Cohiba the best cigar brand?

[strikethebox7]

I have to agree with many of you guys. There are so many other brands out there offering more "in your face" flavors than Cohiba which usually requires a lot of age. It hasn't stopped me from buying them here and there, but so far it is a very hyped up brand. There packaging is straight class. But as rob put it once in a review "we don't smoke the packaging, now do we". So far, I have been left with good to average from the brand. Still love the history and as said by many before that chance that I might find that one amazing smoking experience keeps me coming back to the brand. Totally agree with those that say the regionals have been awesome across the board. For my money I would seek out a RE over a Cohiba any day For now, I have a bunch of Cohiba's sitting while I wait for the age to really enhance the flavors.

[JohnS]

9 hours ago, s1911 said:

I like Cohiba as a brand and have smoked both old and new cigars from boxes going back 25 years. Currently I've been buying a lot more boxes of Cohiba's in anticipation of the U.S. embargo ending and everyone and their mother (in the U.S.) going after one brand.. aka Cohiba. Price aside I'm wondering what my fellow forum members think about Cohiba in general as being regarded as the "top" Cuban cigar marca. I personally like the Lanceros, Esplendidos and Genios quite a bit, but overall prefer Partagas as a brand.

We've done a few polls on 'FoH' in the recent past and if you go by "top" Cuban cigar marca in our collective humidors (i.e. the marca with the highest quantity), one marca seems to consistently come out on top....H.Upmann. Does Upmann represent the quintessential Habanos cigar? Of course, the answer would be subjective and divergent.

8 hours ago, Smallclub said:

In my experience, when you take the time to discuss with people who say that "Cohiba is the best", you realize that these guys have a VERY limited experience of habanos, they generally know the PSD4, the Hoyo Epi No.2, the RyJ churchill… never tried a Punch, a SLR, a Bolivar, a Trinidad, and they've never heard of Sancho Panza or Rafael Gonzales or San Cristobal…

 

Definitely, very true. In my experience, I think that a youthful Cohiba cigar generally tends to be an 'opportunity lost' (although I have had some stellar Cohiba with 12 months on them), however, for me, if I was offered a 10-year old Cohiba I'd never say "no"! The challenge therefore, again personally speaking, is to let this marca age. Yet despite enjoying many various marcas and vitolas, Cohiba remains amongst my favourite marcas.

[Bohn007]

1 hour ago, Smallclub said:

? I've never heard about a "3rd fermentation" for the Sir Winston…

I have never heard about that either. Curious 

[SCgarman]

COHIBA

The Best? Absolutely Not!

Most Expensive? Absolutely Yes.

Do I spend my coin on them? Heck No!

[Mattb82]

I for one love the cohiba flavor profile. I know it's more expensive but for me the Coro, genios, vi hit the spot for me 

[Mattb82]

It's all subjective, people bash cohiba an awful lot but when they pop on 24/24 how fast are they gone? 

[JohnS]

5 minutes ago, Mattb82 said:

It's all subjective, people bash cohiba an awful lot but when they pop on 24/24 how fast are they gone? 

Of course! Hypothetically speaking, if Rob (El Pres) offered up 10 boxes each of Cohiba Siglo III or Siglo V (or even Siglo VI, which is similarly scarce lately) next week on 24:24, you'd have about 20 to 30 seconds to get your e-mail in to Di, and I mean that without exaggeration!

[Fugu]

48 minutes ago, Mattb82 said:

It's all subjective,

I lean towards disagreeing with that one in the context of quality.

And if we are to define "best" (from a consumer's perspective) we have to talk about "quality". Quality should - at least to some extent - be objectively veryfiable. Personal taste and profile preferences aside, as not being defined by quality, what do we have here with the marca Cohiba: A famous third fermentation/aging, a process that certainly adds to the production costs (so justifies higher pricing), but which must not necessarily mean "better quality" or a better cigar at all. And Cohiba usually comes with select wrappers of very high quality from the vegas finas de primera. But that's pretty much it.

