Two years after the launch of the Highclere Castle line, a collaboration between Foundation Cigars and Highclere Castle, in 2017, the new Highclere Castle Victorian was introduced.
The blend for the Victorian has been updated to be a stronger version of the regular line. It comes in the same five size.
The wrapper is of a Colorado Maduro shade, that has some tooth to it. Construction is even, with a perfect draw.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 46 x 140 mm (5.5″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
- Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $13 | € –
Highclere Castle Victorian Corona: the cold draw brings notes of leather, wood and pepper to the palate. The opening is peppery, mainly black pepper, with wood and leather following right behind it.
Further into the first third, it is pretty evident that the black pepper is the main flavor. Leather and wood follow, with a hint of hazelnut coming through in some puffs. Strength is already at a solid medium plus (3.5/5).
In the second third, the black pepper remains at the helm, with leather and wood right next to it. The hazelnut has become more evident and is joined by a subtle note of cream. Strength has increased slightly (4/5).
The core flavors are the same in the final third, namily black pepper as the dominant flavor followed by leather, hazelnut and wood. Things become interesting in the retrohale, where hot spices and balsamic herbs appear. Strength stays at medium – full (4/5).
Overall, the Highclere Castle Victorian Corona is not just a stronger version of the regular Highclere Castle. It takes the similar flavor profile of the regular line and ampes it up, while still remaining a well balanced and complex smoke with a flawless construction.
Rating: 90