Almost a year to date of the original release, the 2020 version of the Aladino Corojo Reserve No. 4 Corona has arrived. Original the company announced that every year they would release a limited edition size as part of the “Our Cuban Heritage” branding. However with the 2019 Corona being so popular, the company opted to release the size once again. How does the cigar compare to last year?
Cigar Review: Aladino Corojo Reserva
Wrapper: Honduras (100% Authentic Corojo)
Binder: Honduras (100% Authentic Corojo)
Filler: Honduras (100% Authentic Corojo)
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 44
Size: No. 4 (Corona)
The Look: The packaging of No. 4 remains the same as last year with a box that sees the top and bottom sit out wider than the rest of the box. Looking at it I am still reminded of the Arc of the Covenant. Inside the box sits 20 cigars that are sans cello with the lower half wrapped in tissue paper. The stick features two bands with the secondary band denoting Corojo Reserva and the primary band that is reminiscent of the old Camacho bands, with the “C” replaced by an A and the brand name Aladino above it. The wrapper has a nice amount of oils and the foot is well packed.
The Notes: Prior to lighting it up we clip the cap and the cold draw reveals a taste of cedar and nuttiness while the aroma off the foot has a heartier cedar component and some sneeze inducing spices. Once the cigar is lit there is a burst of black paper.
As we smoke the first third the black pepper quickly pulls back revealing notes of cedar and a vanilla sweetness. The cigar is exceptionally smooth and my early thoughts are that is smoother and stronger than last year. As we move deeper into the first third a subtle sweetness with red pepper dominate the palate. The retrohale of the Aladino Corojo Reserva Corona No. 4 serves up some notes of coffee bean.
In the second third of the cigar some earthy notes begin to develop but they linger in the background as a strong espresso becomes the focal point with some continued of cedar. The cedar is noticeable on the aroma as it fills the air between puffs. The fairly lengthy finish has a touch of almonds which creates a subtle sweetness on the lips.
As we finish corona size No. 4 notes of espresso are dominant and envelop the palate. There is still some cedar and as a touch sweetness on the front end but they linger in the background of this amazing stick. The retrohale of the cigar is loaded with red pepper and the aroma still has a touch of cedar. The long tasty finish is enjoyable long after the cigar is put down.
The Finish: I walked in Two Guys Smoke Shop in Salem, NH over the weekend to do our podcast, and Trevor who works in the store got into a conversation with me. We both agree the No. 4 Corona is even better than last year and I am not sure how that is even possible. It’s a bit stronger and the notes from the cigar are more enhanced. This cigar is simply put outstanding and worthy of a multiple box purchase. I keep hoping they’ll do this cigar in a lancero which would make David Garofalo cringe, but in my opinion it would be the greatest lancero ever made if they were to do it. For now though, we will have to “deal” with the Corona.
Score: 97
Price: $10.19 / $179.99
Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4
Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4 Foot
Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4 Burn