High-qual wrappers are not exclusive to Cohiba. Quality, for me, foremost means good raw material, well fermented tobacco and, most importantly, quality in construction, i.e. build and combustion of a cigar. In all those aspects Cohiba is not setting itself apart in any particular way from other premium marcas out there. So, I would say, although a certain markup will be justified due to a bit more effort that is going into its making, it is not generally the best quality marca.

[bman75]

My experience with Cohiba is limited to one Sig 1 and one Sig 2, bought retail at a LCDH when traveling.  While I have yet to sample the Classic line, I enjoyed the Sig 1 & 2 and thought,"what's the big deal?"  While the lemongrass note is nice and unique, I had far more memorable cigars on those trips that were a small fraction of the price.   

The thing I absolutely love about Cohiba is that it is a cash cow for HSA, as well as retailers.  That effectively subsidizes the other brands. 

Another way to think about it...if the entry point for the Upmann flavor profile was $200+ for the smallest vitola, I would be cursing Upmann day and night for making me want something so damned expensive.  Fortunately, I can get a box of HU Majestics and be very happy for much less.

[Mattb82]

@FuguI hear you, but it's subjective in that one person may not have the same experience in terms of quality/construction that others have. I smoke a good amount of coros  and rarely have a construction issue. On the flip side someone else may have a different experience. My real point there was it seems like there are people that will bash cohiba yet they sell out almost instantly on 24/24. I also love the Upmann conny A and That is the best cigar in terms of consistency to me but might be different to others. I definitely see your point of view though 

[stogieluver]

Cohiba's...over priced and over rated.  JMHO, but I might add that I've never smoked one older than three years old.  The experts say this marca generally doesn't hit it's best until they're at least five years old.  Then again, I've read on here that some are absolutely great with little age on them.  My experience with young and not so young has, so far, been meh.

[Corylax18]

If by "best" you mean most expensive then definately. If by "best" you mean most highly marketed then certainly. If you choose to use almost any other quantifiable attribute, No. I have never heard any legitimate reason why Cohibas need to sit for 5 years even AFTER an extra 18 month fermantation. Nothing I understand about cigars or science supports it. Other people in the know dont seem to have a good reason either. Considering that I can get montes that taste like chocolate/coffee consistantly from 3 or 4 month old boxes, it makes even less sense. 

But please, by all means keep buying marketing and prestige. It leaves more of the "good" stuff for me. 

[Mattb82]

@Corylax18, maybe people that like cohiba are buying them because they like the flavor profile of citrus, almonds,honey? That's why I do. Saying we are buying them because of marketing and prestige is really not the way to go there pal. Especially when you don't know the people you are talking about. There are good and bad cigars day to day in any line. I smoke a variety of cigars, cohiba included. Maybe people will heed your advice the next time some PSP Coro pop on 24/24 so I can have a shot to get them outside of the first 30 seconds. I need to feel more prestigious anyways 

Im by no means saying cohiba is the best. The exact opposite, I'm saying the "best" is subjective 

[LGC]

No need to get defensive over whatever you like. If you like it, that's all that matters. Wanna know if you are truly smoking the best? Conduct a blind taste test with Cohiba robustos and 3 other "cheap" robustos (with similar wrappers). See if you can easily identify the Cohiba. Believing all information coming from Cuba (even many vendors) or expecting consistency throughout every cigar in a box.... is like assuming that a politician is always giving a straight and truthful answer...

[s1911]

13 hours ago, JohnS said:

We've done a few polls on 'FoH' in the recent past and if you go by "top" Cuban cigar marca in our collective humidors (i.e. the marca with the highest quantity), one marca seems to consistently come out on top....H.Upmann. Does Upmann represent the quintessential Habanos cigar? Of course, the answer would be subjective and divergent.

Definitely, very true. In my experience, I think that a youthful Cohiba cigar generally tends to be an 'opportunity lost' (although I have had some stellar Cohiba with 12 months on them), however, for me, if I was offered a 10-year old Cohiba I'd never say "no"! The challenge therefore, again personally speaking, is to let this marca age. Yet despite enjoying many various marcas and vitolas, Cohiba remains amongst my favourite marcas.

