Global Premium Cigars – 1502 Emerald Corona

A few weeks back, I took the 1502 Nicaragua, the newest addition to the 1502 brand, for a spin and absolutely fell in love with the cigar having this to say:

Between the rich cedar, complimented by a medium spice and natural tobacco sweetness, full flavors, full body, and medium-high strength, this cigar hit my palate just right. For a price of $6.50, the 1502 Nicaragua is one of my favorite smokes this year!

Today, I will be reviewing the 1502 Emerald, one of three blends originally launched by Global Premium Cigars several years back with the 1502 Ruby and 1502 Black Gold. But not to disappoint with an “old” cigar, I bring to you the corona vitola, which was added to the line earlier this year.

1502 Emerald, and all other lines, are produced in Esteli, Nicaragua at Plasencia S.A.. Six box-pressed vitolas options are now available: Toro (6 by 50), Torpedo (6 1/2 by 52), Perfecto (6 1/8 by 50), Conquistador (6 by 56), Lancero (7 by 40), and Corona (5 1/2 by 42) . As is the case with all current offerings from Global Premium Cigars, the 1502 Emerald is heavily influenced by Nicaraguan tobacco, but changes it up a bit with Mexican San Andres in the filler.

The Facts

Samples Provided by House of Emilio
Price: $6.70
Vitola: Corona
Size: 5 ½ by 42
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Mexican San Andres and Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour
Drink: N/A

Pre-light

The 1502 Emerald is dressed in a light to medium tan Nicaraguan Corojo Habano wrapper that is extremely smooth to the touch. Some watermarks and color imperfections can be seen upon closer examination, as well as small veins. But overall, this is a great looking stick!

A natural sweet tobacco aroma is found on the wrapper, while fuller notes of pepper spice, cedar, and sweet tobacco are found on the “cigar lock” foot. A shallow cut through the double cap reveals a perfect draw. The dry draw is rather mild in flavor with a hint of clove and a slight spice tingle can be felt on my lips.

First Third

The box-pressed format of this already small ring gauge cigar makes it very comfortable in the mouth. Earthy notes and rich cedar, accompanied by spice, are first to greet my palate. Natural tobacco sweetness is hanging way in the background. Only a few puffs in and the cigar appears to be burning rather quickly, with a half and inch of ash already. I will be through cigar in no time if it doesn’t slowdown. A warming sensation is felt in the back of my throat from the spice. The ash is light in color and easily drops in the ashtray at three-fourths of an inch.

Middle Third

As the smoke first enters my mouth, a sharp citrus pierces my tongue, transitions to a rich cedar, accompanied by an orange zist sweetness, and finishes with toasted, earthy, and vegetal flavor. Moving further into the second third, the sweetness subsides and the toasted and earth notes continue to build, along with a new found cocoa. Based on appearance alone, I did not expect the amount of spice the 1502 Emerald is delivering. Up to this point, the cigar is burning well with a thin eyeliner burn and the ash is firm considering the ring gauge.

Final Third

Woodsy notes make a reintroduction, but are not the same rich cedar notes as earlier, more of a wet wood. The toasted notes and dirt are on the finish. The strength, which has hovered around the lowside of medium for the first two thirds, has intensified to a solid medium. Reaching the remaining half inch of the cigar, it is time to lay the cigar down to its final rest.

Wrap-up

Going into this cigar, I anticipated a mild to medium flavor and strength profile. And to say the least, I was mistaken. The 1502 Emerald held medium/full flavors throughout, and while the strength begun on the low-side of medium it crept up to a solid medium by end of the cigar. The Emerald is not overly complex, but it does deliver an intriguing profile and a nice balance, especially during the first and second thirds. The construction and performance of the Emerald was exceptional. At a price of $6.70, the 1502 Emerald Corona is easy on the wallet and worth a try. But for me, I know I will still be reaching for the 1502 Nicaragua over the 1502 Emerald Corona. But that is just a personal preference.