From the M*A*S*H episode"Fade Out, Fade In:" COL. POTTER: Cigar? RADAR: Will it stunt my growth? COL. POTTER: Whattya got to loose? RADAR: Is it Habit forming? COL. POTTER: Nah, I've smoked 5 cigars a day and never got the habit! RADAR: That's good to know! (After lighting cigars, Radar makes a puzzled look) COL POTTER: Nothin' like a good cigar on a clear morning! RADAR: Or Cream of Wheat. Later, Radar was found over the hill, sick from his first cigar...

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Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brian (bstessl)

90
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/
This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 17 Points of 10 Possible

This is a good looking cigar that has a dry and somewhat veiny wrapper with clean seams and a solid triple cap.  it cut well with scissors and has a sweet and peppery aroma with a taste of raisins on the cold draw.

Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible

The Alpha Dawg lit well with a jet and burned very well throughout the smoke.  The ash was solid and held almost to the halfway point before it fell the first time with a white to light grey color.  Not a whole lot of ambient smoke while resting, but plenty while smoking.  

Construction: 26 Points of 30 Possible

The draw was pretty tight to start out and it stayed tight for more than half of the smoke.  The cap held throughout the smoke with no issues along with the wrapper.  There was a bit of excess glue on the wrapper about an inch from the foot of the cigar.  

Flavor and Aroma: 32 Points of 45 Possible

The flavors weren't extremely complex, but they were very good.  
1st - Starts out with that sweet tobacco taste complimented with wood and a hint of pepper.

2nd - The wood hangs around and it starts to get a bit of a licorice flavor mixed in and the pepper is still there, but faint.  Wood being the most prominent.

3rd - The licorice fades out and hay creeps in with the wood flavors and near the end the pepper comes back in.  The finish was heavy on the wood and light with the pepper.

Summary

This was a rather enjoyable smoke with a good flavor profile, construction (minus the glue and tight draw) and a great burn.  It wasn't too complex, but in a good way.  I would definitely try this one again!

Thanks Kent for including me in this one!


   
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