ONEOFF Corona Gorda Cigar Review

ONEOFF Cigars made there debut in 2002 and quickly obtained cult-like status. It was originally created by a retailer in Milan, Italy and made in limited quantities giving it a one-off appearance. Distribution was handled in the US from Massachuesetts by Paul Giacalone who happens to be a friend of The Cigar Authority. In 2018, the trademark was purchased by Dion Giolito, owner of Illusione Cigars. According to Dion Giolito the blends of the cigar remain true to the original release but he has declined to share the make up of the cigar.

Cigar Review: ONEOFF
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Length: 5 3/8″
Ring Gauge: 46
Size: Corona Gorda

The Look: Packaged in slide top cabinet 10 count boxes the ONEOFF is laid out in two rows of 5. The cigars which feature an orange and white band are often misinterpreted as a peace symbol. However, the band is a representation of an airplane as the original owner Andrea Molinari was also a CEO of Italian airline Lauda Air S.p.A. As for the cigar, the wrapper has a reddish-brown hue to it and is rolled to perfection at the TABSA factory in Nicaragua.

The Notes: The cold draw of the ONEOFF is familiar with notes of cedar, nutmeg and cinnamon. It took a couple of pulls from the Corona Gorda to get the latter two notes, but once identified they really popped. Off the foot of the cigar there is a subtle cedar present as well. Once the cigar is lit, the cedar notes that were present during the prelight ritual shows itself instantly.

Moving into the first third of the cigar there is a subtle pastry note, with hints of apricot. Both serve as base with cedar still remaining dominant. As the first third comes to a close there is a slight addition of cinnamon. The retrohale of the cigar offers up some black pepper with a hint of nutmeg while the cigar has a long dry finish.

In the second third of ONEOFF from Illusione the cigar sees some red pepper develop with continued cedar. Around the halfway point some hints of licorice begin to emerge. On the finish of the there is some nuttiness which is also present on the aroma of the cigar. The retrohale sees the red pepper intensified and the finish of the cigar is slightly shorter than the first third of the smoke.

The last third sees the licorice notes become dominant and the focal point. The finish of the cigar is loaded with cedar and a touch of leather. The finish which is moderate in length sees a continued pepper note on the retrohale with a touch of nuttiness.

The Finish: I wonder how many people will remember the original ONEOFF cigar. Having been smoking since 1998, I vividly remember when the cigar first made an appearance in 2002, and I was lucky enough to smoke it as recent as 2015. The return this brand that had a cult-like following is pretty much spot on to what I remember of the original release. The cigars are definitely worthy of a 10 cont box purchase. It’s available in 8 sizes, but the +53 size which happens to be the most expensive didn’t ship with the initial order.

Score: 91
Price: $14.99 / $134.99