I had one of the Regius robustas last evening, which ended far too soon after a most satisfying and enjoyable 30 minutes. I was so impressed I returned to Turmeaus in Liverpool this morning and purchased three of the Regius coronas, in eager anticipation of perhaps a quicker (being a little slimmer) burn, but equal pleasure. I am sorry to say that the first one has been a disaster, cigar wise. Having lit it in patient manner with a wooden taper, adding to the anticipated pleasure of the impending smoke, the cigar never really drew a good mouthful from the outset. Within minutes it had 'tunnelled' and burnt out one side. I gave up less than a third into it, and watched it extinguish itself almost immediately. I am now in some trepidation of trying either of the remaining two. There was no real taste other than a bitter, harsh and flavourless haze. I cut the spent section only to discover that it had burned a tunnel straight through to the smoking end. Little wonder it was hot and very unpleasant. I am sure that these things happen from time to time, and no fault of the helpful staff in this excellent repository. Just a bad one perhaps.
To compare these Regius coronas I also bought identical length and girth coronas by Oliva and Makanudo, having higher expectations. I hope I am proven wrong by the remaining Regius' and if so, will happily report back with an adjusted opinion more akin to my first impression.