Stogie Review: Dutch Masters Corona De Luxe
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008[Editors note: Like Sidd Finch, the left-handed Whopper, the Taco Liberty Bell, and Nixon's 1992 run for president, this review is the result of the hijinks that ensue every year on April Fool's Day. Read at your own risk.]
This review has been a long time coming; I’ve smoked dozens of these classic corona-sized (five and 1/2 inches by 42 ring gauge) cigars in preparation. I’ll confess that I wasn’t initially looking forward to smoking so many of these but, as you’ll read below, I found myself quite surprised at how good these “drug store cigars” are.
According to Altadis’ website, Dutch Masters is “America’s #1 natural wrapped cigar.” In production since 1911, the cigar comes in boxes featuring a Rembrandt painting.
Before lighting, I pause to notice the veinless caramel wrapper that feels like satin. Pre-light, the cigar gives off a wonderful aroma of enticing cedar and warm caramelized apples. After carefully cutting the head of this rare American puro, I was greeted with more of the cedar and sweetness. Dutch Masters lights easily with three wooden matches.
What I find can only be described as bliss in the form of warm tobacco smoke. The flavor reminded me of burnt seven-year old Madagascar vanilla with subtle freshly ground pepper and ripe Mediterranean apricots.
As the cigar progresses, I discover another level of remarkable, complex, and flawlessly balanced flavor as the vanilla transitions into a blend of brittle English toffee and Iranian prunus dulcis (better known as almonds). The whole time, I am able to focus on these wonderful tastes because of perfect construction: a razer-sharp burn, a solid ash that held for a full two inches, and a draw that was easy.
Ultimately, the Dutch Masters Corona De Luxe is as masterful as Rembrandt himself. But unlike a Rembrandt, you can buy a Dutch Masters Corona De Luxe for the absolute bargain price of just $1 (and fortunately these cigars can be found in most drugstores and even at many gas stations).
Given the economical price, flawless construction, and superbly balanced and rich flavors, the Dutch Masters Corona De Luxe earns a surprising, but well-earned, rating of five out of five stogies. Go smoke one today!
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Sounds like it would be perfect after a left-handed Whopper from Burger King!
Great review! Ernie Kovacs would be proud!
Brilliant! I just bought 436 boxes based on this review…
I would match this fine stick with a 12-year old bourbon to complement the subtle flavor profile. Excellent review, Patrick.
Great review guys, I’d say this cigar is right up there with the likes of my personal favorite, the Padron 1926 #6. And maybe even the Cuban Cohiba Robusto!
Brilliant!
This is easily the best cigar on the market today, and with its availability in most gas stations across the country, I think it’s safe to say that the specialty cigar-retail business will go under in 12 months’ time.
April 1st…even on Stogieguys.com.
I saw keep the embargo going… I don’t need any CCs. With Dutch Masters & MD 20/20; I am living the connoisseur lifestyle. Thanks for the review StogieGuys. Totally a five-stogie smoke!!!!
I can’t believe you passed up the Corona Grape for this one. Elitists!
Better than White Owls? Maybe I’ll make the switch!
Very good one, boys. Well done.
Wow. First, I thought I was crazy, then I thought you were crazy…then I remembered: sometimes it takes me a while to catch on to April Fool’s Day…
When I was a teenager (back when teens could buy tobacco) every afternoon my grandfather send me to the corner store to get him the newspaper and a Dutch Masters. Every now and again I smoke one to his memory. Lord . . . how I wish he were still alive so I could introduce him to a REAL cigar!
Nice story Cadfael. Reminds me of my uncle from Connecticut. He knew about “better” cigars, but you couldn’t pry that Muniemaker out of his hand!
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