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I’m settled in for a treat, reviewing the Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona, a limited edition smoke that’s got me curious about its Honduran roots and creamy promise. This 6-inch, 44-ring-gauge corona, crafted at G.R. Tabacalera Unidas, runs $9 and boasts a Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan guts. With my notepad ready and a quiet evening ahead, I light it up, eager to see where this smoke takes me. I’m hyped for the write-up!

Let’s find out if it’s a gem or just another puff in the wind.

The Roots

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona comes from Honduras, rolled at G.R. Tabacalera Unidas, where artisans blend Nicaraguan binder and filler with a U.S. Connecticut wrapper for a smooth, layered smoke. Released in August 2019 as a limited run of 1,000 boxes, this corona’s cedar-heavy profile with hints of caramel and spice feels like a special find, perfect for a review session when you want something exclusive to dissect.

While savoring this cigar, here’s a recipe to elevate the moment.

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

Kicking things off, I pick up the Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona, a 6-inch, 44-ring-gauge stick that feels light but sturdy, like it’s got stories to tell. Its U.S. Connecticut wrapper, creamy and pale with faint veins, looks clean, while the construction—tight roll, neat cap, smooth seams—shows G.R. Tabacalera Unidas’ skill. The aroma blends cedar and leather with a floral hint, and the cold draw, smooth and easy, offers caramel and white pepper, setting the stage for a promising limited edition smoke.

With my pen poised, I light it up to see if it’s a worthy smoke.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third opens with cedar and leather, like an old bookshelf, blended with a zippy white pepper that wakes up my palate, delivering a medium smoke that feels lush. The burn’s uneven, needing a quick touch-up, but the draw’s perfect, pumping out creamy smoke with a caramel sweetness, keeping me scribbling as the flavors unfold. It’s a solid start.

Halfway through, the cedar softens, letting dark chocolate and a floral note step up, with hay and coffee adding depth, maintaining the medium body as I jot down notes for this rare stick. The burn’s still fussy, needing another nudge, and a spicy edge creeps in, but the ash holds for an inch, and a peanutty hint keeps it engaging, like a plot twist you didn’t see coming. It’s tasty, but it’s not quite stealing the show.

The final third brings cloves and coffee, with cedar and leather holding steady, wrapping up the 60-minute smoke with a medium finish that’s smooth but spiced, ending on a high note. The burn stays stubborn, needing one last touch-up, but the draw’s reliable, delivering dense smoke that’s got charm, even if the spice lingers like an editor’s red pen. It’s a bold closer, but it’s not perfect.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona looks sharp, its U.S. Connecticut wrapper a glossy, creamy tan with subtle veins, feeling balanced in hand. The roll’s tight, the cap tidy, and the seams clean, showing G.R. Tabacalera Unidas’ craft, making it a worthy pick. It’s the kind of cigar you’d flaunt before lighting it.

The burn’s a pain, veering off and needing multiple touch-ups, which is a letdown, though the ash holds decently for an inch, and the smoke stays cool. The draw’s a dream, with just enough resistance to deliver creamy, cedar-heavy smoke that carries the flavors well, especially in the spicy retrohale, keeping the 60-minute session engaging despite the burn’s antics. It’s a cigar that tries hard but keeps tripping.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona kicks off with cedar and leather, blended with a creamy caramel and zippy white pepper, creating a medium smoke that feels rich. The dense smoke carries a floral hint in the retrohale, with hay adding grit, but a spicy edge sneaks in, keeping it from feeling flawless, like a draft that needs one more edit. It’s a lively opener that hooks you, flaws included.

Midway, the dark chocolate and coffee take over, with cedar and peanuts grounding the vibe, though the spice grows and a floral note muddles the finish, making it feel a bit scattered. The final third leans into cloves and coffee, with leather and caramel lingering, delivering a smooth but spicy close that’s still got enough heart to keep you puffing through to the end.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona’s medium strength delivers a steady, mellow buzz, perfect for a focus session, with a gradual build that keeps me sharp without overwhelming. The nicotine’s there but doesn’t slap, letting me scribble notes without losing my train of thought. It’s the kind of strength that’s like a good coffee—keeps you going, not jittery.

The body’s medium, with creamy, dense smoke packing cedar, leather, and chocolate notes, but the spicy spikes and uneven burn make it feel less polished, shifting from lush to a bit gritty by the end. The flavors are engaging, with a caramel sweetness adding flair, but the uneven profile keeps it from perfect balance, yet it’s still a solid smoke for most. It’s got heart, even if it’s not always smooth.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

A smooth bourbon lifts the Blue in Green’s caramel and chocolate notes, while a dark coffee grounds the cedar, and a stout vibes with the cream, perfect for a gathering with friends. Pair it with dark chocolate to match the creamy depth or a nutty snack to echo the peanuts, adding zip to a quiet evening. This cigar’s made for savoring good moments, puffing through the 60-minute burn as go through the night.

Value: Worth the Price?

At $9 a stick, the Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona offers creamy cedar and caramel with a medium kick, but the uneven burn dents its value for a limited edition smoke. It’s a decent pick for a casual evening or when you’re craving something unique, but smoother options in this range don’t need as much fuss. For Gran Habano fans, it’s worth a spin, but it’s not a home run.

Our Rating:

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona earns a Pleasant, packing creamy cedar, caramel, and chocolate in a medium smoke, but uneven burns hold it back. At $9, it’s a solid pick for limited edition fans who don’t mind a few quirks.

Final Thoughts

After 60 minutes with the Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona, wrapping up this review, I’m caught between its creamy charm and its pesky flaws, like a good show with a shaky ending (Game of Thrones, anyone?). The cedar, caramel, and chocolate notes deliver a medium punch that’s perfect for a mellow evening, but the wonky burn makes it a tough sell at $9. It’s got enough heart to keep me puffing through the notes, but it’s not quite a collector’s dream.

It’s a cigar with style, quirks and all, decent for the average smoker.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona suits smokers who enjoy a medium, creamy smoke with cedar and caramel, though newbies might find the burn issues a bit much. Its limited run of 1,000 boxes makes it a rare treat for a quiet evening, where its 60-minute burn can shine. Light it up, grab a drink, and let its flavors roll.

Keep it you.

Catch you on the next one.