As part of the Italian Collection by Fratello Cigars, the Arlequin was inspired by a 16th century Italian theater and Venetian carnival character. The Arlequin blend was introduced to the market back in 2019 as a round cigar and then in a box pressed format in 2020. In 2023, the company added a box pressed Corona line extension to the blend.
The Fratello Cigars Arlequin has a multi-country blend described by the company as:
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
- Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian
The current portfolio of the Arlequin includes 4 different vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes
- Corona (5 ½ x 48) – MSRP $11.00
- Toro (6 ¼ x 54) – MSRP $12.00
- Robusto (5 ½ x 52) – MSRP $11.50
- Gordo (6 x 58) – MSRP $12.50
The Fratello Cigars Arlequin line is hand crafted at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Today, I would like to focus on the Fratello Cigars Arlequin Corona which the company provided samples for review. For this review I smoked 5 of these. As you will read, they were quite good and priced right.
Pre-Light Examination
The Fratello Cigars Arlequin Corona is cloaked in a reddish-brown and marbled wrapper that exhibits a fine grain toothiness. It has a decent box pressing that has an excellent bunch and roll. There are just a few noticeable veins. A simple cap finishes the presentation.
The cigar is adorned with a single band that boldly declares it as the ARLEQUIN. It uses a blue, red and white motif with red, white and blue squares in the right side along with the name Fratello Cigars on the edge.
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up barnyard notes along the barrel and a touch more of the barnyard off the foot with an added cocoa like note.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold puffs that I felt was ok, maybe just a tad tighter than I like, but nothing to complain about. Natural tobacco sweetness and a nuance of citrus notes grace the palate.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first introductory puffs chocolate. walnut, and fruit to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The journey starts with rich decadent smoke, thick and chewy, with notes of chocolate, walnuts and fruit
- A mild cinnamon note adds to the early pleasure
- Cream notes neatly tie together the early profile
- White ash forms on top a medium thick and wavy char line
- A delicate sweetness joins the profile deep in the first third
- Well balanced blend moving into the second third
- The ash fell in a decent chunk revealing an off centered burn cone
- Chocolate has been slowly morphing into a dark chocolate
- Sweet nutty aroma wafts off the foot
- Cedar notes blend in midway
- There is certainly a core of dark chocolate
- Fruit notes join the mix moving toward the final third
- Smoke has been cool, thick and chewy, all the way through the journey
- Increased spice joins the profile moving into the final in both taste and aroma
- Medium – Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes
Final Analysis
The journey of the Fratello Cigars Arlequin Corona begins with rich, decadent smoke that is thick and chewy, offering delightful notes of chocolate, walnuts, and fruit. A mild hint of cinnamon adds to the early pleasure, while cream notes neatly tie together the initial profile. As the first third progresses, a delicate sweetness joins the profile, enhancing the overall balance. Moving into the second third, the chocolate notes gradually deepen into a dark chocolate, while a sweet, nutty aroma wafts from the foot. Midway through, cedar notes blend in, enriching the core of dark chocolate. Approaching the final third, fruit notes reappear, adding complexity to the mix. Throughout the journey, the smoke remains cool, thick, and chewy. As the final third unfolds, increased spice joins the profile in both taste and aroma, culminating in a rich and satisfying experience. Grab a box of these. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off Centered Burn Cone; (-1) Slight Wave in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasurable and balanced across multiple samples
