Perla del Mar Maduro Corona Gorda 5 1/2″ x 46

The Perla del Mar Maduro swaps the line’s Connecticut shade for a darker, fermented wrapper, and the Corona Gorda is its slim size. Made by J.C. Newman in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Perla del Mar Maduro Corona Gorda sets a Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, box-pressed at a medium body.

The flavor usually leans toward dark chocolate, earth, coffee, and a subtle sweetness from the broadleaf. At 5 1/2 by 46, the box-pressed corona gorda gives an even, slower burn.

The medium body suits later in the day or after a meal. It is sold as singles or boxes of 25, so one is a simple first try. A darker, slower Nicaraguan-made maduro.

Pairs well with bourbon, espresso, or porter.