Cohiba 1966 Cabinet

Description

The heavy crystal tumbler hits the coaster with a dull thud as you settle into the worn leather armchair, the room quiet except for the distant hum of the city outside. Holding the thick 58 ring gauge of the Majestuosos 1966, you realize this isn’t a smoke for a quick break, but a commitment to the next hour and a half of your evening.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: Getting a clean burn on a foot this wide takes a minute, but once it catches, the draw offers just the right amount of resistance. You get hit immediately with a blast of toasted cedar and heavy cream that coats the palate. It doesn’t tiptoe around; the smoke is thick and chewy right from the start, carrying underlying notes of damp earth and fresh walnuts.

Mid-Section: As the ash holds firm, the creaminess starts to recede slightly to make room for stronger spice notes like cinnamon and nutmeg. The strength creeps up on you here, moving past medium into a solid full body that demands your attention. You will notice a distinct sweet oak flavor mixing with roasted coffee beans, making the profile feel darker and more serious than the opening.

Final Third: In the last stretch, the heat intensifies the flavors rather than washing them out. Deep leather notes take over the profile, supported by a surprising zest of citrus that cuts through the heaviness. The finish is long and oily, leaving a taste of hazelnut and charred wood that lingers well after you put the nub down.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Cohiba

Habanos S.A. launched this brand in 1966 originally as a private reserve for Fidel Castro and high-level diplomatic gifts. It wasn’t until the early 80s that the public could even buy them. This specific Majestuosos release celebrates exactly 50 years of that history, limited to just 1,966 humidors worldwide to match the founding year.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Havana Club 15yr – The natural sweetness of the sugarcane in this aged rum perfectly counterbalances the leather and earth notes found in the cigar’s final third.
• Whiskey: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak – The dried fruit and ginger notes in the scotch latch onto the cinnamon spice of the smoke, creating a very warm and cohesive tasting experience.
• Coffee: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over – The bright acidity and floral character of this coffee cut right through the heavy cream and oiliness of the broad ring gauge.

Ideal For

This is a collector’s piece meant for experienced smokers who can handle a 58 ring gauge and full strength without getting dizzy. Save this for a milestone celebration where you have the time to sit still and focus entirely on the nuances of the tobacco. It is too potent and complex to be wasted on a casual dog walk or a distracted conversation.