When you first light a Double Corona of this magnitude, patience is the only rule. The draw on these 2007 vintage sticks offers a perfect resistance, neither too loose nor plugged, which can be a gamble with standard production runs. The initial profile is surprisingly smooth, lacking the sharp, aggressive bite often found in young Partagas. Instead, you get an immediate wash of damp earth and old leather. It coats the mouth with a heavy, oily sensation. There is a faint whisper of black pepper, but the five years of aging prior to rolling have tamed it into a warming sensation rather than a spicy sting.
As the burn line moves past the second inch, the true character of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco wakes up. The strength begins a linear climb, moving steadily from medium into the full-bodied territory. The earthy notes become drier, shifting toward cedar and roasted nuts. You might catch a distinct note of unsweetened cocoa powder, adding a savory depth that balances the growing power. The construction holds up beautifully here, with the ash forming a solid, dark grey column that resists falling. The smoke output is dense and aromatic, filling the room with that unmistakable, heavy Cuban scent.
By the time you remove the black and gold Gran Reserva band, the cigar is firing on all cylinders. This is where the Ligero leaf from San Juan y Martinez flexes its muscle. The flavors condense into a potent mix of charred wood, intense leather, and a resurgence of spice on the retrohale. Despite the intensity, the smoke stays cool if you pace yourself. It never devolves into bitterness, a clear benefit of the meticulously selected 2007 harvest leaves. The finish is long and savory, leaving a coating on the palate that lasts well after you set the nub down.
