Description
The Cigar That Made Me Rethink Everything I Knew About Cohiba
I’ll be honest with you – when I first heard about the Cohiba 1966 Cabinet, I thought it was just another marketing ploy. Another “special edition” that would turn out to be, you know, fine. But then I actually smoked one. And then another. And now I’m that guy at the lounge who won’t shut up about them. This isn’t your typical Cohiba experience – it’s something different, something that pays homage to the year Cohiba was born but doesn’t get trapped in nostalgia. What you’re about to discover is why these cigars have earned a permanent spot in my humidor, and why you might want to clear some space in yours.
What Makes the 1966 Cabinet Special
Cohiba. The name that makes people who don’t even smoke cigars nod knowingly. Created in 1966 – hence the name of this beauty – originally as a private brand for Fidel Castro and Cuban officials. By the time it went public in 1982, it had already built this legendary reputation. Thing is, with that kind of pedigree comes expectations. Heavy ones.
The 1966 Cabinet takes the classic Cohiba DNA – those tobacco leaves from Vuelta Abajo that get an extra fermentation process – and packages it in a format that’s both elegant and substantial. This is for the smoker who appreciates tradition but isn’t stuck in the past. You know the type – probably has a collection spanning decades, can tell you stories about obscure vitolas, but is always eager to try something new. That’s who gets the most out of these.
The wrapper alone tells you this isn’t a run-of-the-mill smoke. It’s got this reddish-brown hue that catches the light just right, with an oily sheen that practically begs you to light it up. The construction? Flawless. I’ve gone through multiple boxes and haven’t found a soft spot yet. The folks at El Laguito – the famous Cohiba factory – they don’t mess around with quality control.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | 1966 Cabinet |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend – Triple Fermented |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Cold draw first – always. You’re getting hints of what’s to come: cocoa, maybe some coffee, definitely that characteristic Cohiba earthiness. Not overwhelming, just… present. Promising.
Light it up properly – I’m talking cedar spills or a good torch, none of that sulfur match nonsense – and the first third opens with this creamy smoke that coats your palate. There’s cedar there immediately, but it’s backed by this leather note that reminds me of walking into an old library. The kind with actual books, not computers. My buddy Carlos – runs a casa del habano down in Mexico – he always says Cohiba has this “clean” taste. I never really got what he meant until I smoked the 1966. The flavors are distinct but not competing with each other. Everything has its place.
Around the second third – and this is where it gets interesting – the smoke develops this complexity that sneaks up on you. The cedar backs off a bit, and suddenly you’re getting these waves of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and this peppery spice that tingles on the retrohale. Not aggressive pepper, mind you. It’s refined. Sophisticated, even. The ash holds solid to about an inch and a half before you need to tap it, and it’s this gorgeous light gray color that tells you the tobacco was aged properly.
Final third? This is where some cigars fall apart. Not this one. The strength builds – you’re definitely in full-bodied territory now – but it stays smooth. There’s this earthy, almost nutty quality that emerges, with hints of espresso on the finish. I smoked one down to the nub last week at my local lounge, and the guy next to me – total stranger – leaned over and said “That smells incredible.” The burn line stayed razor-sharp the entire time. The draw? Effortless from start to finish. This is what happens when you’re dealing with master torcedores who’ve been rolling cigars longer than some of us have been alive.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Smokes
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba 1966 Cabinet | Medium-Full | 75-90 minutes | Special occasions, evening smoke |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium | 70-85 minutes | Daytime enjoyment, introducing others to Cohiba |
| Montecristo Edición Limitada | Full | 60-75 minutes | Experienced smokers, after dinner |
What to Drink With It (This Matters More Than You Think)
I’m not going to tell you what you “should” pair it with – smoke your cigars however you want. But if you’re asking what I reach for? A good añejo rum. Specifically, something like Havana Club 15 Year or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness and complexity of aged rum complements that Cohiba earthiness without competing with it. Actually, scratch that – my absolute favorite pairing is a properly made Old Fashioned with a decent bourbon. The bitters and orange play surprisingly well with the spice notes in the second third.
