AshMap
Overview
The L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona represents a masterclass in restraint and refinement—proof that a Corona vitola, often dismissed as a format for the hurried or the novice, can deliver the complexity and construction quality demanded by serious aficionados. Produced at the My Father Cigars factory in Estelí under the stewardship of Matt Booth's L'Atelier Imports, this cigar has held its position as the flagship expression of the brand since its introduction around 2012. The SS designation marks the Corona within a line celebrated for its commitment to balance: an Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper in a rich Colorado shade, married to a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and a trio of aged Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega—each component aged a minimum of three years before rolling.
What distinguishes the SS Corona is its architectural integrity and flavor trajectory. The construction, hand-rolled to exacting standards with triple caps, yields a draw of ideal resistance and a burn line so precise it demands almost no correction. The smoke emerges cool and voluminous, framed by a pale grey ash that holds firm throughout. Flavor-wise, the cigar unfolds with narrative precision: opening with dried stone fruit and creamy cedar, transitioning through a mid-palate of dark cocoa and seasoned leather, and concluding with an authoritative espresso and mineral finish that lingers long after the final ash drops. The strength, rated medium-full, builds progressively rather than pummeling—a sophisticated ascent that respects the smoker's palate.
At $12–$16 per cigar, the SS Corona occupies the space where premium craft meets accessibility—it is not an impulse purchase, nor is it an investment in rarity, but rather a statement of quality at a responsible price point. For those willing to observe the recommended three to six months of box rest, the blend deepens further, the edges soften, and the integration of component flavors becomes even more seamless. This is L'Atelier at its most elegant: complexity without bombast, strength without aggression, and a format that proves the Corona remains one of the finest vessels for serious tobacco expression.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers — Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega primings, aged a minimum of 3 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobacco aged a minimum of 3 years pre-roll; further box rest recommended 3–6 months post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dried stone fruit and a whisper of toasted bread. Once lit, the first third delivers a refined balance of creamy cedar, roasted nuts, and subtle white pepper on the retrohale. A light floral note — reminiscent of dried rose petals — lingers in the background.
Second Third
The midpoint transitions into deeper, earthier territory: dark cocoa powder, espresso grounds, and seasoned leather emerge with increased complexity. The pepper note mellows to a warm spice, and a hint of dried fig or raisin sweetness surfaces, adding breadth to the profile.
Final Third
The final third tightens and intensifies — rich dark chocolate, toasted oak, and a pronounced earth note dominate. Strength builds noticeably here, finishing with a long, dry espresso and mineral aftertaste. The sweetness fades, leaving a clean, authoritative finish characteristic of Nicaraguan puro-adjacent blends.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the draw is ideal, offering just the right amount of resistance, and the burn line holds razor-straight with minimal touch-ups needed. The ash is firm, presenting in a pale grey to salt-and-pepper column, and smoke output is generous and cool.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A 12-year Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Centenario, or a lightly peated Scotch single malt like GlenDronach 12 — both complement the cocoa and leather notes without overwhelming the cigar's finesse.
Wine
A Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva (e.g., Marqués de Riscal Reserva) or a California Zinfandel — the fruit-forward, medium-tannic profile mirrors the cigar's dried fruit sweetness and dark cocoa core.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Nicaraguan pour-over coffee, medium-dark roast — the origin terroir creates a fascinating mirror effect with the cigar's earthiness and chocolate notes.
Who Should Smoke This?
The SS Corona appeals to intermediate and advanced smokers who value precision and nuance over raw power—those who appreciate that a great cigar need not demand two hours of your evening to deliver satisfaction. It is ideal for the professional seeking a focused mid-morning or post-lunch break, or the collector exploring L'Atelier's philosophy without committing to a larger format. The 45–55 minute smoke window makes it accessible to those with constrained schedules, yet it rewards unhurried, attentive smoking. Experienced aficionados who have moved beyond strength-chasing will find in the SS Corona a showcase of what Nicaraguan tobacco and careful aging can achieve—a cigar that proves the vitola's worth.
Bottom Line
The L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona is an understated achievement: a Corona that refuses to apologize for its format, delivering refined complexity, flawless construction, and genuine aging potential at a price that respects the consumer. This is the cigar that reminds you why craftsmanship and patience matter.
Similar Cigars
Explore all L'Atelier Selection Spéciale cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5)—strong enough to command attention, but not aggressive. The strength builds progressively through the smoke, finishing notably more robust than it begins. It is balanced rather than brute-force, making it suitable for those who appreciate nuance alongside intensity.
What does the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona taste like?
The first third opens with dried stone fruit, toasted bread, and creamy cedar with subtle white pepper. The second third deepens into dark cocoa, espresso, seasoned leather, and hints of dried fig or raisin. The final third intensifies with rich dark chocolate, toasted oak, and pronounced earth, finishing with a long, dry espresso and mineral aftertaste.
How long does the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona take to smoke?
At 5.5 x 46, this is a focused 45–55 minute smoke—ideal for a morning break, post-lunch moment, or pre-dinner aperitif without requiring a substantial time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona?
A 12-year Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Centenario or a lightly peated Scotch single malt like GlenDronach 12 complements beautifully. For wine, try a Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or California Zinfandel. A single-origin Nicaraguan medium-dark roast coffee creates a fascinating terroir mirror.
Is the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona good for beginners?
Not ideally. This cigar is designed for intermediate to advanced smokers who appreciate refinement and complexity. Its medium-full strength and nuanced flavor profile reward experienced palates; beginners may find it better to start with a milder introduction to premium cigars.
Where can I buy the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona?
This cigar is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in L'Atelier Imports products. Availability may vary by region; verify with your preferred retailer.
What is the price of the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona?
The SS Corona typically retails between $12–$16 per cigar, placing it firmly in the premium category while remaining accessible to serious aficionados.
Is the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is aged a minimum of three years pre-roll, and further box rest of three to six months post-purchase is recommended. Extended aging deepens the blend's integration, softens edges, and enhances complexity.
What wrapper does the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona use?
An Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper in the Colorado shade—a medium-dark tan to reddish brown with a silky texture and subtle toothy character that contributes to the cigar's refined appearance and flavor profile.
Where is the L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Corona made?
Hand-rolled at the My Father Cigars factory (Casa Fernández) in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the supervision of L'Atelier Imports. Each cigar is triple-capped and rolled to exacting standards.