Passable Fuente Corona Imperial Natural

I've been rather hard on the Fuente brand when it comes to the Hemingway series, which I find overrated and lacking in flavor. But what about the "everyday" Fuente cameroons? Once again, the folks at Cigars Direct have given me a chance to sample another specimen from this well known and feted brand.

In particular, the Arturo Fuente Corona Imperial natural, a cameroon-wrapped, extra-long lonsdale (46 x 6.5) that looks exactly like a Hemingway minus the tapered ends. Even though this is supposedly the "workingman's" Fuente, the price is not exactly rock bottom - about $100 for a box of 25. Nevertheless it is a bargain compared to the Hemingways, which get bid up beyond comprehension at sites like cigarbid.

The Fuente Corona Imperial Natural looks just as good as a Hemingway and is constructed equally as well. It lights easily and burns perfectly, no touch-up required. And the flavor? Well, that's my sticking point, because I find the flavor nearly identical to the Hemingway cameroons, that is, not particularly splendiferous. At best, it's Hemingway watered down with a little cardboard. Better than your average Connecticut shade cigar, but that isn't saying much. Medium strength (not mild, as some of the websites would indicate) and a "general cigar" flavor of cedar and straightforward tobacco. Once in a while you'll get a doughy sensation of lushness and exuberance - but not often.

I expect more strength and development from a cameroon. Technically, this cigar performs well from beginning to end. If you like the this kind of flavor, you will want to buy this cigar over and over again. I find it rather plain, so in the words of Lyle Lovett: Once is Enough. Thank you Cigars Direct for the opportunity to try.