Protocol Corona Gorda (5 5/8 x 46)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Cigar-Coop.com website)

On February 18, 2017 I reviewed the lancero version of the Protocol. Today I am reviewing the next biggest size, the Corona Gorda. The lancero received a fantastic score of 95. How will this larger size stack up?

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona SA)

Vitolas Available

For the Protocol Lancero, it will offered in ten count packages. The Corona Gorda and Toro have both ten count and twenty count offerings.

Lancero: 7 1/2 x 38

Corona Gorda: 5 5/8 x 46 REVIEWED TODAY

Toro: 6 x 52

The cigar has an average feel in the hand for a corona gorda. Here is a shot of the foot.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors were massive amounts of black pepper which I rate at an 8 1/2 to 9! The pepper on the retro hale is ridiculous. It is again...massive. There is a lot of lingering black pepper also. This cigar has a lot more nutmeg notes than the lancero had. There is a light tangerine citrus that has some sweetness. At the beginning you will get massive amounts of black pepper, nutmeg, and light tangerine citrus.

About one inch in (16 minutes) and already there are massive changes. The tangerine citrus is gone. In it's place is sweet cedar. The nutmeg is still hanging around but it is toned down. There are also brown sugar notes and whipping cream notes. The cigar has a good bit of sweetness. The pepper has toned down also to a 7 1/2 to 8. There are light coffee notes at the base. The finish is a sweet whipping cream with some coffee influence and nice lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. 

At the midpoint (33 minutes) the brown sugar is coming out much more. There are also a lot more sweet cedar notes. The whipping cream notes have toned down as well as the nutmeg notes.  There remains light black coffee at the base. The finish is more of a toasted cream with a nice amount of lingering black pepper. 

As the cigar ended (57 minutes) the coffee notes made a surge. This happened with about 1 1/2 inches remaining. You still have the sweet cedar, brown sugar, and light whipping cream. I also noticed some light caramel notes. The pepper remained very good. The cigar ended medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged except there are some light caramel notes added. I found this cigar to be very different from the lancero. The flavor notes are different but overall the cigar is very good. Another good cigar in the Protocol repertoire. 

Score: 93