Cigar Review: Cohiba Siglo VI (Cuban)
10 Oct 2012
Cohiba is considered the pinnacle of Cuban cigars, and recent additions to the Cohiba portfolio have succeeded in capturing the attention of cigar enthusiasts the world over.
Most notable among these additions was the super-expensive Cohiba Behike, which was dubbed “the new standard among smokers worldwide†when it became available in May 2010 (albeit in very limited quantities). Now the Pirámides Extra is just beginning to hit international store shelves as the first addition to the core Cohiba line in 20 years. The core Cohiba line, also known as the LÃnea Clásica, launched in 1982 with three vitolas: Panetela, Corona Especial, and Lancero. Exquisito, Espléndido, and Robusto were introduced in 1989. The much-lauded Siglo line—which ranges in format from the small Siglo I (4 x 42) to the large Siglo VI (6 x 52)—didn’t come around until later.
Today I’m reviewing the Cohiba Siglo VI, which many anointed the most exciting Cuban cigar before the introduction of Behike. It is a gorgeous specimen with a light, oily wrapper that has minimal veins, flawless seams, and a nice cap. As impartial as I might try to be, it’s impossible to not have high expectations given this cigar’s pedigree and that classic Cohiba band staring back at me.
The Siglo VI gets off to a nice start when pre-light notes hay and sweet cocoa transition to a medium-bodied taste of honey, white pepper, earth, and cream. The profile itself isn’t terribly bold—it’s almost fleeting—but the finish is long and spicy with a tingle on the tip of the tongue. The resting smoke imparts that memorable sensation of creamy sweetness that’s so identifiable among Cohibas. The texture is velvety and rich.
As the coffee, earth, and spice slowly build into the midway point and beyond, the burn line starts to become a bit erratic. A torch touch-up or two is just what the doctor ordered. As for the other physical properties, I found the gray ash to hold firmly off the foot for longer than expected, and the draw to be slightly on the stiff side, though not prohibitively so.
All characteristics considered, the Siglo VI is unquestionably a very fine, nicely balanced smoke. It’s harder to say if this Cuban is worth its price, since a single can cost upwards of $30. That’s ultimately going to come down to personal preference. For me, it’s an occasional treat that illustrates the quality of tobacco grown on that forbidden island south of Florida, one that’s worthy of four and a half stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys