Description
The Cigar Cohiba Almost Forgot to Promote
Real talk: I’ve been smoking Cohibas since the late 90s, and the Coronas Especiales might be the most underrated stick in their entire lineup. While everyone’s obsessing over Behikes and arguing about Esplendidos, this sleek Corona Gorda quietly does everything a premium cigar should do – and does it better than most of the cigars getting all the attention. I’ve probably gone through three or four boxes of these over the years, and I keep coming back. Thing is, Cohiba’s marketing muscle has always pushed the bigger vitolas, but if you know cigars – I mean really know them – you understand that a well-made Corona format can deliver complexity that rivals any Churchill. This one proves it.
What Makes This Cohiba Different
Cohiba wasn’t even available to the public until 1982. Before that, it was Castro’s personal brand – gifts for diplomats, that sort of thing. The mystique stuck around, and honestly, it’s deserved. The Coronas Especiales sits in an interesting spot in the Linea Clásica. It’s not trying to intimidate you like a Lancero, and it’s not the quick smoke of a Siglo I. This vitola gives you about 40-45 minutes of smoking time, which I’ve found is perfect for that window between finishing dinner and not wanting to commit to a full hour-plus experience.
The tobacco selection is what sets any Cohiba apart. They get first pick from the Vuelta Abajo region – the cream of the crop. Then there’s that extra fermentation process, which I think was three rounds instead of the standard two? The wrapper leaves undergo this additional aging that mellows out any harshness while keeping the complexity. You can taste the difference, I’m not just repeating marketing copy here. When I’m at the lounge and someone asks me about a sophisticated smoke that won’t beat them up, this is in my top three recommendations.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Coronas Especiales |
| Length | 6 inches / 152 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo blend) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 40-50 minutes |
How It Actually Smokes
The cold draw – and this matters more than people think – gives you this sweet hay note mixed with something floral. Not overpowering, just enough to know you’re holding quality tobacco. I always do a straight cut on these, though I know some guys prefer a punch. The first few puffs after toasting the foot bring cream and a subtle white pepper. Not the aggressive pepper you get from some Nicaraguan blends, more like a suggestion of spice that wakes up your palate without slapping it around.
About fifteen minutes in, the cigar starts showing its personality. Cedar comes through – and I’m talking about that specific cedar smell you get in a quality humidor, not generic “woody” notes. There’s leather too, which sounds cliché until you actually taste it in a well-aged Cuban. The smoke production is generous without being excessive. The draw stays consistent, which tells me the bunch was rolled properly. I’ve had exactly one plugged Coronas Especiales out of maybe thirty or forty I’ve smoked, and I’m pretty sure that was user error in storage, not the factory.
Second third is where things get interesting. The cream from the beginning transforms into more of a coffee note – not espresso, more like a medium roast with a hint of cocoa. The pepper backs off a bit. There’s this earthy undertone that develops, almost like walking through a tobacco field after rain. I remember smoking one of these in Key West a few years back – actually, might have been 2019? Doesn’t matter – but I was sitting on a dock watching the sunset, and that middle section perfectly matched the moment. Some cigars are just better in certain settings, you know?
The final third separates the great cigars from the good ones. This is where construction quality really shows up, and the Coronas Especiales handles it beautifully. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing like a steam engine. The flavors concentrate but don’t turn harsh or bitter, which happens with a lot of smaller ring gauges if they’re not blended right. You get more leather, a touch of dried fruit – maybe fig? – and the earth notes become more prominent. The retrohale, if you’re into that, delivers a pleasant spice that tingles without burning. I usually smoke these down to about an inch remaining before saying goodbye.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Coronas Especiales | Medium to Medium-Full | 40-50 minutes | Sophisticated evening smoke, pairs wonderfully with aged spirits |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Longer sessions, more assertive flavor profile |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-60 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting bold earth and coffee |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with everything from coffee to rum, and honestly, it’s pretty versatile. My go-to is a slightly peated Scotch – something like Highland Park 12 or Talisker 10. The smoke from the whisky complements the cigar’s profile without competing with it. If you’re a rum person, go for an aged Cuban rum, naturally. Havana Club 7 works beautifully, or if you want to get fancy, a sip of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva brings out those cocoa notes in the second third.
