Zino Nicaragua Half Corona

Davidoff

• Country of Origin: Honduras
• Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A.
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut)
• Binder: Nicaragua (Semilla 56 Seco)
• Filler: Dominican Republic (San Vicente & San Vicente Mejorado Secos), Honduras (Olancho and Jamastran Visos) & Nicaragua (Ometepe Visos)
• Length: 4 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 44
• Vitola: Petite Corona
• MSRP: $6 (Tin of 5 Cigars, $30)
• Release Date: Aug. 3, 2023
• Number of Cigars Released: Regular Production
• Original Score: 91

When you talk about premium cigars, the experience is usually as much a part of the conversation as anything else about the cigar. With at least one of its 2023 releases, Davidoff was trying to make that experience a more convenient one. The 4 x 44 Zino Nicaragua Half Corona cigars are pre-cut—more precisely, pre-punched—and ready to light, something the company’s press release said was targeting consumers who have an “on-the-go lifestyle.”

While pre-cut cigars might provoke thoughts of cheap, machine-made cigars, these are anything but that. Even if the Zino Nicaragua moniker might suggest otherwise, the filler tobaccos are from four countries. However, with a wide selection of tobaccos, the Zino Nicaragua isn’t the pepper bomb that some people might associate with blends heavy in Nicaraguan tobacco.

Instead, the Half Corona is more of a flavor bomb, with a depth and balance to the profile that almost seems surprising coming from such a petite cigar. While we all had slightly different experiences with what part of the cigar was most enjoyable, consistent construction and the enjoyable profile make this a very good experience, even if it might seem too short.

The entry price is quite reasonable, though, so for $30 you can try out a tin for yourself. Just don’t forget your lighter because while this pre-cut cigar has solved the need to carry one of your accessories, Davidoff hasn’t quite figured out how to get the cigars to light themselves. Now that would be convenient. — Brian Burt.