Stogie Review: Dutch Masters Corona De Luxe

1 Apr 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!