Althought it is 2018, the Por Larrañaga Edicion Regionales 2017 5ta Avenida Corona just recently released. Late releases have become a common theme for Habanos S.A., so it was more of a surprise to see these appear.
5ta Avenida is Spanish for 5th Avenue, the official distributor of Habanos S.A. in Germany, Austria and Poland. The size they chose is somewhat of a departure from what has become the norm of bigger ring gauged cigars. They are packaged in 50 count boxes, also something that you don’t see everyday anymore.
• Country of Origin: Cuba
• Size: 42 x 142 mm (5,6″)
• Wrapper: Cuba
• Binder: Cuba
• Filler: Cuba
• Price: 10€
It is an elegant looking cigar, that is dressed in a matte Colorado Claro shaded wrapper. Construction doesn’t show any gaps in the filling.
Por Larrañaga Edicion Regionales 2017 5ta Avenida Corona: a faint hint of barnyard and sweet tobacco are present in the cold draw. The first couple puffs are light, with hazelnut and wood present.
Hazelnut and wood continue to be present in the first third. There is a light spiciness is present in the background. Strength is mild – medium (2,5/5).
Getting in to the second third, the hazelnut and wood are now joined by a honey sweetness, which is characteristic for the Por Larranaga brand. The smoke becomes creamy and the spiciness is now only perceptible in the retro hale. Strength increases slightly (3/5).
The last third continues with hazelnut and wood being the main flavors. The honey sweetness comes and goes. It is not as present as in the second third, but the smoke is still creamy. Later in the final third appears a hint of balsamic herbs. Towards the finish, the smoke begins to become slightly bitter and harsh. Strength stays on the medium level (3/5).
Overall, this Por Larrañaga Edicion Regionales 2017 5ta Avenida Corona is a well constructed cigar. The flavor profile is enjoyable. A couple of years of rest will definitely round out the harshness of the final third. One question comes to mind, thought. Is it better than the Petit Corona (which is almost similar in size and cheaper) from Por Larrañaga? The answer is no, it isn’t.
Rating: 87