AshMap
Overview
The Alec Bradley Tempus Corona is a study in patience—a cigar that wears its four years of aged tobacco like a well-tailored suit, confident but never loud. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of something refined: the wrapper exhales sweet hay and a faint hint of honey, while the foot offers a whisper of cedar and baking spice. Light it, and the opening third unfolds with roasted cedar and toasted almond, wrapped in a creaminess that feels almost velvety on the tongue. A subtle white pepper dances on the retrohale, not to intimidate but to announce that this Corona has structure. The sweetness—light caramel, like the edge of a crème brûlée—lingers, setting a tone of quiet sophistication. This is not a cigar that shouts; it persuades.
By the second third, the Tempus Corona reveals its deeper intentions. The creaminess steps aside as dark leather and earthy cocoa powder emerge, joined by a baking spice that evokes fresh nutmeg and cinnamon. The pepper, once a whisper, now asserts itself on the finish, leaving a gentle warmth. Threaded through this richness are dried figs and golden raisins—their sweetness not cloying but complex, like a fine aged sherry. The balance here is remarkable; each note supports the next without overshadowing, a testament to the blend's Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos from Jalapa and Jamastran Valley. This is the heart of the cigar, where time seems to slow, and every puff invites contemplation.
The final third is a crescendo of intensity. Espresso and toasted oak take command, grounded by a mineral undertone that adds an almost savory edge. The creaminess returns intermittently, like a familiar friend, softening the power and preventing any harshness. The finish is long and dry, leaving residual dark chocolate and cedar on the palate—a satisfying conclusion that lingers well after the last draw. The burn throughout is flawless: a straight, even line, a firm ash that holds past an inch, and a draw that offers just the right resistance. This is construction at its finest, a hallmark of the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras.
What makes the Tempus Corona distinctive is its ability to be both approachable and profound. It doesn't rely on strength or novelty; instead, it trusts its aged tobaccos and the Corona format, which flatters the blend's creamier register better than larger vitolas. Alan Rubin's vision of 'time' is realized here—not just in the aging process but in the way the cigar rewards those who give it their full attention. It's a cigar that demands nothing but gives everything, a quiet masterpiece in a portfolio often dismissed as commercial. For those who look beyond the brand's ubiquity, this Corona is a revelation—a smoke that punches well above its price point and stands as a serious expression of blending discipline.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown (Sun Grown variant), sourced from Jamastran Valley — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler, aged tobaccos from Jalapa and Jamastran Valley |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — produced at the HATSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling; extended post-rolling aging before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The Corona opens with roasted cedar, toasted almond, and a gentle creaminess that belies the medium-full body to come. Subtle white pepper on the retrohale anchors the initial third without overwhelming. A lingering sweetness — reminiscent of light caramel — coats the palate.
Second Third
The center third transitions into richer territory: dark leather, baking spice, and earthy cocoa powder emerge and deepen. The pepper note gains presence on the finish while dried fruit — fig and golden raisin — threads through the complexity. Balance is the hallmark of this segment.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with espresso, toasted oak, and a mineral undertone that grounds the finish. Creaminess reasserts itself intermittently, preventing harshness. The finish is long, dry, and satisfyingly complex with residual dark chocolate and cedar on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction at HATSA is consistently excellent — the Corona draws effortlessly with just the right resistance, producing a firm, cool smoke. The burn is straight and even, producing a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — both complement the caramel and spice without overpowering the cedar notes
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva or a Côtes du Rhône — the earthy, fruit-forward character mirrors the cigar's fig and leather notes
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee — bright acidity and nuttiness echo the almond and cocoa character of the smoke
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned enthusiast—someone who has chased rare Cubans and limited editions, who appreciates the nuance of a well-aged Connecticut wrapper but craves more body than a classic shade. It's a Tuesday evening, and they've just finished a demanding work call. They pour a glass of Ron Zacapa 23, settle into a leather chair on the porch, and reach for something that won't demand two hours but will still command their senses. This is for the smoker who has grown tired of over-hyped releases and wants a cigar that delivers quiet confidence. They already enjoy blends like the Padrón 1964 Anniversary or the Arturo Fuente Hemingway, but they're looking for something with a bit more edge—a Honduran character that feels both familiar and new. The Tempus Corona will give them a 50-minute journey of creamy cedar, dark cocoa, and a peppery finish that satisfies without overwhelming. It's a cigar that respects their time and their palate, offering complexity that rewards attention but never punishes distraction.
