Description
The Cohiba Coronas Especiales: A Perfectly Balanced Corona That Punches Above Its Size
Here’s the thing – I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars for over 25 years, and the Coronas Especiales from Cohiba still manages to surprise me every single time I light one up. Not because it’s revolutionary or drastically different from other Cohibas, but because it does something that’s genuinely hard to find: it delivers that signature Cohiba complexity in a format that doesn’t demand two and a half hours of your afternoon. Look, I know everyone obsesses over the Behikes and the Esplendidos – and don’t get me wrong, those are phenomenal cigars – but the Coronas Especiales? This is the one I actually reach for when I want to truly enjoy a smoke without planning my entire evening around it. Thing is, this vitola gets overlooked, and I genuinely don’t understand why. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t have the cache of a massive Churchill or the prestige pricing of a limited edition. But between you and me, this might be the most underrated vitola in the entire Cohiba lineup.
What Makes the Cohiba Coronas Especiales Special
Cohiba has this reputation – and it’s earned – as the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. Created in 1966 initially for Fidel Castro and Cuban diplomats, the brand didn’t even become commercially available until 1982. The Coronas Especiales specifically gives you access to that legendary Cohiba blend in what I’d call the “Goldilocks format” – not too big, not too small, just right for when you want the full experience but have, you know, actual responsibilities later in the day.
What sets this apart from other coronas in the market is the tobacco itself. All Cohiba filler leaves undergo an additional fermentation process – a third fermentation that no other Habanos brand uses. This extra step mellows out the tobacco and develops this incredibly smooth, refined character that’s distinctly Cohiba. The wrapper comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, which if you’ve been to Cuba, you know is basically the Napa Valley of tobacco – except with way more humidity and infinitely better rum.
This cigar is perfect for the smoker who appreciates complexity but doesn’t necessarily want to be knocked on their ass by nicotine. If you’re stepping up from milder Cubans or you’re a seasoned aficionado who wants something elegant for the afternoon, this is your cigar. I’ll be honest – this is what I recommend to friends who think they don’t like Cuban cigars because they tried a fresh-off-the-boat Partagás that beat them up.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Coronas Especiales |
| Length | 6 inches / 152 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 50-70 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What to Expect When You Light Up
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you actually smoke one of these. The pre-light inspection is where you first notice the quality – and I know this sounds dramatic, but the construction on these is something else. The wrapper has this slightly oily sheen, smooth as silk, with veins so fine they’re barely noticeable. The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming: sweet hay, maybe some honey notes, and this underlying earthiness that’s pure Cuban tobacco.
The first third starts off with this beautiful creamy texture – that’s the first thing that hits you. It’s not aggressive at all, which some people mistake for weakness, but hear me out: that creaminess is carrying some serious flavors underneath. You get cedar immediately, that classic Cohiba signature, along with some light coffee notes. Not espresso – more like a really good café con leche. There’s a subtle sweetness too, almost floral, that weaves through everything. The burn line is typically razor-sharp – I mean, we’re talking Cohiba-level quality control here – and the ash holds for a solid inch and a half before you need to worry about it.
Moving into the second third, things start getting interesting. This is where the Coronas Especiales really shows its pedigree. The creaminess is still there, but now you’re getting these layers of cocoa developing, some leather, and this spicy element that wasn’t present before. It’s not pepper heat – it’s more aromatic, like baking spices. Nutmeg, maybe? The strength picks up slightly here too, moving from that comfortable medium into medium-full territory. The smoke production is generous without being overwhelming, and the aroma – no joke – is probably my favorite part. Rich, sweet, complex. It’s the kind of smoke that makes other people in the lounge look up and ask what you’re smoking.
The final third is where opinions differ, and I’m probably biased here, but I think this is where the Coronas Especiales really earns its reputation. Some coronas get harsh or one-dimensional in the last stretch – this doesn’t. The flavors intensify but stay balanced. You get more of that coffee coming back, stronger now, with some dark chocolate notes and this pleasant earthiness that grounds everything. The retrohale – if you’re into that – gives you white pepper and more of those baking spices. It finishes clean, smooth, never bitter or tarry. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I can count, which for me is the ultimate test of whether a cigar is truly great.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Coronas Especiales | Medium to Medium-Full | 50-70 minutes | Refined complexity without time commitment |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-80 minutes | Classic Cuban experience with more punch |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 50-65 minutes | Smoother, more approachable flavor profile |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Medium | 70-90 minutes | Longer smoke with traditional flavors |
Perfect Pairings and When to Smoke It
Real talk: this cigar deserves a good pairing. My go-to is a Cuban coffee – ironic, I know, but there’s something about that combination that just works. The coffee’s bitterness plays beautifully against the cigar’s natural sweetness. If you’re more of a spirits person, a good añejo rum is phenomenal. I’m talking Havana Club 7 Year or better – something with enough complexity to match the cigar without overwhelming it. Some guys swear by cognac with Cohibas, and I won’t argue with that. A VS or VSOP works perfectly.
For non-alcoholic options during daytime smokes, try a strong espresso or even a quality hot chocolate if you’re smoking in cooler weather. That cocoa-on-cocoa pairing might sound redundant, but trust me, it amplifies all the right notes. As for when to smoke it – this is an anytime cigar, honestly. Morning with coffee? Absolutely. After lunch? Perfect. Evening on the patio? Can’t go wrong. It’s refined enough for special occasions but not so precious that you need an excuse to light one up. I’ve smoked these at weddings and I’ve smoked them on random Tuesday afternoons. Both times felt appropriate.
