Cohiba Siglo VI (AME JUN 13)

[HIDoc]

Cohiba Siglo VI (AME JUN 13) Review

Hello folks, I want to preface this review with a brief explanation of my cigar smoking experience (and lack thereof with habanos).  I've been smoking NCs for about 8 years now, and my palate has been acclimated to the strength of Nicaraguan tobacco.  Thinking that my palate has been burnt out by the blatant "punch you in the face" strength of NCs, I was hesitant to smoke this highly respected line from a highly respected marca, especially since I am new to the habanos world.  Nevertheless, I took the leap of faith, and I must say that it exceeded my expectations.  My first Cohiba did not disappoint. Now, on to the review...

This vitola has a beautiful light golden brown claro wrapper with a few very small lumps here and there, but for the most part very smooth.  It has a firm and even pack.  On the nose, I am immediately hit by intense barnyard hay and a bit of fresh grass.  On the prelight draw, there's more grass and a touch of nutmeg.

1st Third

 

Wow.  In the 1st third, there's a very creamy leather coupled with wood notes.  It is exceptionally smooth from the draw and well into the finish.  There's no spice detected.  I taste a light coffee on the retrohale.  Throughout this 1st third, mocha is quite dominant on the draw, and it sustains itself through the finish with the addition of what I can only describe as a subtle lemongrass lingering on the palate.

2nd Third

The mocha decides to take the backseat while leather and oak comes in front of the spotlight.  The lemongrass becomes much more apparent on the finish.  It is followed by a hint of white pepper.  It is now a solid medium body.

Final Third

Mocha becomes very subtle.  The draw is dominated by a deep oak note.  The lemon grass finish morphed into a very distinct sour and citrusy note.

In the end of the last third, everything comes back with full force.  I am greeted by a blast of mocha, leather, roasted nuts, and that lemongrass flavor.  When you folks talk about that signature Cohiba grass, that must be it.  What a grand finale!

Final Remarks

This vitola has pleasantly exceeded my expectations.  This is quite possibly the most refined cigar that I have smoked to date, surpassing my standards set by an 8 year old OpusX that I've smoked a few months ago.  Along with my first CC, a RASS, I consider this to be an epiphany cigar.  Like a masterfully written symphony, the progression and balance of the flavors, smoke, and smell, was highly refined.  I'm looking forward to what the other marcas have to offer.  I'm officially hooked!

Cheers,

Dan

[planetary]

Very well-done review.  What a remarkable second chapter for your exploration of Havana cigars!  

Look forward to reading more from you as your journey continues... 

[HIDoc]

Thank you very much!  I too look forward to exploring what the other marcas have to offer.  I will revisit this vitola in a few years, if I can keep my hands off them.  Hopefully 5 years of age will do wonders...

[planetary]

27 minutes ago, HIDoc said:

Thank you very much!  I too look forward to exploring what the other marcas have to offer.  I will revisit this vitola in a few years, if I can keep my hands off them.  Hopefully 5 years of age will do wonders...

Kept properly, indeed they should!  If you have not yet read the aged Siglo reviews by @JohnS you should look them up to get an idea of what's in store!

[JohnS]

Yes...the mocha is a dominant flavour in younger Cohiba Siglo VI's. If aged well, they standalone in the Linea 1492 series for how buttery they can become.

[ChefBoyRG54]

First Cohiba is a siglo6 from 13, I like a guy who sets the bar high:)

Sig6 is a top 3 cigar of choice for me personally. Typically number 1 but depends on which day you ask. Have some from varying years and all are uniquely exquisite!

Great review

[miurajus]

Awesome review HD!  Thank you for the mouth watering play-by-play!