Description
The amber glow of the terrace lights caught the oily sheen of the wrapper as I held it between my fingers, feeling the firm yet yielding construction that promised an hour of contemplation ahead. The evening breeze carried hints of jasmine from the garden below while I examined the elegant pigtail cap, appreciating the craftsmanship that had gone into this slender beauty. The Cohiba Coronas Especiales waited patiently in my hand, its Colorado-shaded wrapper whispering promises of the complex journey that lay ahead.
I’d been looking forward to this moment all week. Sometimes you need more than just any cigar – you need something that commands respect, something with enough complexity to match your mood. In my experience, few cigars deliver that balance of accessibility and sophistication quite like this particular offering from the legendary Cohiba linea.
What struck me first wasn’t just the visual appeal, though that Colorado wrapper certainly caught the light beautifully. It was the weight – substantial enough to feel serious, yet refined in a way that spoke to the careful selection of tobaccos within. This wasn’t going to be some overwhelming powerhouse that demanded your complete attention from the first puff. This was something altogether more nuanced.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 152mm (6 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Vitola | Laguito No. 2 (Corona Especiales/Panetela) |
| Strength | Medium (building to medium-plus) |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba (handmade) |
A Journey Through Flavor
The cold draw revealed hints of what was to come – subtle notes of hazelnut and honey that made me eager to light up. But honestly, nothing quite prepared me for how this cigar would evolve over the next hour and a half.
Opening Third: Earthy Foundation
Those first few puffs delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from quality Cuban tobacco. The earthiness hit first – not harsh or overwhelming, but rich and mineral-laden, like walking through a forest after rain. There’s something almost primordial about that initial earth note that connects you to the Vuelta Abajo region where these leaves were grown.
The woody notes followed close behind, dry and sophisticated, accompanied by a touch of bitterness that kept things interesting. I caught hints of old wood, maybe cedar, along with subtle hay notes that reminded me of autumn afternoons. The retrohale brought out light coffee notes – not the bold espresso you might expect, but something gentler, more like milk chocolate with coffee undertones.
Middle Third: The Sweet Transition
This is where things got really interesting. That initial earthiness began to fade, replaced by a sweetness that transformed the entire experience. Vanilla appeared first, followed by cocoa notes that made each puff feel like a small indulgence. The toasted almond flavors added a nutty complexity that played beautifully against the emerging grass notes.
I noticed the strength building here – what started as a medium smoke was definitely moving into medium-plus territory. The spice became more pronounced, though never overwhelming. It’s worth noting that this transition happens gradually; you don’t get slapped in the face with sudden changes. Everything flows naturally from one phase to the next.
Final Third: Rich Convergence
The last portion brought everything together in a way that reminded me why I fell in love with premium cigars in the first place. Those hazelnut notes from the cold draw returned with authority, now accompanied by rich honey sweetness that coated the palate. The wood flavors deepened, becoming more complex and integrated with the overall profile.
What impressed me most was how the cigar maintained its character right to the nub. Too many cigars lose their way in the final third, becoming harsh or bitter. This one just kept evolving, intensifying without becoming unpleasant. It’s easily the strongest section alongside the opening, but in the best possible way.
Construction and Appearance
The wrapper deserves special mention – that Colorado shading isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional. The oily sheen indicates proper fermentation and aging, while the smooth, virtually veinless surface speaks to careful leaf selection. I’ve handled enough cigars to appreciate good construction when I see it, and this one delivers.
The triple cap finish is textbook Cuban craftsmanship, complete with that elegant pigtail that adds just enough visual flair without being ostentatious. In terms of construction quality, it holds its own against anything else in this price range. I’ve smoked examples from several different boxes over the years, and consistency has been impressive.
One thing worth mentioning – some reviewers report occasional draw issues with this vitola. I’ve experienced this myself once or twice, where the draw became a bit tight midway through. Nothing a gentle massage couldn’t fix, but it’s worth having some proper technique information handy just in case.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Here’s what I love about the Coronas Especiales – it’s genuinely accessible to newer smokers while still offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced palates. That medium strength profile means you won’t get knocked over if you’re relatively new to cigars, but the evolving flavor profile ensures you won’t get bored either.
I’d recommend this for anyone who wants to explore what makes Cuban cigars special without jumping into full-bodied territory. It’s also perfect for those afternoon or early evening smokes when you want something substantial but not overwhelming. The 60-90 minute smoking time makes it ideal for those longer conversations or quiet contemplation sessions.
If you’re someone who typically reaches for brands like Rocky Patel or enjoys cigars like the Montecristo No. 2, this should definitely be on your radar. It offers a different perspective on medium-bodied smoking – more nuanced than many New World offerings, with that distinctive Cuban character that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Storage and Aging
Like all Cuban cigars, proper storage is crucial for maintaining quality and allowing these to develop their full potential. I keep mine at 70% relative humidity and 70°F temperature in a Spanish cedar-lined humidor. These specific numbers aren’t just guidelines – they’re essential for preserving that oily wrapper and preventing the tobacco from drying out or developing mold.