Bottom Line
The Alec Bradley Tempus Corona is a sleeper hit—a masterclass in balance and restraint that outshines many boutique offerings. At this price, it's an essential addition to any serious smoker's rotation. Don't overlook it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Alec Bradley Tempus cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alec Bradley Tempus Corona a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. You'll feel a satisfying nicotine presence, especially in the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. The strength builds gradually, making it approachable for experienced smokers who enjoy a robust profile without full-bodied intensity.
What does Alec Bradley Tempus Corona taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: it opens with roasted cedar, toasted almond, and light caramel sweetness, accented by white pepper on the retrohale. The middle third introduces dark leather, baking spice, cocoa powder, and dried fig/raisin notes. The finale brings espresso, toasted oak, and a mineral undertone, with residual dark chocolate and cedar on the long finish.
How long does Alec Bradley Tempus Corona take to smoke?
Given its Corona vitola (5.5 x 46), expect a smoking time of approximately 45–55 minutes. The ring gauge and length allow for a focused, unhurried session without committing to a two-hour smoke.
What is the best pairing for Alec Bradley Tempus Corona?
Aged Honduran rum like Ron Zacapa 23 is an ideal match—its caramel and spice notes echo the cigar's sweetness and baking spice, while the oakiness complements the cedar and toasted almond. Alternatively, a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 enhances the creamy and caramel aspects without overpowering the blend.
Is Alec Bradley Tempus Corona good for beginners?
It's not the best starting point. With a Medium-Full strength rating and a price point of $9–$13, it's better suited for smokers who have some experience with stronger cigars. Beginners might find the pepper and nicotine intensity challenging. If you're new, consider starting with a milder Connecticut shade cigar and work your way up to this one.
Where can I buy Alec Bradley Tempus Corona?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, especially those that carry premium Honduran cigars. Online retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar also stock it, often with single-stick or box options. Given its popularity, it's rarely out of stock, but check for freshness by looking at the box date if possible.
What is the price of Alec Bradley Tempus Corona?
The Alec Bradley Tempus Corona typically retails between $9 and $13 per cigar, depending on your local taxes and the retailer. This places it in the premium tier, but it offers excellent value for the quality of aged tobaccos and construction.
Is Alec Bradley Tempus Corona worth aging?
Absolutely, but with a caveat. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling, and the cigar undergoes extended post-rolling aging before release. This means it's ready to smoke upon purchase. However, the Honduran Connecticut Shade wrapper and the balance of flavors suggest it can benefit from additional aging—up to 2–3 years—to further meld the spices and soften the pepper, allowing the creamier notes to shine even more.
What wrapper does Alec Bradley Tempus Corona use?
It uses a Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown (Sun Grown variant) wrapper, sourced from the Jamastran Valley. This wrapper is unique—it's grown under shade but with sun-grown techniques, resulting in a medium-brown color with a subtle sheen. It contributes notes of cedar, cream, and a gentle sweetness, while providing enough structure to support the medium-full body of the blend.
Where is Alec Bradley Tempus Corona made?
It is hand-rolled at the HATSA (Honduran American Tobacco S.A.) factory in Danlí, Honduras. This facility is known for its meticulous construction standards, which is evident in the cigar's even burn and excellent draw. The Tempus line was introduced in 2007 as Alec Bradley's flagship expression of aged Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos.