Reviewed by Eric Hill (April 2003)
Before writing this review, I decided that I should light up one of these sticks to ensure, of course, that my review was as accurate as possible. ;-)
Upon first glance at this cigar, one can see that it is a beautifully, well-constructed cigar. It has a medium brown wrapper, with a slightly shiny appearance and smooth texture (although, sometimes a little venous). The cigar has a firm, solid feel in the hand and a light, but pleasant sweet, woody aroma.
The draw is perfect upon lighting with a very pleasant smell, which even my fiance appreciates. She usually has a complaint or three about the bouquet!
Initially, the cigar has a slightly salty taste. This develops into a rich creamy flavour with hints of leather, spice and coffee, becoming sweeter further into the cigar (for those who appreciate that sort of detail!) However, I spend far too much of my day dissecting the mechanisms of biological phenomena at work, without repeating this when relaxing with a fine cigar and a glass of bourbon (sorry, Aficionados!)
This cigar, which rarely requires relighting, burns evenly, producing ample amounts of smoke, and has a firm, grey ash. Cohibas are generally "cool burners"; there is no "tongue burn" or sharpness around the end of the cigar, I could smoke this one until it burnt my fingers. I have often found that after parting with my cigar, and on the morning after, so my fiancée tells me, I suffer dragon breath. There is no such legacy after one of these sticks, they prefer to leave a slightly more subtle aftertaste.
Unfortunately, although Cohibas have become one of my favourite brands, I find I cannot afford to purchase them as often as I would like, due to their somewhat excessive cost.
If I were to give these cigars a mark out of 10, it would be an 8. They lose one point for their inflated price, and another because sometimes I am left wanting something a little stronger, and more complex, than these medium-flavour cigars. Despite this, I would recommend these cigars to anyone, beginner or those with a more sophisticated palate.