Stogie Guest Review: JR Alternative of the Hoyo Corona

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