So, I don't really have too much of an amazing story behind this one. Just a bit of wonderful generosity by a fellow forum member, who tossed in one of these in a trade. I am always amazed at how generous the people are here. If only they'd put us in charge, we'd solve world hunger in about a week. I actually hadn't smoked a Cohiba in some time, and have never had a Siglo II, so I was thrilled to get a chance to try this cigar.
Preliminaries:
Cohiba Siglo II
Mareva/Petit Corona
5 1/8" x 42.
Nice golden wrapper color. I'd peg it as Colorado Claro. It's not perfect, as it has a bit of mottling, and some veins visible just under the skin. The art deco styling on the band is classy as always, though I don't know how I feel about the holograms on the new ones. Takes to flame easily, and the draw is perfect.
The intial few puffs have a bit of astringency and spice on the retrohale, but no spice on the palate. It starts off as a pretty straight medium in flavor strength and body. I can almost taste a bit of the lemongrass flavor associated with this brand, but I could just be talking myself into it. The main flavor I'm getting is sort of like a Danish cookie. It's pleasant and satisfying. Not getting many high notes. It's pretty subtle so far.
As I near the half way point, the cigar is becoming a bit more rich, but I'm still more savory than sweet. I think the lemongrass notes I got earlier were just me jiving myself. This is a pleasant enough cigar, but why does it cost nearly as much as a double corona?
Construction and burn have both been excellent.
Into the final 3rd, and the body and flavor intensity have kicked up a notch. I'm having a hell of a time describing the flavors. It is still very enjoyable, but I understand why many review publications require 3 or more examples before publishing a review. Initially, I would have described this as a nice morning or afternoon smoke, but this final third has shown it could hold its own as an evening smoke as well. It is almost reminding me of a Partagas now, though more french baguette than sourdough.
It's a nice smoke. I think I prefer a sweeter profile, but I'd absolutely keep a 5 pack of these around.
Final smoke time is going to be around 65 minutes.
So many thanks to the gentleman who included this. I really appreciate it.