Today, we look at the Fratello Arlequín in the Corona Gorda size. Back in 2019, Fratello Cigars would release a sampler known as the Fratello Space Pack. In that sampler were two unreleased blends: Sorella and Arlequín. The sampler pack put 6 x 50 versions of these new blends alongside two other 6 x 50 legacy vitolas (Fratello Clasico, Fratello Bianco). Following the release and based on the feedback, the Sorella and Arlequín were added to the portfolio. While the blend remained the same, the Arlequín was tweaked into a box-pressed format. Since then, the line has expanded to four vitolas, with the Corona Gorda added in 2023.
Arlequín is a part of Fratello’s Italian Collection. It is named after a 16th-century Italian theater and a Venetian carnival character.
Fratello Arlequín Corona Gorda – Agile Cigar Review
SPECIFICATIONS
The Fratello Arlequín consists of a San Andres wrapper, an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, and fillers from Peru and Nicaragua. The Corona Gorda size measures 5 1/2 x 48 and is in a box-pressed format like the rest of the line. Production for the Arlequín comes from Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua.
- Wrapper: San Andres Mexico
- Binder: Ecuador Habano
- Filler: Peru and Nicaragua
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A.
- Corona Gorda: 5 1/2 x 48
PERFORMANCE
The Arlequín Corona Gorda opened with notes of coffee, chocolate, tropical fruit, black pepper, and baker’s spice. The chocolate and coffee notes were primary through the early stages giving way to the coffee notes. There was a combination of herbal and black pepper notes on the retro-hale. Herbal notes also emerged on the tongue and started to increase in intensity. The chocolate and tropical fruit notes diminished in intensity. The herbal notes came close to becoming a primary note, but ultimately, the coffee notes remained primary for the duration of the smoking experience.
The flavors delivered were medium to full-bodied, countered by medium strength. There was a slight increase in intensity of both attributes, but ultimately, the Arlequín Corona Gorda remained in the medium to full-bodied and medium strength. The construction was excellent and was reflected in the burn and draw. The burn required few touch-ups, and a touch of resistance on the draw made it ideal.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
Given the Toro and Robusto sizes fell short of some of my expectations for the blend, I wasn’t sure what the Corona Gorda would deliver. After smoking this cigar, I found the Corona Gorda size to be the belle of the ball and the cigar that met those expectations I had in the past. The smaller ring gauge brought out better flavors and better balance among those flavors. There was also enough complexity in this cigar to keep me interested. Ultimately, this is a cigar I would recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast. I’d also recommend this to a novice who may want something in the medium to full range. As for myself, this is a cigar I would buy and smoke again.
Summary
Key Flavors: Coffee, Chocolate, Herbs, Tropical Fruit, Baker’s Spice, Pepper
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Plus
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Buy One
Score: 89
REFERENCES
Previous Assessment: Fratello Arlequín Prensado Robusto
News: Fratello Cigars to Add Arlequín Corona Gorda
Price: $10.50
Source: Fratello Cigars
Brand Reference: Fratello Cigars
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
Note: Agile Cigar Reviews are cigar assessments in a lightweight, shorter format. They will never replace our comprehensive reviews. They are only used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or giving a score for the first time or a blend we are looking at in a different size.
