AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of cigar that announces itself before the flame ever touches it — and the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona is that cigar. Pull one from the cello and the first thing you notice is the wrapper: a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro so deeply bronzed it reads almost black under low light, its surface textured with the fine tooth and faint oil sheen that signal proper fermentation and patient handling. Bring it to the nose and you catch dark chocolate, a whisper of molasses, and the faintly sweet, almost loamy scent of well-aged leaf. This is not a cigar that shouts. It waits.
The Black Diamond line was conceived as Diamond Crown's maduro-focused extension, and in the Petit Corona format that mission achieves a kind of concentrated clarity. Where larger vitolas sometimes dilute Broadleaf's intensity across a longer burn, this 4.5 x 42 compresses it. The pre-light draw — firm but yielding, with just enough resistance to feel intentional — delivers raw cocoa and a hint of cedar. Toasting the foot releases a thick, aromatic smoke that coats the palate before the first true puff. And then the opening: dark chocolate and espresso roast arrive first, bold and immediate, before a smooth molasses sweetness unfurls beneath them. A subtle earthiness and a clean cedar backbone keep that sweetness from ever tipping into cloying territory. The finish is long and warming, with no trace of bitterness.
By the midpoint, the cigar has shifted into richer, more layered territory. The bittersweet cocoa deepens and takes on a dried-fig character, while toasted nuts — almond, perhaps, or hazelnut — add a savory counterpoint. On the retrohale, a mild black pepper spice emerges, present but never aggressive, the kind of spice that sharpens rather than scorches. The body has grown creamier as the tobacco opens up, and the draw remains cool and balanced throughout. Construction, as expected from the STG Santiago operation, is exemplary: an even burn line, a firm white-gray ash that holds well past the inch mark, and a draw that is open without being loose. This is a cigar you can smoke without thinking about it — which is to say, you can think about everything else.
The final third concentrates everything. Dark roasted coffee and leather take the lead, with the maduro wrapper's persistent sweetness lingering on the finish like a good memory. Near the cap, a note of charred oak emerges, followed by a slight anise quality that adds a final layer of complexity. There is no harshness here, no heat, no rush — just a satisfying, structured close that leaves the palate clean and wanting another. At 30 to 40 minutes, this is a cigar that respects your time while never feeling rushed. It is, quite simply, one of the finest small-format maduros at its price point, and a quiet argument for the proposition that less can indeed be more.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-fillers with aged Nicaraguan and Honduran leaf components |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / STG facility |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 42 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are reported to undergo extended aging prior to rolling; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The Petit Corona opens with dark chocolate and espresso roast up front, underscored by a smooth, sweet molasses note characteristic of a well-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf. A subtle earthiness and cedar backbone emerge quickly, keeping the sweetness grounded.
Second Third
The mid-section transitions into richer territory — bittersweet cocoa deepens, joined by dried fig, toasted nuts, and a mild black pepper spice on the retrohale. The draw remains cool and balanced, with a creamy body developing as the tobacco opens up.
Final Third
The final third concentrates the flavors considerably — dark roasted coffee, leather, and a persistent sweetness from the maduro wrapper linger into the finish. A note of charred oak and a slight anise quality emerge near the cap, providing a complex, satisfying close without harshness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — a hallmark of the STG Santiago operation — with an even, consistent burn line, firm white-gray ash that holds well past an inch, and a draw that is open without being loose.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Dominican rum such as Brugal 1888 or Ron Barceló Imperial; alternatively a 12-year Speyside Scotch like Glenfarclas 12 complements the chocolate and dried fruit notes without overpowering
Wine
A fruit-forward Zinfandel or an Oloroso Sherry — both mirror the molasses and dark fruit sweetness of the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast cold brew with a touch of cream; the coffee's bitter roast directly echoes the cigar's core flavor profile
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned maduro smoker — someone who has spent years with Liga Privada, Padrón 1964, and the darker Arturo Fuente lines — on a Tuesday afternoon, sitting on a shaded patio with a double espresso and forty minutes of unscheduled time. They are not looking for a novelty or a challenge; they want a cigar that delivers the full Broadleaf experience in a compact frame, without the hour-plus commitment of a Toro or Churchill. The Black Diamond Petit Corona gives them exactly that: the same dark chocolate, molasses, and espresso core they love, concentrated into a punchy, well-constructed format that never feels like a compromise. It rewards attention but does not demand it. For the experienced smoker, it is a reliable, flavorful companion; for the curious intermediate, it is an accessible introduction to what a properly aged Connecticut Broadleaf can do.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona is a masterclass in concentration — a small cigar that smokes like a much larger one, with the full Broadleaf arsenal of dark chocolate, molasses, espresso, and leather packed into a tidy 30-to-40-minute frame. At $10–$14, it is one of the smartest buys in the premium maduro category. If you have been sleeping on this one, wake up.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5 on the strength scale). Physically, that means you will feel a noticeable nicotine presence — a gentle warmth in the chest and a slight tingle on the palate — but it is not a powerhouse that will knock you over. The smaller ring gauge concentrates the flavors and the nicotine delivery, so it smokes with more intensity than its size might suggest. If you are sensitive to nicotine, smoke it after a meal.