Aging Potential and Storage Considerations
Look, I need to talk about aging because this is where things get interesting with the Coronas Especiales. Fresh from the factory, these cigars are good – don’t get me wrong. But with some rest? They become something special. I generally recommend giving any Cuban at least a few months in your humidor before smoking, just to let them recover from the journey and stabilize. But the Coronas Especiales really benefits from longer aging.
I’ve got some from 2015 in my collection right now, and they’ve developed this incredible honeyed sweetness that wasn’t as pronounced when they were younger. The spice mellows out a bit, the creaminess becomes even more luxurious, and all those flavors integrate into this seamless experience. Thing is, they’re excellent young too, so you’re not gambling if you smoke them fresh. You’re just potentially missing out on what they could become.
Storage-wise, keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F if you can manage it. Some people go higher on humidity for Cubans, but I’ve found these particular cigars do better on the drier side. The thinner ring gauge means they’re more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than, say, a big robusto. Check on them periodically, especially if you’re in a climate with major seasonal changes.
Common Questions About the Cohiba Coronas Especiales
What makes Cohiba Coronas Especiales different from other Cohiba vitolas?
The Coronas Especiales offers the full Cohiba flavor profile in a more manageable 50-70 minute smoking time. While it shares the same tobacco blend and triple fermentation process as larger Cohibas, the 38 ring gauge concentrates the flavors differently, creating a more focused experience. It’s less intense than the Robustos but more complex than the smaller Panetelas. I’ll be honest – if you want to understand what Cohiba is about without dedicating two hours to it, this is your vitola.
Is the Cohiba Coronas Especiales too strong for beginners?
Not at all – actually, this is one of the better Cohibas for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars. It sits at medium to medium-full strength, which is approachable for most smokers who have some experience. The key is to smoke it slowly and on a full stomach if you’re nicotine-sensitive. I’ve introduced several friends to premium Cubans with this exact cigar, and it’s never overwhelmed anyone. Just avoid it as your very first Cuban ever – maybe try a Hoyo de Monterrey first, then graduate to this.
How long should I age Cohiba Coronas Especiales before smoking?
Here’s what I recommend: give them at minimum 3-6 months of rest after you receive them, just to stabilize. But if you can wait a year or two? Even better. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons of fresh versus aged, and the aged ones develop more complexity, smoother texture, and these beautiful honey notes that aren’t as prominent when young. That said, I’m not going to pretend I always wait – sometimes you just want to smoke a good cigar, and these are enjoyable at any age. The sweet spot in my experience is around 2-5 years of aging.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Coronas Especiales?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe pushing 67% in the winter when my house gets drier. The thinner ring gauge means these cigars are more sensitive to over-humidification than bigger vitolas – they can get spongy and burn poorly if you’re storing them at 70% or higher. Some purists will argue for higher humidity for Cubans, but I’ve found the Coronas Especiales specifically performs better on the drier side. Temperature-wise, aim for 65-68°F if possible. Consistency matters more than hitting exact numbers though.
How does the Coronas Especiales compare to the Cohiba Siglo series?
Great question, and one I get asked a lot. The Siglo series uses the same general Cohiba blend but with slightly different proportions and wrapper selections depending on the specific Siglo. The Coronas Especiales is from the original Linea Clásica, which means it represents the traditional Cohiba profile more faithfully. In my experience, the Coronas Especiales has more depth and complexity than most of the Siglos – it’s a more “serious” smoke. The Siglo IV is probably the closest comparison size-wise, but the Coronas Especiales edges it out in flavor development. Not gonna lie though, both are excellent cigars.
Should I buy a box or try singles first?
If you’re new to this specific vitola, buy a few singles first – or a five-pack if that’s available to you. Cohiba quality is generally consistent, but everyone’s palate is different, and you want to make sure this format works for you before committing to a full box. That said, if you’re already familiar with Cohibas and know you like the brand’s profile, I’d go straight for the box. These smoke wonderfully young but also age beautifully, so you’re not taking a huge risk. Plus, box prices are usually better per cigar. I’ve never regretted buying a box of these – I’ve only regretted not buying more when I had the chance.
What are the dominant flavor notes I should expect?
You’re looking at a core profile of cream, cedar, and coffee throughout the smoke. The first third is more delicate – creamy with subtle sweetness and that cedar backbone. Middle section develops cocoa, leather, and some aromatic spice. Final third intensifies the coffee notes and brings in more earth and dark chocolate. The retrohale gives you white pepper and baking spices. What makes it special is how smooth and integrated everything is – nothing jumps out aggressively. It’s elegant, refined, balanced. Some cigars hit you over the head with flavor; this one invites you to pay attention and find the nuances.
Why This Cigar Deserves a Place in Your Humidor
After everything I’ve said, here’s my final take: the Cohiba Coronas Especiales is one of those cigars that reminds you why you fell in love with premium tobacco in the first place. It’s not trying to be the biggest or the strongest or the most limited. It’s just exceptionally well-made, beautifully balanced, and consistently excellent. In a world where so many cigars are either chasing strength or marketing hype, this one just focuses on being really, really good at what it does.
If you’re building a collection or just looking for your next great smoke, don’t sleep on the Coronas Especiales. It might not have the flashy reputation of some other vitolas, but it’s got something better: it’s the cigar you’ll actually want to smoke, not just display. And at the end of the day – isn’t that the whole point?
Add a box to your collection. Smoke one fresh, put the rest away for a year, and thank me later. This is what Habanos craftsmanship is all about.
