There is no getting around it; the Arturo Fuente Cuban Corona Maduro is one rustic-looking smoke. The rough, dry, gnarly, nearly black but genuine Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper suggests a few of the flavors held inside — particularly those of dried fruit (others exhibited include espresso, cream, vanilla bean, toast, anise and bittersweet chocolate).
Some have suggested that this cigar is Arturo Fuente’s attempt to counterfeit a Cuban stogie of old. But don’t judge a book by its cover!
The Cuban Corona is, in fact, a well-constructed, medium-strength, medium-bodied smoke with a smooth, easy draw and a pronounced lack of bitterness. Consistently rich, flavorful and satisfying to the last inch, its aroma is pleasantly fragrant, and its smoke production is copious.
In 2016, Cigar Aficionado accorded these sticks a rating two points shy of 90 (perhaps they deducted a bit for appearance?). This is a most enjoyable cigar that doesn’t break the bank.