Coffee works too, but we’re talking proper espresso here, not drip coffee. A double shot of something dark and bold. And honestly? Sometimes just water. Good mineral water. Let the cigar speak for itself. These edición limitada releases from Habanos don’t need a supporting cast.
Timing-wise, this is an evening smoke. After dinner, when you’ve got time. Rushing through a 1966 is like speed-reading Hemingway – you’ll get through it, but you’re missing the point. Late afternoon works too, especially if you’re at a lounge or on a patio somewhere. Morning? No. Just no. This needs your full attention and your palate needs to be awake.
Your Questions Answered
How long should I age the Cohiba 1966 Cabinet before smoking?
They’re ready to smoke right out of the box, honestly. But if you’ve got the patience – and I know that’s asking a lot – give them six months to a year in your humidor at 65-68% humidity. The flavors integrate even more beautifully. I’ve got some from 2019 that are absolutely singing right now. That said, I’ve also smoked them fresh and been perfectly happy. Your call.
What’s the difference between this and other Cohiba líneas?
The 1966 Cabinet sits in this interesting space between the Línea Clásica and some of the edición limitada releases. It’s got more complexity than your standard Siglo offerings but isn’t as intense as some of the limited releases can be. Think of it as Cohiba showing off their blending skills without going overboard. The triple fermentation process – that’s a Cohiba signature – really shines through here in a way that feels balanced rather than overwhelming.
Can a relative beginner smoke this, or is it too advanced?
I’m probably going to catch heat for this, but hear me out – if you’re relatively new to Cuban cigars and you want to understand what the fuss is about, this could work. It’s not gentle like a Siglo II, but it’s not going to knock you on your back either. The key is to smoke it slow, have some food in your stomach, and maybe keep a sugary drink nearby just in case. I’ve introduced people to premium Habanos with cigars like this and it worked out fine. Just don’t make it your first Cuban cigar ever.
How should I store these to maintain their quality?
Standard Cuban cigar protocol applies here. Keep them in your humidor between 65-68% relative humidity and around 65-70°F if you can manage it. Don’t go higher than 70% humidity – that’s asking for beetle trouble, especially with Cuban tobacco. I use 65% Boveda packs and haven’t had any issues. If you’re buying a full cabinet, you might want to let them rest for a couple weeks after shipping before diving in. Let them acclimate to your environment.
What’s the best time of day to enjoy this cigar?
Evening, hands down. This isn’t a morning cigar – the strength builds too much for that. I usually reach for mine after dinner, around 8 or 9 PM, when I’ve got ninety minutes to just sit and think about nothing in particular. Weekend afternoons work too if you’ve had a good lunch. The key is making sure you’ve got the time. Smoking one of these in a rush is borderline criminal.
Are these available at any Casa del Habano, or are they limited?
Distribution can be spotty – that’s just the reality with certain Cohiba releases. Not every casa del habano gets them, and when they do, they move pretty quickly. Your best bet is establishing a relationship with a specific shop or authorized dealer who can let you know when they’re getting stock. I’ve seen them pop up at various locations, but it’s not like you can walk into any habanos specialist and expect to find them sitting there.
How does this compare to older Cohiba releases from the 1990s or early 2000s?
Ah, the golden age question. I’m going to be honest – nothing quite captures what those pre-2005 Cohibas were like. The tobacco, the construction, something was just different. But – and this is important – the 1966 Cabinet is excellent for what modern Cohiba offers. Are you going to mistake it for a box of 1990s Esplendidos? No. But chasing that dragon will make you miserable. Judge these on their own merits, and they stand up beautifully. The blending team at El Laguito still knows what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts From the Lounge Chair
The Cohiba 1966 Cabinet isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a refined, complex smoke that rewards patience and attention. If you’re looking for a cigar to impress guests, celebrate something meaningful, or just treat yourself after a long week, this delivers. It’s not my everyday smoke – let’s be real about that – but when I want to remember why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place, this is one I reach for.
Whether you’re a longtime Cohiba aficionado or someone looking to explore what premium Habanos have to offer, the 1966 Cabinet deserves your attention. Just make sure you’ve got the time to give it the session it deserves. Trust me on this one.
