Cohiba Corona Especiales vs Cohiba Lancero

[benfica_77]

Hey everyone...

Just curious for those who have smoked the CCE and the CoLA is there a difference in flavor profile?? They are the same ring gauge the only difference on paper is that the Lancero is 1.5 inches long and a lot more expensive. 

Just curious what everyone's thoughts? 

Also to @El Presidente and @Ken Gargett I don't think you guys have ever reviewed a CCE. You guys should do a review. Thanks! 

[Habana Mike]

For me they do have several similarities though the Lanceros have more time to develop.

That said, I've had many more of the CCE than the CL. Price point and availability the driving factors.

Picked up a box of CCE at Conde Villanueva last time in Havana.

Can't go wrong with either.

[JohnS]

They are similar in blend or flavour profile yet different in smoking experience due to the Lanceros being 40 mm or 1 ³⁷/₆₄ of an inch longer (i.e. I find Lanceros' milder that Coronas Especiales' of similar age). I've been fortunate to have a number of Cohiba Lanceros gifted to me over the years that have been over 10 years old and I've had young ones, through the 2017 Xmas Sampler for example, and they have all been exemplary cigars. Below are my notes from my Cuban Cigar Website inventory from my last 2005 Cohiba Lanceros...

Gifted by Trevor, this Lanceros solidified for me why these can be great young, and other-worldly when aged. A beautifully complex long and skinny, flavours were ornate from beginning to end. Mocha, milk coffee, Cohiba grass/hay, vanilla, spice and honey, it was all there until the very end when I nubbed it. 5 out of 5 but it really deserved a 5 1/2!

Below are my notes from my Cuban Cigar Website inventory from my last 2005 Cohiba Coronas Especiales...

I'd like to thank Trevor again for gifting me this aged Cohiba Coronas Especiales. I was genuinely surprised at how much flavour and 'punch' this had for its age. After smoking it I felt that it had 'legs' easily for another 5 years, if you can believe that!

The cigar had those typical Cohiba flavours one associates with the brand such as mocha milk coffee, light hay, honey and vanilla. There was a touch of spice which I noticed more through the retrohale. One flavour that was missing that you'd might expect from a cigar of this ilk was butter or cream but no matter, the cigar was quite tasty, I nubbed it down as far as it could go with my fingers!

[El Presidente]

8 hours ago, benfica_77 said:

 

Also to @El Presidente and @Ken Gargett I don't think you guys have ever reviewed a CCE. You guys should do a review. Thanks! 

Your wish is my command 

[Cigar Salute]

I've been curious about this as well, thanks for your input!  The Corona Especiale is my favorite Habano.  I think Cohiba really shines in thin vitolas like this, with the Exquisitos being my second favorite of the Linea Classica.  Interesting to think that Cohiba as a brand existed for over 20 years before it saw any vitolas above 38 produced.  I haven't sought out any CoLa just yet, more due to a cigar of that length taking me probably 2½ hours to smoke.  If there's any possibility that I may have to rush a Panatela, I'm not going to light it.  Next time I have a chance to score a handful, I will certainly keep this thread in mind!  Be well friends ?