Cigar Geeks - Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Espinosa Alpha Dawg Corona Gorda
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: PETE314

79
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 Zaya 16 yr Rum

Pre-Light: 19 Points of 10 Possible

The cigar was a little firm. It cut smoothly using a Colibri V-Cut. The aroma was light. Mostly tobacco and hay. There was a heavier/deeper flavor perhaps some earthiness in the after taste. Even here everything was a bit milder then expected.

Lighting and Burn: 10 Points of 15 Possible

I am at odds a little in this category. The draw was perfect. There was excellent levels of smoke. However...While the ash started well, light grey to white. It surprised me when it dropped off at around 3/4". Subsequent ashes also dropped early at 1/2" intervals and they were split/flaked. There was no cone. I feel it burned a little hot

Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible

This was a very good looking cigar. Fine and small veins. Triple Cap. Smooth and even colored wrapper. Draw was perfect. In all, there is not much to say concerning the construction. Upon visual inspection it looks wonderful. The only downside was that it was a little too firm.

Flavor and Aroma: 23 Points of 45 Possible

The flavor was very subtle and mild. The smoke was creamy, slight hints of hay and leather. This did not sound like the flavor profile in the adverts. there was little change in the flavor profile as I got deeper into the smoke. But then in the last 1/3 the flavor completely intensified. It went from a mild to medium full almost between draws. Spice joined the party. Some slight earthiness. But still mostly leather and hay.

Summary

This cigar was a conundrum. On one side it looked fantastic, had a perfect draw, produced excellent amounts of smoke. On the other side it would ash extremely early, was extremely mild with not much variety in flavor. I enjoyed the draw but was very disappointed in the flavor. The last third, when the flavor jumped out of the building, was great...but by that time it was also a little hot. I did not dislike the cigar...but it didn't impress me a lot either.