Timing matters too. This isn’t my first cigar of the day – that medium-full strength will overwhelm your palate if you light up with your morning coffee. I usually reach for a Coronas Especiales in the early evening, after dinner but while there’s still daylight. Something about this vitola just fits that time slot perfectly. Weekend afternoons work too, especially if you’re not in a rush and can really pay attention to what you’re smoking.
How does the Coronas Especiales compare to other Cohiba vitolas?
It’s more approachable than the Lanceros and more complex than the shorter Siglos. Think of it as the Goldilocks option – not too big, not too small, and the flavor development over 45 minutes is excellent. If you find Robustos too quick and Churchills too long, this is your sweet spot. The thinner ring gauge also means you get more wrapper influence in the flavor profile.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Depends on the beginner, honestly. If someone’s smoked a few dozen cigars and wants to step up to premium Cubans, absolutely. But if we’re talking about their third or fourth cigar ever, I’d probably point them toward something milder first. The medium-full strength won’t destroy you, but it’s sophisticated enough that a complete novice might miss what makes it special. Start with a Montecristo No. 4, then work your way here.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is slightly lower than the standard 70% you’ll hear thrown around. Cuban cigars, especially Cohibas, seem to perform better with a bit less moisture – they burn more evenly and the flavors are cleaner. Some guys go as low as 62%, but I think that’s pushing it unless you really know what you’re doing. Temperature should stay around 65-68°F if possible.
Should I age these before smoking?
If you can get a box from a recent production date, giving them six months to a year of rest will smooth things out nicely. But honestly, Cohibas typically ship with decent age already on them, so they’re not harsh right out of the box. I’ve smoked them fresh and with five years of age – both experiences are enjoyable, just different. Fresh gives you more vibrancy, aged gives you more integration. Your call based on patience levels.
Why is this vitola less talked about than other Cohibas?
Marketing and availability, mostly. Cohiba pushes the Behike line hard because of the premium positioning, and the Robustos and Esplendidos get all the magazine covers. The Coronas Especiales doesn’t have a gimmick – it’s just a really well-made Cuban cigar in a classic format. Also, the thinner ring gauge isn’t trendy right now when everyone wants 54+ ring gauges. But trends are stupid, and this cigar proves why traditional vitolas still matter.
What’s the best way to cut this cigar?
I use a straight cut about 2mm from the cap, clean and quick with a sharp guillotine cutter. The 38 ring gauge means you don’t need to remove much cap to get a good draw. Some people use a punch, but I think you lose some of the flavor nuance with a smaller opening. V-cuts work too if that’s your preference, though I find them unnecessary on a corona format. Just avoid cigar scissors unless yours are really sharp – you can crush the cap if you’re not careful.
Can I buy these as singles or do I need a full box?
Most legitimate retailers will sell singles or five-packs, though box purchases usually make more sense if you know you like them. I’d suggest trying one or two first to see if the profile matches your preferences before committing to 25 cigars. They come in the standard dress boxes with the Cohiba logo and Taino head – beautiful presentation if you’re gifting them, by the way.
Final Thoughts From the Humidor
The Cohiba Coronas Especiales deserves more attention than it gets. While collectors chase limited editions and newcomers gravitate toward the heavily advertised vitolas, this classic format delivers everything Cohiba is known for – premium tobacco, expert construction, and a sophisticated flavor profile that evolves beautifully from start to finish. It’s not trying to impress you with size or gimmicks. It’s just doing what a great Cuban cigar should do, which is provide 45 minutes of genuine smoking pleasure. Add a few to your cart next time you’re building an order – you won’t regret it.
