Lets Talk Cohiba

[joeypots]

I can't add much to this thread that hasn't been posted already. Aged 5 years and smoked at the correct RH they are the bomb, my favorite marca. I've not smoked many of the new iterations of Cohiba but I did stock up on my favorites, Siglo III, IV, VI, and Robusto prior to the latest price increase. 

[El Hoze]

If someone asked me my favorite brand I likely would resist answering Cohiba (I'd probably say HU). But if you looked through my inventory you'd probably say it was Cohiba. I find it to be the most consistent, more of a "go-to" than a favorite if that makes any sense. And I buy more vitolas of this brand than any other by far. I stock large amounts of robustos, CE, lanceros, Sig IVs, and Sig VIs, and a fairly large stock of Esplendidos and BHK52s. Then I've got some randoms. Couple boxes of 66s, maduros, etc. I smoke 90% w at least 3 years on them, but have had plenty of "testers" right off the truck that I found more than smokeable. It's usually at the end they get trickier. 

I would agree dollar for dollar they may not be the best value but I don't get to smoke as many cigars as I'd like as a result of flying all over the place working...so it works out OK for me. 

[godpheonix]

great comments, keep them coming! i'm not surprised to see the siglo VI being one of the fav's in member's rotation, a really good stick indeed! But it has never been a great one for me! it always seemed to lack something for me, i can't place it though. its definitely coffee creamy, some honey notes and a bit of that cohiba grass taste all blended in quality leafs, no doubt, but compared to the siglo IV and V, its not even close! must be the intensity of the flavours themselves. though i would admit that you see a lot less construction issues in the VI as opposed to the IV and V.

[perkinke]

Looks like I'm in the minority here. I have tried a number of different vitolas and all different ages, and while they were generally good (2010 behike very good) but to me the consistency and quality isn't that much better than other marcas and I simply prefer H. Upmann, Hoyo, and Partagas. And in almost all vitolas there are other marcas that I like better. Not saying they're not good, just saying not enough better to seek out.


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[Smallclub]

29 minutes ago, perkinke said:

Looks like I'm in the minority here. I have tried a number of different vitolas and all different ages, and while they were generally good (2010 behike very good) but to me the consistency and quality isn't that much better than other marcas and I simply prefer H. Upmann, Hoyo, and Partagas. And in almost all vitolas there are other marcas that I like better. Not saying they're not good, just saying not enough better to seek out.

Count me in this minority. I'd go even further by saying that the Siglo's, specially the smaller sizes, leave me indifferent. (the Siglo VI being the exception). I simply don't see where's the premium, even when they're aged.

[rhcolbert]

Fan of sig II, but I enjoy that size in many different brands.

price really turns me off; I don't feel as if any are as good as the asking price is. 

They need more than 5 years for me. It seems like closer to 10 that whatever element I like in em finally shows thru during the whole cigar. At 5, I seem to only enjoy the first 1/2-2/3.  

Limited experience given I'm cheap tho. 

[Guest Nekhyludov]

13 hours ago, mnmlst said:

Ah, Cohiba. The marca I didn't want to like.

Like a lot of y'all have mentioned, I used to avoid Cohiba. I figured it was just an overpriced gimmick for tourists and amateurs. 

But I would end up picking up a 3 pack in a duty free when I needed to stock up and was short on options. And damned if they weren't good. REALLY good, generally. 

So now I keep some Esplendidos on hand, in 5x3s to keep costs manageable. 

1) Esplendido - I love churchills and these are great. Full Cohiba character, very satisfying. 

2) BHK52 - gorgeous, but mine are sleeping for now. 

3) CORO/Lancero - like an Esplendido, but always leaves me wanting ... something. More?

...

487) Siglo VI - I've only ever had terrible examples of these, from hotels, restaurants, etc. Never enjoyable, always terrifyingly expensive. 

[lestabantam]

Every Christmas day morning for the last 6 years I've had a Cohiba Panatela. They are pricey for the size but my, they are gorgeous, even when a bit on the tight side.

 

I have had some stellar Siglo 3, some fine 1s 2s and 5s. I've had a few robusto, but the only one that sticks in my mind was seven years old. The others were downright average. I had a BHK 52 that started amazing, then turned bloody good before a very average finish. If i'd smoked it the other way round it would rank as one of my best cigars ever, but as it was I wasn't rushing to buy another.

 

Overall I think the panatelas is my favourite, there's something about how that cohiba taste hits the tongue from that slender ring gauge, after that its the sig 3.

 

[NSXCIGAR]

2 hours ago, Smallclub said:

Count me in this minority. I'd go even further by saying that the Siglo's, specially the smaller sizes, leave me indifferent. (the Siglo VI being the exception). I simply don't see where's the premium, even when they're aged.

I also tend to avoid the Siglo series. I've always been more disappointed with the Siglos than the Linea Clasicas. I think there is a difference with the Siglos and always has been. Haven't smoked a Siglo VI in many years, so I can't comment on that one. But I generally have found the Linea Clasicas deliver more often than the Siglos. I could really care less if I smoke a Siglo again. There are plenty of options in the Linea Clasica for me if I so desired.

