Cornelius & Anthony Cornelius

The Bailey family is in its fourth generation of growing tobacco in Virginia. This marks the third year of their entry into the premium cigar field. Steven Bailey is a very congenial Southern Gentleman The brand is named for his great-grandfather (Cornelius) and his middle name (Anthony). Very aromatic wrapper with less in the foot. Good bunch and very good cold draw. A few veins in the Colorado shade wrapper. First impression, tons of smoke in the medium+ range. The smoke is smooth and elegant with leather and cedar notes. There is also a hint of ginger, even before opening my Ginger Beer, which seems like a good choice. Very light grey ash is solid and the burn is mostly even. At one third the tobacco notes have picked up as the strength has built a bit. Still a very smooth smoke. Gravity claimed the ash at about one inch, so I am knocking it off every inch or so. The burn continues to be even. Second third the overall strength backed down allowing for more complexity of flavor including more cedar and ginger with a velvety finish. The construction is proving to be excellent with an even burn and no wrapper issues. The draw remains perfect while still producing plentiful smoke. Approaching the final inch the flavors remain a pleasant medium with the same smooth finish. Some pepper notes have appeared to add to the complexity.