Description
Experience the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship with the Cohiba Esplendidos, a truly majestic Churchill vitola. Hand-rolled in the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, this medium to full-bodied masterpiece is celebrated for its elegant presentation and complex, evolving flavors. From the first draw, savor the symphony of cedar, cocoa, and spice that defines this iconic smoke, a testament to Cohiba’s legacy of unparalleled quality and refinement.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Wooden Box | Varnished Wooden Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging, Sharing with connoisseurs, Special occasions | Sampling, Gifting, Personal enjoyment |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when stored properly) | Excellent (when stored properly) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Esplendidos (Churchill) |
| Length | 178 mm (7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 (18.65 mm) |
| Wrapper | Cuban, Colorado (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo, including extra-fermented leaves) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Factory | Cuba, Pinar del Río (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Cohiba, the name itself evoking images of luxury and prestige, emerged in the 1960s, initially as a private blend exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. These privileged individuals were treated to a smoke crafted from the finest leaves of the Vuelta Abajo region, known for its exceptional tobacco-growing conditions. The secret behind Cohiba’s distinct character lies in the unique process of double-fermentation applied to its leaves, resulting in an unparalleled level of smoothness and aromatic complexity.
It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was officially introduced to the public, quickly establishing itself as the crown jewel of Habanos S.A.’s portfolio. The Esplendidos vitola, in particular, became a symbol of sophistication and indulgence, gracing the humidors of discerning aficionados worldwide. While temporary fluctuations in quality occurred in the early 2000s, the brand has since reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, ensuring that every Cohiba Esplendidos embodies the legacy of its illustrious past. The Cohiba Esplendidos is often enjoyed after a fine meal in the company of world leaders and celebrities.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The first third of the Cohiba Esplendidos greets the palate with a smooth and creamy introduction, dominated by notes of cedarwood and subtle hints of red and white pepper spice. An earthy undertone provides a grounding base, while delicate floral nuances and a touch of cocoa add layers of complexity. A gentle leather presence emerges, complemented by a whisper of honey sweetness, creating a harmonious and balanced medium-bodied experience.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Esplendidos progresses into its second third, the strength intensifies, reaching a medium intensity. The creaminess becomes more pronounced, reminiscent of French vanilla and caramelized toffee. A delectable hazelnut-cocoa fusion, akin to “Nutella,” emerges, accompanied by a medley of nuts and dry spices. This stage showcases the cigar’s evolving character, offering a rich and satisfying depth of flavor.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Cohiba Esplendidos is where the cigar truly shines. A wave of sweetness washes over the palate, with prominent notes of vanilla and chocolate-cocoa. The spice intensifies, adding a vibrant warmth, while the earthy and soil notes deepen, providing a robust foundation. The body alternates between medium and strong, culminating in a powerful and complex close that leaves a lasting impression.
Finish
The finish of the Cohiba Esplendidos is exceptionally smooth, devoid of any harshness. A lingering creamy sweetness, reminiscent of cocoa, intertwines with the persistent spice and rich tobacco flavors. The cigar burns evenly, leaving behind a sturdy ash and ensuring a perfect draw from start to finish, a testament to its meticulous construction and quality tobacco.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Cocoa, Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Pepper (Red, White, Black), Earth |
| Tertiary Notes | Nuts (Hazelnut), Honey, Floral hints, French Vanilla, Caramelized Toffee, Chocolate, Soil |
| Finish | Creamy sweetness, Cocoa, Spice, Tobacco richness |
| Aroma | Wood, Coffee, Cream |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Esplendidos possesses remarkable aging potential, evolving like a fine wine over time. After 4-5 years in a humidor, the flavors deepen and become more robust, revealing a heightened level of complexity. The cocoa notes intensify, the creaminess becomes more pronounced, and the spices meld together in perfect harmony. Even when enjoyed fresh, the Esplendidos offers an exceptional smoking experience, but aging unlocks its full potential, transforming it into a truly extraordinary cigar.
To preserve the oily wrapper and encourage the development of nutty and sweet notes, store your Cohiba Esplendidos in an airtight humidor at a temperature of 65-72°F (18-22°C) and a humidity level of 65-72%. Proper storage is essential to ensure that your cigars age gracefully and retain their optimal flavor profile.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The rich sweetness of aged Cuban rum complements the cocoa and vanilla notes in the Esplendidos, creating a decadent and harmonious pairing. |
| Single Malt Whiskey | The smoky and peppery notes of a single malt whiskey enhance the leather, pepper, and earthy undertones of the cigar, resulting in a complex and satisfying experience. |
| Espresso or Coffee | The bold flavors of espresso or coffee amplify the coffee and nutty notes in the Esplendidos, creating a stimulating and invigorating pairing. |
| Cognac | The smooth and fruity notes of cognac balance the chocolate and spice elements in the final third of the cigar, creating a luxurious and well-rounded experience. |
| Sweet Wine (Port or Sauternes) | The sweetness of a dessert wine provides a counterpoint to the spice and earthiness of the cigar, creating a delightful contrast and enhancing the overall flavor profile. |
| Dark Chocolate | A square or two of high-quality dark chocolate brings out the cocoa notes of the cigar, adding an extra layer of decadence to the smoking experience. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. That’s why we guarantee that every Cohiba Esplendidos we offer is 100% genuine.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of Cohiba Esplendidos features the official Habanos holographic seal, which is virtually impossible to counterfeit.
- Box Code Verification – Every box has a unique code that can be verified on the Habanos S.A. website to confirm its authenticity and origin.
- Factory Stamp – The presence of a factory stamp on the box is another indication of its authenticity, as it signifies that the cigars were produced in a legitimate Cuban factory.
- Triple Cap – The Cohiba Esplendidos is distinguished by its meticulously applied triple cap, a hallmark of Cuban craftsmanship and a sign of its authenticity.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Cohiba Esplendidos take to smoke?
The Cohiba Esplendidos, with its generous length and ring gauge, typically provides a smoking time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes. This allows ample time to fully appreciate its complex and evolving flavors.
What does Cohiba Esplendidos taste like?
The Cohiba Esplendidos offers a rich and complex flavor profile, characterized by notes of cedar, cocoa, and spice. As the cigar progresses, you’ll experience a creamy progression, with hints of leather, coffee, nuts, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Is Cohiba Esplendidos a strong cigar?
The Cohiba Esplendidos is classified as a medium to full-bodied cigar. While it possesses a noticeable strength, it’s not overpowering, making it a suitable choice for experienced smokers who appreciate a robust and flavorful smoke.
How should I store Cohiba Esplendidos for aging?
To properly age Cohiba Esplendidos, store them in a humidor at a temperature of 65-72°F (18-22°C) and a humidity level of 65-72%. Optimal aging typically occurs after 4-5 years, allowing the flavors to deepen and become more complex.