[vladdraq]

19 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

great robustos and esplendido's. whacko.

and the early sig VIs. and all sig VIs since then. and pretty much all the rest.

Huge Siglo 6 fan here too. I always keep 6-8 boxes on hand.

I do have a weird feeling though. Sometimes i smell/feel a soapy, shampoo, fabric softener smell/taste. Am i just dreaming or there is something similar on the flavour profile?

[JohnS]

19 hours ago, planetary said:

John knows Cohiba much more thoroughly than I, but I can confirm that the single Piramides Extra I've had was one of the most memorable cigars of my life.  The setting certainly didn't hurt, either!

Cohiba is the most enchanting of marcas, from my (limited) experience.

Thank you @planetary however, I must acknowledge @Trevor2118 and his mentoring in this respect. It was his appreciation and guidance which influenced me. Shall I quote the great Sir Isaac Newton? "If I have seen further than others, it's only because I have stood on the shoulders of giants".

14 hours ago, subport said:

I do not hate Cohiba but Im no fan at all. Its the least fav marca for me. Period. Why? Flavour profile. Did I try real ones? Absolutely. Did I try aged ones? Absolutely. Have lanceros 05. Coro, espy and so on including bhk years and years on them and maduro 5 original release. Still not my favorite flavour profile. Thats it. But I dont hate it. Just not raving about them. Would smoke a jls 1,2 or a boli pc 99% or almost everything else over any Cohibas. That is just me and my palate. 

I have dear friends who don't connect with marcas such as Bolivar, Ramon Allones and Trinidad either. I remember a get together last year where some Bolivar Coronas Extras from 2001 were handed around. Everyone was acclaiming how good they were, while I had to meekly apologise and admit that I just wasn't 'feeling' it!' Not everyone connects with the flavour profile of Cohiba and the positive thing this means is that more can spent on other marcas which aren't as costly!

[Raginaharjar]

Cohiba is not my brand so far. I have had an awsome esplendido and a great siglo II but most cohiba is an overdose of grass and cream for me. I´ll keep on trying, would like to love them :-)

[canadianbeaver]

I must add that brand would not claim what makes me go gaga about a cigar on a particular day. A certain find in the wine fridge that captures my eye might.

So Jonny or Janey who shows up sees the dry box of all different loot and asks, what should I smoke? Then they just smoke what I have in my hand. And if they are noobs, they get something nice but insignificant. Truth!

CB

[subport]

1 hour ago, JohnS said:

Thank you @planetary however, I must acknowledge @Trevor2118 and his mentoring in this respect. It was his appreciation and guidance which influenced me. Shall I quote the great Sir Isaac Newton? "If I have seen further than others, it's only because I have stood on the shoulders of giants".

I have dear friends who don't connect with marcas such as Bolivar, Ramon Allones and Trinidad either. I remember a get together last year where some Bolivar Coronas Extras from 2001 were handed around. Everyone was acclaiming how good they were, while I had to meekly apologise and admit that I just wasn't 'feeling' it!' Not everyone connects with the flavour profile of Cohiba and the positive thing this means is that more can spent on other marcas which aren't as costly!

Yeah absolutely John. I ageee. I always try and buy a box here and there. Usually last long as I tend to reach other sticks quite far ofter. Dont mind it, dont even thinking about it. Thats the way it is. No price or any other factor is taken into this... 

[beparrish]

11 hours ago, GrouchoMarx said:

I'm a big fan!

What I've tried: BhK 52, Bhk56, esplendido, robusto, sig2, sig3, sig4, sig5, sig6, maduro genios, maduro secretos

Favourites: BHK56, Sig6, genios, robusto

What I really need to get my mitts on are some lanceros! C'mon Rob! LOL

Yeah, I need to get my hands on some lanceros as well so I can find out whether or not I like them. So step aside the next time these are available in a 24:24, all you filthy CoLa whores. 

[Corylax18]

Unsurprisingly, not much descent. I guess I'll stick my neck out. In general Cohiba is far and away the marca I've been most disappointed by. I have never had one older than about 5 years, but in almost every case I find myself staring at the cigar wondering what the F**k everybody is so excited about. Anytime I taste "grass" or really any vegetal flavor in a cigar it means a long rest is needed. Really not a pleasant flavor for me, so thats probably a large part of it. My other big issue is that I can get 2 or 3 of the same size in other marcas for the same price. I have never enjoyed twice or three times the experience from a Cohiba.

Maybe Ill have more money than brains one day (I'm working my hardest) but until then, price to satisfaction will always be a part of my buying equation. I understand Cohiba is not in anyway a value brand, but to me it represents the single poorest value in the Cuban lineup, buy a mile. The Sig III is the only Cohiba I have in my collection, surprisingly cheap for Cohibas at only about $12 USD each, and a great size. (Long Corona) Great value (relative to other Cohiba, and for the long corona size) and the remind me of great Montes; Citrus, Coffee, Coco, elegance. for $2 more than a Monte Tubo you get a very similar cigar.

