Peering into the wonderful world of the Leon

Jimenes Prestige Corona

A quick description for those eager to fill their lungs:

The Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona is a classic Dominican cigar that launched in 2011 to honour the company’s founding family. It’s rolled at La Aurora’s historic Santiago factory. We think it’s a great beginner cigar, especially because it has more of a sweet, gentle flavour. It’s wrapped in a silky-smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut shade leaf. Real classy. It’s smooth, mild-bodied, refined, and tastes of golden cedar and toasted nuts rather than any aggressive spices. It’s a gentler blend, but still one that’s so tasty we wouldn’t blame you for trying to eat it. (Don’t do that). Those who’ve had the privilege of smoking this work of art described it as “easy on the palate”, with “no aggressive notes” in its flavour profile. The relaxing, sweet-wood flavour delivers as premium an experience as more expensive selections at an affordable price. The sleek cedar-lined aluminium packaging tube even comes branded with a golden Leon Jimenes brand. Just to show who’s work of art you’re smoking.

 

Available now at CaLaDa

What are the dimensions of the Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona?

Shape: Corona (straight sided)

Length: 5.0 in (12.7cm)

Ring Gauge: 38 (1.5cm wide)

How is the Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona produced?

Every Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona is handmade in the Dominican Republic by La Aurora. The blend uses well-aged long-leaf tobacco and is expertly rolled for consistency. We at CaLaDa can verify that the construction is virtually flawless; the wrapper is seam-free, giving a smooth, even burn and a firm ash (to keep your clothes as flawless as the construction). Each cigar is triple capped at the head and fitted into its aluminium tube with a cedar lining. It’s classy, but it also protects the cigar during travel. You could smoke this thing on Mount Everest. La Aurora grows much of its own tobacco, and blends/rolls in-house. They maintain a high-quality standard. The result is a finely crafted smoke without a lofty price tag.

What Wrapper, Binder and Filler are used in the Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona?

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade – a thin, light-tan leaf that tastes of gentle cedar, vanilla, and a very mild spice.

Binder: Dominican Republic (Piloto Cubano).

Filler: A blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian long-leaf tobacco. Mellow sweetness, peppery earth, and depth/nuttiness respectively.

What is the Flavour Profile of the Prestige Corona?

First Third: Bright cedar, sweet wood, and a gentle spice kick. A subtle burst of chili-pepper heat tickles the palate on the first few puffs and integrates with a toasted pine background.

Second Third: Creamy and nutty. A lovely contrast, the midsection gives way to smooth leather and nuts, hinting at cinnamon, cocoa, and dried fruit. A light creamy smoke emerges. You’ll no doubt have a line of people asking you for a puff.

Final Third: The Corona finishes dry, but not bland. A light coffee and pastry note emanates from the cocoa and cinnamon-spice sweetness of the last section of the blend.

Strength, Body and Complexity

Strength: Mild – a gentle waltz through the nicotine valley. It doesn’t sucker punch you in the mouth, making it very approachable. 

Body: Mild-medium. Smooth, easy-going, this Corona is more flavourful than a cigarillo but is lighter than a full-bodied Maduro.

Complexity: Moderate. The overall profile is beautifully simple, but the subtle layers of flavour suggest a deeper level of craftsmanship and care. The transition of spiciness to nuttiness keeps each puff interesting, even at a low strength.

What drink pairings work well with the Prestige Corona?

White Wine/Champagne: Generally, mild cigars pair well with lighter drinks. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine will complement the cigar’s cream wood/citrus notes with its acidity and fruitiness.

Cuban or Dominican Rum: An aged Caribbean rum (La Aurora’s own E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario) is an excellent match. Sweet-vanilla and spicy-tropical notes will match the cigar’s cocoa, cinnamon, and nut flavours.

Smooth Bourbon: A mellow bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace brings out the cigar’s subtle spice and creaminess. The warm vanilla and oak of the bourbon pair with the Corona’s cedar and nut profile.

Coffee: Like the final third of the tobacco blend, the Corona’s flavours pair excellentlywith a sweet, milky coffee. The nutmeg and sweetness contrast the coffee’s roasted bitterness.

What occasions are perfect for the Prestige Corona?

Morning or Brunch: Starting your day off with the sweet, mild-bodied Corona is a wake-up one could only dream of. CaLaDa can make that dream come true. Enjoy it with coffee and eggs on a weekend morning. Lunch Break (30-45 minute smoke): The cigar is ideal for a classy work break. The short burn time doesn’t delay the afternoon, but lets you enjoy lunch and make your peers jealous at the same time.

Travel and Outdoors: The sturdy aluminium tube makes this cigar excellent for an outdoors adventure, and keeps it fresh the whole time. Hiking is only made better with a Prestige Corona at the end destination.

Social Gatherings: Its easy-going and mild, so sharing with friends is a great idea both for casual get-togethers or for an after-dinner chat. In fact, we think you’ll have double the amount of friends at the end of the 45-minute smoke time.

Beginner Smokers: Because it’s so mild and well-balanced, it’s a great first dip into premium cigars. One puff from the Prestige Corona will dispel any fears over the harshness of cigars.

FAQs

Q: Is the Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona suitable for beginners?

A: Yes. This cigar is explicitly intended to be mild and approachable. It has a gentle nicotine hit and straightforward flavour transitions (pepper → cream → sweet) that most new smokers find easy and enjoyable.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona?

A: Plan on about 40–50 minutes. It’s a relatively short Corona, roughly a 45-minute smoke on average. Of course, puffing speed varies, but it won’t take much longer than an hour even at a slow pace.

Q: What is the price of a Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona?

A: It’s very affordable for the quality. We sell it for £13.87, an excellent value given the presentation and blend – reviewers note, and we agree, it “punches above its weight” for the money.

Q: How should I store them?

A: As with any premium cigar, store your Prestige Coronas in a humidor at about 65–70% relative humidity and 68–70°F (20–21°C) for best results. This keeps the wrapper supple and ensures a smooth, even burn.

Q: Can I age these cigars?

A: Yes – although they are already quite mellow, you can let them rest for several months if desired. A little aging (say 6–12 months in a proper humidor) will blend the flavours even more and soften any sharp edges.

Conclusion

The Leon Jimenes Prestige Corona is a great cigar. It exemplifies how an expert Dominican blender can deliver a premium experience in a mild cigar. The expertise on display with the Corona’s assembly showcases La Aurora’s expertise. The exquisite construction and tasteful flavour profile justify the 86-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. At its price and quality, it’s a bargain. In general it’s a perfect smoke for anyone – novice or aficionado.

Available now at CaLaDa