Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member appollo (Stephen). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-concieved notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=194160">ADVentura The Royal Return King's Gold Corona.
According to ADVentura: The tobacco used for this blend is quite rare, so we are forced to produce super small batches, and monitor the delicate complexity, flavor, and balance with each step. The flavor profile we strive to achieve with this blend is quite specific, therefore, the tobacco dictates the production.
This cigar was enjoyed with Water and some Balvenie triple cask 12 yr
Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible
The wrapper is a nice toothy medium/dark wrapper, maduro, cold draw is earthy, coffee, slight sweet note. Firm, very well packed filler. Did a straight cut and it was a perfect cut, top cap came off smoothly. Wrapper has hints of barnyard and leather.
Lighting and Burn: 7 Points of 15 Possible
Burn line was a bit wavy right off the bat, had to correct the burn after I let it sit for a few minutes right after lighting it and getting a few puffs in. This cigar likes attention. Part of the way through the second third, had to correct the burn with a minor touch up every so often. If I left the cigar for a minute it would threaten to go out and would require a few puffs. Burn continued to be an issue.
Construction: 19 Points of 30 Possible
Solid, medium packed. Nice draw, not too much resistance, not too loose. Nice triple cap and well rolled. Seemed like the construction was bit loose, the ash kept dropping off and maybe half an inch would hold on, but couldn't be trusted. Half way point, burn started to canoe a bit. Stayed firm and didn't go squishy until the last few inches.
Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible
It started off with notes of earth, coffee, black pepper, and a sweet hint of something, not sure. The coffee and pepper are the primary notes early on. As the stick progressed through the first third, the black coffee notes and pepper continued to dominate. There also was an additional layer of pepper/leather on the retro-hale.
During the second third of the unbanded cigar, the coffee remains on the forefront, with a bit of wood. With some pepper notes layered in, slight bitter note on the finish.
By the last third, the black coffee flavor is still dominant. The wood notes receded into the background with the earth, black pepper. By this point there was an increase in the pepper notes, but they did not take over the flavor profile. Stayed pretty much medium, almost full.
Summary
I was pretty excited to try this stick and really enjoy trying new cigars and in this case a unbranded stick. I like the idea of not being influenced by a label and maker... In this case, I did not much care for this stick.