alpha Dawg uses a Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper over Nicaragun binder and long-filler in order to create a cigar that will satisfy even the biggest appetite. The wrapper itself is special, bringing tons of rich dark chocolate, espresso, earthiness, and a big of dark fruity flavors with each puff. It's complex and chewy, as dense peppery spice works its way in and out of the profile. Alpha Dawg is a medium to full-bodied treat, and after trying one you'll be howling for more. Alright, that's enough dog jokes for one day.

Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda

Brand:: Espinosa
Name:: Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda
Length:: 5.5
Ring Gauge:: 46
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Habano
Color:: Rosado
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Corona Extra
Notes:: https://www.meierdutch.com/p/espinosa-alpha-dawg-cigars/2001243/

Pre-Light: 19 Points of 10 Possible

This cigar had a nice medium brown wrapper with a few veins but otherwise smooth.

It has a cool, albeit shiny cigar band which I needed to rotate in the right light to read correctly.

The PLD was sweet and hinted of Milk chocolate with a little spice

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

The cigar had a nice even burn rate. Not too fast, not too slow. It lasted about 50 mins for me. It canoed a little around the 2nd third but a quick touch up took care of that. It had a nice solid grey ash which lasted the full first third before falling off. Smoke volume was light grey and not too heavy.

Construction: 22 Points of 30 Possible

This stick seemed fairly well constructed but I noticed the cap was loosely applied. Not a big deal since I clipped it anyway. It did not seem to be rolled too tightly and the overall weight was fairly lighter than most cigars.

Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible

This started out pretty spicy right out of the gate and was consistent throughout the first third.

Midway through the second third the flavor profile began to sweeten up a bit which I really enjoyed. Somewhat creamy with that spice still lingering. Earthy with hints of cocoa and hay.

By the final third, the peppery spice returned. Not too harsh but black pepper spice nevertheless.

Summary

Overall, an enjoyable cigar. Thanks to 05Venturer (Kent) for allowing me to participate.

This was a very good medium-full bodied cigar. Definitely complex due to the flavors changing from spicy to sweet back to spicy. Will most likely add a few to the collection in the future