Description
The Torpedo That Changed My Mind About Cohiba
I’ll be honest: for years, I thought Cohiba was all hype. Yeah, I said it. The premium pricing, the fancy bands, the way people whispered the name like it was magic – it all felt a bit much. Then I sat down with a Piramides EXTRA at a lounge in Key West back in 2009, and man, did I eat my words. This isn’t just another torpedo in the Cohiba lineup. This is the cigar that makes you understand why the brand has the reputation it does. We’re talking about a 6.125-inch beauty with a 52 ring gauge that delivers everything you want from premium Cuban tobacco without the pretense. If you’ve been on the fence about exploring the Cohiba range, or if you’re looking for that special occasion smoke that actually lives up to expectations, stick with me here.
What Makes This Cuban Stand Apart
Cohiba’s got this mystique that goes back to 1966 when it was created exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking Cuban officials. Not gonna lie, the exclusivity thing was real – you couldn’t even buy these cigars publicly until 1982. The Piramides EXTRA sits in that sweet spot of the Cohiba Línea Clásica, and what sets it apart is this: it’s got all the complexity and refinement that Cohiba is known for, but it’s not going to knock you on your ass like some of their heavier offerings.
The pyramid shape – or torpedo, whatever you want to call it – isn’t just for show. That tapered head concentrates the smoke, which means you’re getting more intense flavors right from the start. And with Cohiba’s signature triple-fermented tobacco from Vuelta Abajo? You’re in for something special. This cigar is built for the smoker who appreciates nuance but still wants enough body to know they’re smoking something substantial. Not the beginner who just picked up their first humidor last week, but maybe the enthusiast who’s ready to step up from their everyday Montecristo.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Piramides EXTRA |
| Length | 6.125 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (triple-fermented) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 70-90 minutes |
From First Light to Final Draw – A Journey Worth Taking
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – leather and cream with just a whisper of cocoa. Cut it right at the tip, don’t go crazy. When you toast that foot and take your first pull, there’s this immediate smoothness that catches you off guard if you’re expecting something aggressive. The first third opens with creamy cedar notes, and I mean genuinely creamy, not that fake vanilla nonsense some cigars try to pass off. There’s earth in there too, but it’s subtle – think freshly turned soil after rain, not a mouthful of dirt.
About twenty minutes in – and honestly, this is where the Piramides EXTRA starts showing off – the flavor profile begins to shift. The wrapper on these is stunning, by the way. Oily enough to catch the light but not greasy, with that characteristic Colorado claro to claro color that tells you the tobacco was treated right. Medium brown with reddish undertones. The burn stays razor-sharp without any touch-ups if you’re smoking it right. The ash holds solid to about an inch and a half, which always impresses whoever I’m smoking with.
Second third is where things get interesting. The spicy notes that were hiding in the background start coming forward – not pepper bomb spicy, more like a gentle warmth that builds on your palate. The leather notes deepen, and there’s this cocoa richness that weaves through everything. Medium strength, leaning toward medium-full as you progress, but it never crosses into full territory. This is why I love this vitola for afternoon smokes when you want something substantial but you’ve still got plans for the evening.
The final third – and I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years – remains remarkably clean. Some torpedoes get harsh or bitter as you approach the end. Not this one. The earthiness becomes more pronounced, there’s still that underlying creaminess holding everything together, and the spice settles into this warm, lingering finish. The retrohale? Oh man. If you’re not retrohaling at least occasionally, you’re missing half the experience. Through the nose, you get these waves of aged tobacco, more pronounced cocoa, and that classic Cuban funk that’s hard to describe but you know it when you taste it.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Piramides EXTRA | Medium to Medium-Full | 70-90 minutes | Afternoon smoke, special occasions, impressing yourself |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | The classic torpedo, more straightforward flavor |
| Partagás Serie P No. 2 | Full | 70-80 minutes | When you want more punch, earthier profile |
The Montecristo No. 2 is the standard everyone knows – and it’s fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But it doesn’t have the complexity or the refined aging potential of the Cohiba. The Partagás is for when you want something fuller-bodied and more rustic. The Piramides EXTRA sits right between them in strength but surpasses both in sophistication. I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about this particular vitola.
