Cohiba Siglo III TOS Nov 16 CRW

[Islandboy]

Let me preface this review by saying I’ve only been enjoying CC’s since the summer of 2016. That’s when I had my first...a phenomenal CoRo that I enjoyed in Victoria BC, as the sun set over the harbor. To say it altered the course of my cigar acquisitions from that moment on is an understatement. I’m now a lifelong fan of the fickle uniqueness that is the Cohiba experience. For better or worse, I know just how amazing they can be. And I have not experienced that level of sublimity again but 2 or 3 times since.

As my experiences since that first transcendental hour and a half have accumulated, I’ve realized this harshness of reality:  It makes no sense at all to set fire to a Cohiba and expect pleasant results until at least 2 years have passed on the box date.

Now before all you highly-respected old-timers out there roll your eyes and correctly claim the magic doesn’t happen until at least the 5 year mark...I’m on board with you, and have every intent on experiencing this, as difficult as it is to restrain myself at times. But rest assured newbies, a fairly significant transformation occurs after about 2-3 years of solid storage.

These Siglo III’s represent one of my first Cohiba box purchases, and I’ve been plucking one out about every 4 months or so, so I’m down to 8 remaining. I’ve been paying attention to the transformation. While flavor development with this box has been significant over the short amount of time, I’ve also definitely concluded that the Linea 1492 line (Siglo) in general is a bit less full-flavored than the Linea Classica line. The latter makes up the bulk of my Cohiba collection thus far. 

With this particular cigar, I made a concerted effort to concentrate on the individual flavors I was detecting, not something I’m naturally programmed for, nor something I do often. I’m glad I did, because several interesting things came to light.

For one, I’ve always used the term “Grassiness” or ‘Hay” to describe a Cohiba. Surprisingly, this flavor never even entered the picture this time. Not that it was entirely missing, but it turns out this is an easy way out to describe what really is a much more complex and amazingly balanced array of elements at play: There’s a fine leather bordering on a fragrance, a truffle-like earthiness adding a savory note, a vanilla sweetness, a buttery creaminess, some Chinese 5-spice wilting in and out, a fine citrus note more redolent of sweet orange than sharp lemon or lime, and more so in the latter stages, a cafe mocha element. It all comes together to produce what is arguably one of the finest aromas one can find oneself immersed in. And it just happens to smell a bit like sweet grass.

The other epiphany I had was with the complexity of this cigar, and Cohibas in general. I don’t normally think of most Cohibas as having a linear complexity i.e. taking one on a journey of tastes that start at point A and steadily move, ending in a completely different flavor town. Something a Partagas E2 is more known for, IMO. But with this cigar, I was taken on more of circular journey, perhaps the most complex of all. At times, I was hit with the aroma of warm butter vanilla cookies. Moments later it was a more earthy note, with a honey and citrus fragrance. Then some fine leather, asian spices and mocha. Then back to the butter vanilla cookies...and so on. 

On a side note, I paired the majority of the cigar with 2 fingers of El Dorado 15 year rum...a tasty combo. After this dried up, I poured a finger of Eagle Rare bourbon to finish things off. IMO, the Eagle Rare was a noticeable improvement in pairing with the Siglo III.

In summary, this cigar was quite enjoyable and more importantly, a great exercise in concentration - perhaps all in my mind, but a fine smoking experience nonetheless. I give it a 92, with hopes that the remaining 8 climb even further over time.   

Cheers! 

 

[slowsmoke]

Excellent review, thanks.  My experience is even more limited than yours, but it is 100% in line.

[Rega25]

Wow great review! Can’t wait to try one, I think I have 6 months  left to hit that 2 year window! Awesome breakdown of the grass and hay elements.

[Bri Fi]

Very nice read. 

[westg]

Great review 

[westg]

Great review 

[havanaclub]

Great review sir.


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[Chucko8]

Interesting that you found the eagle rare pairing lifted the cigar over the eldorado 15. I shall have to give this a try. I've always found eldorado 15 to be my favourite pairing. Great review and pictures, thank you