That's basically what I assumed and the point of my post. So far no one has said Cohiba is their favorite brand! It's not mine at all, but I've had excellent Lanceros from 1998, very good  Robustos and Esplendidos from 2004 and overall I like the Genios at any age, The Cohiba Gran Reserva to me is the best Cohiba Ive ever had. I sold all of my boxes of 2004 Sublimes EL's because I didn't like them. 

[Mattb82]

@Brandon. When someone says I'm buying something for prestige without knowing me they will get a response 

[vladdraq]

24 minutes ago, Brandon said:

No need to get defensive over whatever you like. If you like it, that's all that matters. Wanna know if you are truly smoking the best? Conduct a blind taste test with Cohiba robustos and 3 other "cheap" robustos (with similar wrappers). See if you can easily identify the Cohiba. Believing all information coming from Cuba (even many vendors) or expecting consistency throughout every cigar in a box.... is like assuming that a politician is always giving a straight and truthful answer...

For me Cohiba is the only brand that i can distinguish very easily. Just by the smell! 

And to be "on topic": YES, Cohiba is the BEST cuban brand.

We can talk 2 years about personal preferences, but as a brand definitively is. You can have some Duds? Of course, like with all the brands. There is a hype? Of course, like with all "luxury" brands. 

Cheers all and happy smoking :-)

 

 

[s1911]

12 hours ago, Mattb82 said:

I for one love the cohiba flavor profile. I know it's more expensive but for me the Coro, genios, vi hit the spot for me 

I agree on the Genios, that's one thats never failed me, I keep buying, and constantly enjoy!

12 hours ago, Mattb82 said:

It's all subjective, people bash cohiba an awful lot but when they pop on 24/24 how fast are they gone? 

I've always noticed this from people who complain about the cost, while I do enjoy several regular production Cohibas I don't think the marca lives up to the hype.

[Corylax18]

3 hours ago, Mattb82 said:

@Corylax18, maybe people that like cohiba are buying them because they like the flavor profile of citrus, almonds,honey? That's why I do. Saying we are buying them because of marketing and prestige is really not the way to go there pal. Especially when you don't know the people you are talking about. There are good and bad cigars day to day in any line. I smoke a variety of cigars, cohiba included. Maybe people will heed your advice the next time some PSP Coro pop on 24/24 so I can have a shot to get them outside of the first 30 seconds. I need to feel more prestigious anyways 

Im by no means saying cohiba is the best. The exact opposite, I'm saying the "best" is subjective 

Honestly I could care less about what you choose to smoke. Did any other person who enjoys Cohiba throw a tantrum? Right. Please try to keep your emotions elsewhere. The OP mentioned he LIKED Cohiba and his main reason for buying more was the hype and buying frenzy surrounding the lifting of the embargo. I don't disagree with this logic, as backwards as I believe those buying habits to be. 

I have never had a Cohiba absolutely floor me, blow me away, like I have with more than one other Marca. I understand that people enjoy those flavors, but the more cigars I smoke, the less I understand why they are willing to pay massive premiums for them. But when all is taken into account; Price, quality, consistency, I have been more consistently underwhelmed by Cohiba than any other brand. @vladdraqNailed it, Cohiba is THE luxury Cuban cigar brand and you pay for that luxury. My personal advise to the OP is to take that sizable chunk of change you may have set aside for Cohibas and begin to explore other Marcas. You may just find something you like better, for less $. 

[Mattb82]

@Corylax18. We are all entitled to an opinion and if you actually read my posts I said I thought the Conny A was the most consistent. Tantrum? What really pisses me off is when someone makes a blanket statement "keep buying marketing and prestige"  That's why you got a response from me, at any rate I'm done arguing, Have a good weekend

[Corylax18]

7 minutes ago, Hutch said:

I think you mean "couldn't"

You made me laugh. 

[canadianbeaver]

Seen with big Cohiba VI with a little hole on the side or 5 perfect cheap and cheerful Qunteros...

 

 

 

 

[NSXCIGAR]

On 11/18/2016 at 11:19 AM, Mattb82 said:

For the guys more knowledgeable on this does the Cohiba line get preferential treatment with the best leaves? I've read a few books that say this but wasn't sure of the validity 

Tobacco used for Cohiba undergoes a third fermentation in wooden barrels, supposedly at El Laguito. The claim is that Cohiba utilizes the "best" leaves. Maybe. 

