Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra

[CoventryCat86]

You all probably know by now that I tend to not run with the crowd when it comes to Havanas. For instance, everytime I start a poll on a certain Havana vitola, my favorite winds up a distant third, fourth or near the bottom of what's popular.

The Coronas Gordas vitola (5 5/8 x 46) includes many of the popular ones like Cohiba Siglo IV, H. Upmann Magnum 46, Punch Punch, Punch Super Selection #2, Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion #3 and lesser knowns like Saint Luis Rey Serie A (which BTW is my favorite CG).

So, I figured I'd take a chance on a box-o-RG Coronas Extras. MRN says they "sport a unique grassy kind of flavour not found in other models. Very subtly salty." Since I LOVE the "salty" wrappers found on the Punch Petit Coronas, I figured I'd give them a shot. Mine are May, 2001.

I have found that smoking more than just one or two of a cigar will give me a better "feel" for the cigar.

One or two in the box were too dry (probably because I keep my Havanas around 60%RH) and I actually had to toss one out because when I punched it, the head got destroyed and I tossed it BUT I have had only ONE do this.

Construction is nice, maybe not as neat looking as a Sig IV and not quite as "rough" as an SLR but nonetheless, a nice looking cigar. Draw it the typical Havana firm, but not too firm draw so I consider this perfect. Burn is almost always perfect. As far as taste/flavor, I can BARELY taste the subtly salty but I do taste the "grassy" flavor the good Doctor mentions. I've smoked about half of the box so far and I like these cigars. Not as much as I like the SLR's BUT that's because I enjoy the unique SLR profile. The draw on these is not quite as tight as an SLR Serie A. I have to say I would give the nod to a Mag 46 over these but only ever so slightly.

All in all, this is a very good cigar. Not sure if I'd buy another box in the near future but they are nice to have on hand for variety.

On a cA rating scale:

91

 

[surferonthecrystalcoast]

Thanks for the review Bill!!!! :thumbs:

 

[lucasbuck]

Nice review Bill. Very informative. I've got a few RG's lying around somewhere I'll have to dig up a couple and give them a try.

 

[CoventryCat86]

I recently came across another box of these with a box code of 10/03.

The day I got them, I smoked one and was disappointed. After letting them rest for a week, I decided to try another one.

WOW, I honestly have no idea why it seems so different from the first one but this one is a pleasure to smoke tonight :thumbs:

Possibly due to the one week "rest" but most likely because it just hit me "right" tonight. This is the main reason that I like to smoke a few (at least five) of a certain cigar before I draw a conclusion about them.

They are a little known CG and possibly one of HabanosSA's best kept secrets. :thumbs: The draw on these two '03 is slightly tighter than my 01's and now I would say it's the same as my 03/03 SLR Serie A :thumbs:

A great cigar!! These get a

92

 

[cigardawg]

I'm smoking from a box of 00 RG CEs. Have not had many from the box, but I noted what CC mentioned in the review. There is a grassy flavor, but it is a subtle cigar, mild and not at all pushy. The draw is firm, requiring one to "smoke gently." I've enjoyed the ones I've had to date.

 

[The Master]

I am still smoking out of a box of 98 RGCE's that are great. I recently re stocked buying 2 boxes and the new ones look great.I smoked one from an 03 box that had a beautiful medium colorado wrapper. The cigar tasted very nice, good nose and only at the nub did I get any hints of youth.

These are a great value in the corona gorda range,definitely a cigar that gets overlooked. Too many people buying Mag 46's forget about the many other CG's that are superior. In the Upmann line itself the Super Corona blows away the Mag in my opinion.

 

[atuck]

I have enjoyed reading these reviews because I just got a 5 pack of these from '98 in a recent trade. I am now looking forward to trying them. Thanks for the reviews on this not so common cigar. :thumbs:

 

[RPB67]

Thanks for the great review. I usually smoke the Mag 46s. I will have to venture out and get a few of these to try.