There is a phenomenon within marketing where a brand name is so widely recognized, that regardless of the active buying population, most know exactly what it is and why it is so popular. This does not happen overnight, but over the course of many years – decades even – and the cigar industry is not immune to this circumstance. You need not be an aficionado to know the name Cohiba, but if you consider yourself one, these premium cigars undoubtedly reside within your humidor.
Cohiba’s portfolio is synonymous with luxury. Committed to quality, this legendary brand does not stop at just one award-winning handmade, confirming that their blenders are true masters of their craft. While the blends available suit a variety of palates and pairing situations, sometimes choosing what suits you best can be a bit daunting. Read on to learn more about the Cohiba premiums available at CIGAR.com.
This ‘92’-rated blend is probably the most recognizable, as it has been a mainstay in the marketplace for years. Made in the Dominican Republic by the most qualified rollers, each is dressed in an authentic Cameroon wrapper that creates a naturally sweet profile. Red Dot is medium to full-bodied, and presents notes of wood, cedar, earth, cocoa, black pepper, and caramel. The product of five years of intensive blending and research by General Cigar Co., it pairs well with Speyside whiskies such as Aberlour 12, Glenlivet 12 Double Oak, and Ardmore Port Wood Finish.
As its name suggests, this blend consists entirely of Dominican premium tobaccos aged en tercio (an airtight bale of tightly wrapped palm leaves) within charcoaled wooden barrels to give the cigar its distinctive oaky flavor. Additionally aged once its components have been rolled, this medium to full-bodied premium expresses itself on the palate with a powerful yet refined mix of chewy leather, baking spice, and wood. Although great with a single malt, pair with a Dark Rum such as Flor de Caña, as your drink is too aged in a charcoaled oak barrel.
Created by Master Blender Daniel Nuñez and launched in 2006, Cohiba Black filled the need for a true Maduro within the brand’s expansive portfolio. Featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that is oily, dark, and hearty, below is a blend of Dominican and Mexican long-leaves that are then bound with a special Sun Grown Dominican Piloto binder which has been aged en tercio for three years. This combination leads to an experience both smooth and bold, with notes of chocolate, leather, earth, and a slight sweetness on each draw. It may be tempting to pair Black with an equally bold spirit but trust me when I say an espresso with a bit of sugar is best.
This medium-bodied blend ticks all the luxury boxes, except for its price point: some even like to call it the “entry-level Cohiba” due to its affordability without sacrificing experience. With its vibrant blue band, each cigar is draped in an Olancho San Augustín Rosado wrapper over-top aged long-leaves from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. There is a subtle sweetness accompanied by creamy hints of leather, earth, bread, and cinnamon, making Blue suitable for anytime enjoyment. Equally enjoyable alongside a cappuccino, or a refreshing cocktail like Bourbon Sweet Tea.
The first two years with Sean Williams as Brand Ambassador resulted in many limited-edition releases, but he finally spearheaded the first regular production handmade under his leadership with Cohiba Connecticut in spring 2019. Agronomists developed a one-of-a-kind Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper by working with an independent grower in Los Ríos, a province with soils rich in volcanic minerals. Combined with a Mexican San Andrés binder, and a blend of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican long-fillers, this mellow to medium-bodied premium exudes creamy notes of cocoa, earth, dried fruit, and a hint of baking spice.
Its name is a nod to the Macassar Ebony wood used for its high-end boxes, but what is interesting is the blend and its process. Debuting in 2016, it features a rare US Connecticut Habano wrapper, a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and proprietary long-fillers from Mao (Dominican) and Jalapa (Nicaragua) that are aged for at least four years, including the final year of aging in rum barrels. Medium-plus in body, the barrels help impart notes of wood, bread, spice, citrus, nuts, and earth into the core of this cigar. Beer fans – especially those who enjoy a good Rye Porter – this is your chance for an ultra-premium pairing.
