Cigar Review: Cornelius and Anthony The Mistress Robusto – Rated 95

Cornelius and Anthony, a brand that boutique cigar lovers have come to know and enjoy, has been making ripples in the fabric of the cigar world since their inception. With a long history in the tobacco business, anchored by the 150 plus years of farming by the Bailey family, the company has been releasing quality cigars for a number of years. This year was no exception, as they released into full production, two uniquely different blends, that were joined together through their marketing story. The Mistress and the Gent were previewed at this years IPCPR and they each had a story to go with the launch. You can read the introduction article here.

Today I decided to get a little more acquainted with The Mistress, a cigar I will say, is not one to take lightly, nor should you attempt to enjoy her on an empty stomach.

The blend of The Mistress is described by the company as:

• Wrapper – Ecuador
• Binder – USA
• Filler – USA

As announced at the show in Vegas, the Cornelius & Anthony “The Mistress” is available in 4 vitolas and come encased in 20-count boxes.

• Corona Gorda – (5.5 x 46) MSRP $8.95
• Robusto – (5 x 52) MSRP $9.45
• Toro – (6 x 50) MSRP $10.00
• Gordo – (6 x 60) MSRP $10.95

For this review, The Mistress Robusto took me on a pleasing and interesting journey. I would like to thank the company for the sample which was provided for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.

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Pre-Light Examination

To get things rolling I took one look at The Mistress and I was captivated by her dark wrapper that had a tinge of red hue running through it. She had a nice oily sheen the was inviting to the eyes and sported a well applied triple cap. Round in form she had a solid feel to her body with minimal veins and a smooth feel.

The Mistress is adorned with 2 bands; the first is the standard Cornelius & Anthony band, while the second is a gold and white band that simply states “MISTRESS” in white letters on a gold background. She is not fancy, but why create crazy new bands for every cigar you produce when your corporate logo will do just fine. Besides, I am sure it keeps the costs down if you order the same primary band in mass quantities for all your offerings.

The mistress has some intoxicating aromas prior to getting her fired up. She has a lightly spiced and sweet body with a foot that exudes baking spice and nutmeg scents.

I sliced her cap and took some cold draw puffs that continued her spicy enticement with an added splash of hot red pepper – all presented through a firm yet disciplined draw.

The Mistress had me right where she wanted, begging to light her up, to warm her exposed body with the heat of the soft flame of my ignited cedar spill. I knew I was doing what she liked as she grew to a bright orange glow and delivered a hard early pepper nasal blast. Ouch!! Yes Mistress I will take your smoke…

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Cigar Review Notes

• The discipline began with notes of red and white pepper
• Nicups kicked right in – this is going to be a nicotine ride for sure
• Certainly a slap to the nasals
• I picked up a wood note hiding behind the early pepper
• The pepper whipping has slowed, as the blend starts to come together
• There is a smoother, gentler touch, after a half-inch –  or maybe I am numb and got used to it 
• Wood moves forward in the profile 
• Her ash is light grey with a thick char line
• I can still sense some peppery harshness though 
• Strength is solid as I slow the puff rate and drink some water
• Unsweetened cinnamon moves in intriguing me to puff some more
• Then finally, oh yes!! the sweetness enters – thank you mistress 
• I tapped the ash, only to reveal her true self – a flat yet centered cone
• Leather notes and dry fruit play with the palate from here forward
• A sweet nut aroma fills the air around me
• Woodiness returns midway
• Sweetness builds and soothes me through the final third
• Strength spiked here and there into the full range during the journey
• Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes of pleasure

Overall, I rate the Cornelius and Anthony The Mistress Robusto a 95. The only point deducted for this beauty is the flat burn cone, otherwise, the Mistress was a spectacular cigar that offered flavor from foot to nub. The smoke was full and the burn was trouble-free. Strength wise, this is not for the faint of heart and if you think that a cigar named The Mistress, would be mild, please think again and understand the dual meaning of the word Mistress.

Point Deductions: (-1) Flat Burn Cone