Ive asked this same question at least 5 times here, and probably 10 other times, and still have not received a logical answer. If Cohiba leaves receive an extra fermentation step before being rolled then why do they REQUIRE (seems to be the consensus here) years down before they become smokable?  

[gweilgi]

5 hours ago, Smallclub said:

Count me in this minority. I'd go even further by saying that the Siglo's, specially the smaller sizes, leave me indifferent. (the Siglo VI being the exception). I simply don't see where's the premium, even when they're aged.

+ 1 ... the minority is getting smaller!

As I sit here, I'm actually smoking a CoRo, one of a box I bought at Dubai Duty Free 10 years ago because I simply cannot walk past a cigar shop without popping in (serious impulse control issues there) and I figured I should test for myself what all the fuss is about.  To be sure, it is a damnfine cigar -- rich, creamy, chock full of deep flavour.  But so are a lot of others out there, and those other marcas do not have the same price point, nor do they attract the sheer numbers of poseurs.  I like to think of myself as a committed and occasionally knowledgeable aficionado, and sitting someplace smoking the same stick as a bunch of businessmen and bankers who wouldn't know shit from shinola when it comes to good leaf does grate on me.  How superficial am I?  

[Cmelle]

On Saturday, March 04, 2017 at 4:44 PM, NSXCIGAR said:

I just don't have the patience to age them and again, the price is a bit prohibitive to me. But somewhere in my head I kick myself every year for not having purchased some a few years ago and having them available. 

Yep exactly this

[NSXCIGAR]

21 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

Ive asked this same question at least 5 times here, and probably 10 other times, and still have not received a logical answer. If Cohiba leaves receive an extra fermentation step before being rolled then why do they REQUIRE (seems to be the consensus here) years down before they become smokable?  

Well, I'll take a stab at it...

Aging and processing methods that occur prior to rolling can't be compared to aging after the cigar is rolled. Two different phenomena that aren't really related. That said, as I mentioned earlier, I smoked many Cohibas from about 07-09 that were really terrific ROTT. Then something happened around 10-11 and I thought Cohiba just fell off quality-wise, when in fact they began to need a few years to become decent.

As new strains have been continuously implemented and refined over the last 20 years I simply chalk it up to that. Perhaps the strain used for 07-09 production was dropped for another following that season. All CCs have undergone so many changes in so many aspects in the last 20 years. New strains have been tried in different growing regions every few years since the mid-90s.

Interestingly, I think that the 07-09 period was pretty great for most CCs. However, since that quality didn't appear to be matched until a couple of years ago, I'd guess that there were issues with the strains used during that time which prompted them to move away from it. And those new strains result in tobacco that needs a few years of age after rolling, despite the extra processing tobacco destined for Cohiba receives prior to rolling. 

[FLB03TT]

On 3/4/2017 at 9:09 AM, joeypots said:

I can't add much to this thread that hasn't been posted already. Aged 5 years and smoked at the correct RH they are the bomb, my favorite marca. I've not smoked many of the new iterations of Cohiba but I did stock up on my favorites, Siglo III, IV, VI, and Robusto prior to the latest price increase. 

This ^ High quality CORO prices have gotten a little goofy of late!

[Dave001]

I am a really huge fan of the lancero and the sig V after 5 years these cigars are fantastic luckily all the newest boxes I have of each are from 2012 so im good to go

[MrGlass]

Like many here have already said, I've had some great ones, some average ones and some pretty poor ones.  The price point has always been a big hurdle for me, as even when they were great, I don't know if they really offered better bang-for-buck than the other marcas.  They certainly offer greater disappointment when they're off.  But my experience with Cohiba has been fairly limited, and I certainly haven't had the opportunity to try any aged examples.

If money was no object, they would undoubtedly be part of my regular rotation.  But as it stands right now, they are something I buy as the occasional single.

[cohibafix]

I'm a fan, too. Siglo VI, Magicos and Robustos are my most frequent selections. I recently rekindled my admiration of the Lanceros - I have a box from 2010 and they are sublime; and I always enjoy a Siglo IV with a bit of age on it.

While I enjoy the occasional Siglo II, I sometimes think a purchase of the smaller sizes can be difficult to justify from a bang per buck perspective. On balance, however, I'm rarely disappointed.

[Fugu]

On 04/03/2017 at 2:43 PM, CaptainQuintero said:

When they are on they are stunning cigars, the problem is the wild variation. The price point means the risk:reward ratio can sometimes be too much of a gamble. If they sorted out the consistency issues then the price point would be certainly justified for me. 

You have to pick carefully, like good peaches

Have to agree with the Captain - my main criticism with Cohiba would be inconsistency. Not a huge Cohiba smoker anyway, though I do enjoy the occasional Lanceros (Espi, Sig 3, 4, 5). But the poor quality consistency simply is non-acceptable. Things seem to have improved recently.

[planetary]

Bringing up inconsistency as a problem seems redundant of the fact that it's a Cuban cigar.  It's not in fact any more inconsistent than any other marca, is it?  In fact, you'd perhaps expect those Cohibas produced at El Laguito to be more consistently excellent, would you not?

(I actually don't know if El Laguito's reputation comes from having more experienced rollers, access to better quality leaf, or something else.)