The Java Red Corona by Rocky Patel breaks all infused cigar stereotypes with its 5x42 box-pressed format. This Nicaraguan puro from Drew Estate's La Gran Fabrica factory wears its dark Corojo/Criollo wrapper like a velvet glove, concealing a flavor bomb that'll make your espresso taste bland. At under $12 per stick in 24-count boxes, it's the working man's luxury smoke - perfect for pairing with your morning brew or late-night whiskey.
The box-pressed parejo feels dense with minimal give - a good sign for combustion. Cold draw reveals honeyed coffee grounds aroma with faint black cherry undertones. Wrapper oils leave slight residue on fingertips.
Initial puffs deliver immediate coffee-cream sweetness, the infusion masterfully blended rather than cloying. Black cherry notes emerge at ½" burn line, mixing with toasted almond. Smoke production stays moderate but velvety.
Core shifts to dark chocolate-covered espresso beans. Retrohale brings cayenne pepper tingle balanced by caramelized sugar. Burn remains razor-sharp despite 62% RH environment. Ash holds firm past 1.5".
Last third intensifies with leather and wet earth notes. Nicotine strength creeps up to medium-plus. Slight tar buildup by nub, but manageable with slower draws. Finish leaves lingering cocoa powder dryness.
