Stogie Guest Review: JR Alternative of the Hoyo Corona
Monday, July 24th, 2006
In last Wednesday’s post, I mentioned that on July 15 I was up in Baltimore at Grumpy’s bar having some cigars with a few buddies. One of those friends – Shaka Smith, a law student at George Mason University – wrote a review for StogieGuys.com at my request. Here’s a picture of us (inebriated) that evening. As an infrequent cigar smoker, he brings a unique perspective to site. Enjoy.
There is nothing like the surprise of a good cigar on a nice night out on the patio of one of Baltimore’s raging bars, and that’s just what I got this past weekend. I am no cigar aficionado (though I have picked up the magazine once in a vain attempt to understand) but I have had a few over the years – at least enough to come to appreciate them. So please bear in mind this brief exposition may lack the technical and/or nuanced terms you may be used to.
Well there I was enjoying a drink, when none other than Mr. Ashby pulls out two cigars to my delight. After explaining I tend to enjoy a throatier cigar, he offered me one – dark in color, and veiny in its leaf. The JR Alternative of the Hoyo Corona may not be expensive ($20.95 for a box of 20), but it smoked like a gem.
On this hot and humid night, it was the perfect compliment to my gin and tonic. The cigar had an oak flavor with hints of spice – almost as if there were mild peppers rolled in the tobacco. This 5 and 5/8 by 46 ring gauge stogie is a thinking man’s cigar, so rich in its flavor your mind can’t help but ponder the intricacies of the world. Seriously, I wanted to taste more and more of it as subtle earthy flavors were seemingly introduced with each puff. If you like a darker cigar, this one is it.
All I can say is that I highly recommend this stogie. Simply put, this quality cigar offers an enjoyable experience.
Want to share your thoughts on a cigar with the Stogie Guys Nation? Contact us to submit your own guest review today.
-Patrick A
Great idea again, guys. Always good to get a fresh perspective.
I heard all the JR alternatives are pretty much the same
For the most part, that’s true (which is why we don’t plan to review any more). The bottom line is, these cigars are very decent for the price. If you buy these in bulk — and especially if you allow them to further age in your humidor — they’re great on the golf course.
I’d agree to the extent that all JR Alternatives with the same country of origin are pretty much the same within that country. JR makes alernatives to Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan and Cuban blends.
Speaking of which, I’d suggest trying the JR Alternative, Perfo Reserve No. 1 Figurado. For an alternative cigar, JR has a hard time keeping them in stock. Fabulous Nicaraguan stogie…
Aye…my spelling is horrible…I need to reinstall Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. The name of the stogie I meant to type is:
JR Alternative, Perdomo Reserve No. 1, Figurado
Within the same country I agree that they are pretty much the same. I belive that John (manager) at JR DC told me as much.
I’ve had the Monte #2 Dominican JR Alternative, and I liked it. But it certainly wasn’t all that similar to the actual Dominican Montecristo #2.
Bottom line, good value cigars but don’t pay too much attention to the “alternative brands.”
I ordered a bundle of Macanudo JR alternatives, made in DR, that had about the worst construction I’ve ever seen. But then I recieved a bundle of the R&J Edicion Limitadas, made in Nicaragua with a Sumatran wrapper, and they are as good as a name brand cigar. Who knows? Hit and miss between countries.
How can smoking be enjoyable? I do believe an excellent run around the block is quiet deligthful for the lungs. However, your intentions are good, but my suggestion is better. Oh, the law school student is very attractive:)
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