I've always believed that this doesn't necessarily make Cohiba cigars "better", just different. The rich bean and grassy flavors of Cohibas past were pretty unique to the marca, although Monte has some of the bean flavors and old Vegueros had quite a bit of the grassy flavors. And Cohiba was surprisingly smooth for it's strength back in the day. Can't ever recall having a harsh or tannic one. Perhaps that was a result of the third fermentation? Who knows.

I do think that some extra care in wrapper selection goes into Cohiba. Not that I've never seen poor Cohiba wrappers, but they do tend to be consistently a step up from many marcas. 

Anyway, as mentioned in the recent post about our "favorite" brands, I don't think any one marca is wholly superior to any other. When quality was high for all marcas in the mid-90s, I never was drawn to Cohiba or Monte. Bolivar, Partagas, Punch and RyJ were pretty much the only brands I smoked--because they were the only brands I really liked. And I really only smoked less than 10 different cigars: BRC, BCG, Party Corona, Party Lonsdale (cab), Party D4, Punch SS1 & SS2, Punch Corona, RyJ Ex4, and some of the Party machine mades. I simply knew what I liked, and that was that. Now, I'm on a never-ending quest to find whatever quality HSA decides to excrete. I liked the old days so much better...

[Ethernut]

On 11/18/2016 at 9:17 AM, s1911 said:

I like Cohiba as a brand and have smoked both old and new cigars from boxes going back 25 years. Currently I've been buying a lot more boxes of Cohiba's in anticipation of the U.S. embargo ending and everyone and their mother (in the U.S.) going after one brand.. aka Cohiba. Price aside I'm wondering what my fellow forum members think about Cohiba in general as being regarded as the "top" Cuban cigar marca. I personally like the Lanceros, Esplendidos and Genios quite a bit, but overall prefer Partagas as a brand.

The best brand is the one _you_ like the best. What does "best" mean to you?

Best Marketing?

Best Prices? (I.e. Most expensive)

Best Flavor Profile?

Best feeling when smoking one with your mates?

Best feeling when others see you smoking one?

....and on it goes.... 

 

I'd say Cohiba attempts to be the best and it is a quality product. It's the Pappy Van Winkle of the Cigar world. (That statement if you're a whisky expert will mean one thing quite clearly, if you aren't a whiskey expert it will mean something else entirely) There are however many a seasoned cigar sea dog here that would not call Cohiba the best, some that defiantly would, and some would legitimately question whether a Marca even truly exists, Checkout the Thread in my signature for a little perspective. Cheers mate!

[s1911]

3 hours ago, Ethernut said:

The best brand is the one _you_ like the best. What does "best" mean to you?

Best Marketing?

Best Prices? (I.e. Most expensive)

Best Flavor Profile?

Best feeling when smoking one with your mates?

Best feeling when others see you smoking one?

....and on it goes.... 

 

I'd say Cohiba attempts to be the best and it is a quality product. It's the Pappy Van Winkle of the Cigar world. (That statement if you're a whisky expert will mean one thing quite clearly, if you aren't a whiskey expert it will mean something else entirely) There are however many a seasoned cigar sea dog here that would not call Cohiba the best, some that defiantly would, and some would legitimately question whether a Marca even truly exists, Checkout the Thread in my signature for a little perspective. Cheers mate!

Exactly the point of my post, I don't think Cohiba lives up to the hype, some are good, but overall the brand isn't my favorite. I don't give a crap about prices, marketing, or cool factor. I don't think they really attempt to be the best through production techniques (I wish they did), but rather through marketing. The whole point of the post was to see if anyone actually believes Cohiba is so great and if so ...why? 

I agree with you on the Pappy analogy!  I've done blind tastings against supposedly lesser bourbons covering the entire range from the 23 year down to the two versions of the 10 year and the general consensus was that the Pappy was "good" at the normal bottle prices but not worth anything more. Whenever I get bottles of Pappy I just sell them, at the current market rate they're not worth keeping.