Cigar Geeks - Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Corona Gorda

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Corona Gorda
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: DRuff

96
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member ntanner (Neal). The cigar provided for this round is the Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Corona Gorda.

The Black Label Orthodox Corona Gorda is a Limited Edition and only 900 boxes of this size were released to retailers at this years PCA trade show. The Orthodox cigar showcases a dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper, an Ecuadorian Habano binder, and all-Nicaraguan fillers. "Orthodox is really about Black Label getting back to its roots," said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co., in a press release. "We've done a lot over the last 10 years but at our core we are about highlighting the strength & intensity of Nicaraguan tobacco. That's what I went for with the Orthodox. It's extremely bold with spice throughout the palate and nose. Its intensity is balanced by its flavors. This cigar is bold but very balanced and extremely complex."

Black Label Trading Company Orthodox Corona Gorda

Brand:: Black Label Trading Company
Name:: Orthodox Corona Gorda
Length:: 5
Ring Gauge:: 46
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Ecuador
Habano
Wrapper:: Mexico
Color:: Maduro
Strength:: Full
Shape:: Corona Extra
Notes:: https://halfwheel.com/black-label-trading-co-s-orthodox-heading-to-pca-2024/436520/

This cigar was enjoyed with Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

Nice dark, even color wrapper. Smooth to the touch and not veiny, roll seems a bit tight but the smoke will tell for sure. Great earthy, woodsy aroma. Cut perfect and with ease. Cigar was in perfect condition.

Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible

Light grey ash, excellent volume of smoke. First third and ash is hanging on like a champ. Ash dropped at midpoint, luckily in the ashtray :) . No relights needed. Burn was perfect all the way to the end.

Construction: 30 Points of 30 Possible

Beautiful construction, wrapper is an attractive dark brown with no veins. Draw is perfect with excellent smoke volume. Cap cut easily, burning nice and even. Well rolled and burned perfectly, never tunneled.

Flavor and Aroma: 42 Points of 45 Possible

Full bodied strong cigar. 1st third smoke is cool, with woodsy, leathery notes and a slight but pleasant metallic hint. Picking up on a slight fruit note, like fig or raisin. Pairing really well with the bourbon. Spice is picking up at the end of the first third. 2nd third and the ash is hanging on for dear life, burn still perfectly even. Flavor is smoothing out, more prominent earthy taste with spice notes. Last third was consistent, no bitterness.

Summary

Great cigar, and I will be adding this to my lineup. Great construction and great flavor development. Good complexity. Right in my wheelhouse. Thanks Neal for including me in this critique. It was a winner !