What does Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona taste like?
The first third opens with dark chocolate and espresso roast, underscored by sweet molasses, subtle earthiness, and cedar. The second third deepens into bittersweet cocoa, dried fig, toasted nuts, and a mild black pepper spice on the retrohale, with a creamy body developing. The final third concentrates into dark roasted coffee, leather, charred oak, and a slight anise quality near the cap, all wrapped in a persistent maduro sweetness.
How long does Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona take to smoke?
At 4.5 x 42, this Petit Corona is a focused 30-to-40-minute smoke. The exact time depends on your puffing cadence and how far down you smoke it, but it is designed for a morning or post-lunch break when a full-sized cigar is not practical.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona?
An aged Dominican rum such as Brugal 1888 or Ron Barceló Imperial is an excellent choice — the rum's caramel and vanilla notes mirror the cigar's molasses sweetness while its oak aging complements the cedar and leather. Alternatively, a 12-year Speyside Scotch like Glenfarclas 12 works beautifully, as its dried fruit and chocolate notes echo the cigar's core profile without overpowering it. For wine, a fruit-forward Zinfandel or an Oloroso Sherry both mirror the maduro wrapper's dark fruit and molasses character.
Is Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona good for beginners?
It is not ideal for a complete beginner. At Medium-Full strength and $10–$14 per cigar, it demands both a tolerance for nicotine and a willingness to invest in a premium smoke. That said, an intermediate smoker who has already enjoyed milder maduros and wants to step up in intensity will find this an excellent next step — the construction is forgiving, the draw is open, and the flavors are rich but never harsh.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona?
This cigar is sold through premium tobacconists, authorized Diamond Crown retailers, and reputable online cigar shops that carry the General Cigar/STG portfolio. Because it is a premium, hand-rolled cigar, you will not find it in convenience stores or gas stations. Look for retailers that specialize in boutique and luxury cigars, and consider buying from a shop with high turnover to ensure proper storage conditions.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona?
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona typically retails for $10–$14 per cigar. Prices may vary slightly by region and retailer, and buying by the box often brings the per-cigar cost down. At this price point, it sits firmly in the premium tier but remains accessible compared to many ultra-premium maduros.
Is Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona worth aging?
Yes, though it is already enjoyable fresh. The tobaccos are reported to undergo extended aging prior to rolling, so the cigar arrives with a head start. However, the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and the Nicaraguan and Honduran filler components will continue to marry and mellow over time. Six to twelve months in a stable humidor at 65–68% RH will likely smooth any remaining edges and deepen the dried fruit and molasses notes. Longer aging — two to three years — can add further complexity, but this is not a cigar that requires years of patience to shine.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. This wrapper is prized for its deep, dark color — ranging from deep mahogany to near-black — and its toothy texture with a subtle oily sheen. Connecticut Broadleaf is known for contributing rich, sweet notes of molasses, dark chocolate, and dried fruit, which form the backbone of this cigar's flavor profile.
Where is Diamond Crown Black Diamond Petit Corona made?
It is made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the General Cigar / STG facility. This factory is known for producing high-quality, hand-rolled cigars with excellent construction, and the Black Diamond line is no exception — the even burn, firm ash, and consistent draw are hallmarks of the Santiago operation.