What to Drink and When to Smoke It
Pair this with a proper aged rum – I’m talking Havana Club 15 Year or higher – and you’ll understand what the Cubans mean by “pairing.” The smoothness of aged rum complements the creamy notes without overwhelming them. Bourbon works too, something with caramel notes like Eagle Rare or Blanton’s. If you’re a Scotch person, go for something from Speyside, not Islay – you don’t want the peat fighting with the tobacco.
Coffee in the morning? Actually, yeah. This is mild enough in the early third that it won’t destroy your palate before lunch, but interesting enough to make your Saturday morning ritual feel special. Evening smoke with cognac? Absolutely. Rémy Martin XO or better. The thing is, this cigar is versatile enough for different occasions but special enough that you’re not going to waste it mowing the lawn.
Best occasion? That moment when you’ve accomplished something meaningful – closed a deal, finished a project, survived another year married. This is a celebration cigar that doesn’t announce itself like a firework but quietly says “you did good.”
How long should I age a Cohiba Piramides EXTRA before smoking?
These come ready to smoke from your source, but honestly? Give them at least six months in your humidor at 65-68% humidity and around 68°F if you can wait. I’ve got some with three years on them that are absolutely singing. The spice mellows, the cream intensifies, and everything just integrates better. But if you can’t wait, I won’t judge – they’re excellent fresh too.
What’s the difference between this and the regular Cohiba Piramides?
The EXTRA designation means it’s longer and has a slightly larger ring gauge than some other pyramid formats in the Cohiba range. You’re getting more smoking time and a more gradual flavor development because of the size. It’s not just “more cigar” – the proportions actually change how the blend presents itself.
Is this too strong for someone moving up from milder cigars?
Not at all. Medium to medium-full is actually perfect for someone graduating from mild Connecticut-wrapped cigars. You’re getting Cuban character and complexity without getting nicotine-bombed. Just don’t smoke it on an empty stomach, and have something sweet to drink nearby for your first time. Maybe skip it as your first-ever Cuban, but as your second or third? Perfect choice.
How should I store these to maintain quality?
Keep your humidor between 65-68% humidity – I personally run mine at 66%. Temperature around 68°F if you can control it. These Cohibas are refined enough that they’ll tell you pretty quickly if your storage is off. The wrapper will show signs of drying or get too soft. Use a good digital hygrometer, not those analog garbage ones that come with cheap humidors. And for the love of everything, keep them away from flavored cigars.
What makes Cohiba tobacco different from other Cuban brands?
The triple fermentation process. Most Cuban tobacco goes through two fermentations. Cohiba does a third, which reduces harshness and brings out more subtle flavors. All the tobacco comes from the premium Vuelta Abajo region – the same area, but they’re getting the best of the best leaves. That’s why the flavor profile is so smooth and refined compared to more rustic Cuban brands.
Can I smoke this right out of the package or does it need rest?
Depends where you’re getting them from and how they were shipped. If they came in a sealed environment and traveled through different humidity zones, give them at least two weeks in your humidor to acclimate. I’ve smoked them fresh and they’re fine, but you’ll notice the difference after they’ve rested. The burn is more even, the flavors are more integrated. A little patience goes a long way with premium Cubans.
How does this cigar smoke in different thirds – any surprises?
The surprise is how consistent it stays, actually. Some cigars change dramatically third to third, almost like smoking three different cigars. The Piramides EXTRA evolves gradually – the spice builds, the cream stays present throughout, and it never gets harsh or bitter at the end. That final third is as enjoyable as the first, which isn’t something I can say about every torpedo format out there.
Final Thoughts from the Smoking Chair
This is the Cohiba that made me stop rolling my eyes at the brand’s reputation and start respecting it. The Piramides EXTRA delivers on complexity, construction, and that intangible “special occasion” feeling without being pretentious about it. At 70 to 90 minutes of smoking time, it’s a commitment – but the kind of commitment that rewards you every minute. Whether you’re expanding your Cuban collection or looking for that cigar to mark important moments, this torpedo deserves serious consideration. Get yourself a few, age them if you can stand to wait, and discover what refined Cuban tobacco actually tastes like when everything is done right. Your humidor will thank you for the addition.