What’s particularly interesting about the Coronas Especiales is how well they age. I’ve had some with several years on them that developed additional complexity, with the earthier notes becoming more integrated and the sweet elements gaining depth. If you’re interested in the technical aspects of preservation, I’d highly recommend checking out proper humidor setup techniques and this guide on keeping cigars fresh.
For aging potential, I’d say these hit their sweet spot around 2-3 years, though they’re certainly enjoyable fresh. The slim vitola means they don’t require as much aging time as thicker cigars, but patience is definitely rewarded with increased smoothness and flavor integration.
Perfect Pairings
The beauty of this medium to full-bodied cigar lies in its versatility when it comes to drink pairings. My personal favorite pairing is with a quality aged rum – something like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The vanilla and caramel notes in aged rum complement those sweet middle-third flavors beautifully while standing up to the earthier opening notes.
For whiskey lovers, I’d suggest a Highland single malt with some age on it. The honeyed sweetness and subtle spice in something like Glenfiddich 18 or Macallan 15 creates a perfect harmony with the cigar’s evolution. Avoid anything too peated or aggressive – you want something that enhances rather than competes.
Coffee pairings work wonderfully too, particularly in the morning or early afternoon. A medium roast with chocolate undertones picks up on those cocoa notes in the middle third. I’ve also enjoyed these with a quality cognac – VS level works fine, but if you want to splurge, something like Hennessy XO or Martell Cordon Bleu elevates the entire experience.
Authenticity Guide
Given Cohiba’s reputation, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re getting the genuine article. The authentic Coronas Especiales features that smooth, oily Colorado wrapper I mentioned earlier – fakes often have dry, veiny wrappers that lack that characteristic sheen.
Check for the triple cap construction and proper pigtail. The band should be perfectly applied with sharp printing and proper color saturation. On the box level, look for the Habanos authenticity stamp and Cuban customs hologram (on boxes from 2010 onward). The Laguito No. 2 vitola should be clearly marked.
Most importantly, buy from reputable sources. I can’t stress this enough – the savings from sketchy vendors simply aren’t worth the risk of getting fakes. Authorized dealers might cost more upfront, but you’re guaranteed authentic product. Check out established retailers who specialize in Cuban cigars and have built their reputation on authenticity.
Cutting and Lighting
The slim 38 ring gauge requires a bit of finesse when cutting. I prefer a sharp straight cut, removing just enough of the cap to create a clean opening without damaging the wrapper. With that pigtail, you have a natural guide – cut just below where it begins to taper.
For lighting, take your time. The slender vitola means it’ll light quickly, but you want an even burn from the start. I use a butane lighter, applying flame to the foot while rotating slowly until you get an even cherry across the entire circumference. Take a few gentle test puffs to ensure even ignition.
Given the occasional draw issues I mentioned, don’t panic if it seems a bit tight initially. Sometimes these need a few minutes to open up, and gentle pressure along the length can help if needed. The key is patience – rushing will only lead to burn issues later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to other Cohiba vitolas?
The Coronas Especiales sits beautifully in the middle of the Cohiba range in terms of strength and complexity. It’s more approachable than the Esplendidos or Robustos but more complex than the Siglo series. If you enjoy the Siglo IV but want something with a bit more character development, this is perfect. It’s become my favorite Cohiba for relaxed smoking sessions.
Are these worth the premium price?
Honestly, that depends on what you value in a cigar. You’re paying for the Cohiba name, yes, but you’re also getting exceptional tobacco quality and construction. The flavor complexity and evolution justify the cost for me, though I understand if budget-conscious smokers might prefer other Cuban brands that offer similar quality at lower prices.
What’s the best time of day to smoke these?
The medium strength makes these incredibly versatile. I’ve enjoyed them everywhere from mid-morning with coffee to after dinner with a good rum. The 60-90 minute smoking time means you need to plan accordingly – they’re perfect for those leisurely afternoons when you have time to really appreciate the flavor evolution.
How long should I age these before smoking?
They’re enjoyable straight from purchase, but I’ve found they really hit their stride with 6-12 months of proper storage. The earthier notes become more integrated, and the overall smoking experience smooths out considerably. If you can wait 2-3 years, even better, though I know that level of patience isn’t always realistic.
What should I do if the draw becomes too tight?
This occasionally happens with this vitola. First, try gently massaging the cigar between your fingers to loosen the fill. If that doesn’t work, a draw tool can help, but use it sparingly – you don’t want to create channels that will cause burn issues. In severe cases, it’s better to set it aside and try another one rather than fight with it and ruin the experience.
The Coronas Especiales are simply fabulous when everything comes together perfectly – the construction, the aging, the moment, and your own receptiveness to what the cigar has to offer. In my experience, they represent everything that makes Cuban cigars special: complexity, elegance, and that ineffable character that connects you to centuries of tobacco tradition. Whether you’re new to the world of premium cigars or someone looking to explore the legendary Cohiba marca, this vitola offers a perfect entry point into something truly special.
