Cohiba Esplendidos

Description

The amber glow of the hotel lounge’s fireplace caught the wrapper as I reached for what looked like a perfectly rolled Churchill from the selection box. The rich, oily sheen seemed to pulse in the flickering light, and I could smell the earthy sweetness even before bringing it closer to inspect. This was my first encounter with the Cohiba Esplendidos, though I didn’t realize at the time I was holding what many consider the flagship of Cuban premium cigars.

That evening in Havana changed my understanding of what a truly exceptional Cuban cigar could deliver. The Esplendidos isn’t just another Churchill-sized smoke. It’s a masterclass in blending, construction, and the art of slow-burning perfection.

Construction and First Impressions

Rolling this cigar between my fingers, the first thing you notice is the impeccable construction from El Laguito factory. The wrapper displays that signature light tan to medium brown color with an unmistakable oily sheen that catches light beautifully. Few veins interrupt the smooth surface, and those present are barely noticeable.

The triple cap is flawlessly applied – a hallmark of Cuban craftsmanship. At 15.07 grams, there’s a substantial heft that speaks to the dense packing of select Vuelta Abajo tobacco throughout the 47 ring gauge body. Pre-light, I detect honey notes mingling with subtle spicy undertones, promising the complexity that’s about to unfold.

What sets the Esplendidos apart is the perfect balance between firmness and give when you gently squeeze it. This is totalmente a mano construction at its finest – handmade with long filler tobacco that creates an even density from head to foot.

Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts

First Third: The Elegant Opening

The initial draws deliver smooth, creamy smoke with dominant wood and earth tones. There’s a beautiful progression as red and white pepper notes dance on the palate before gradually declining. What surprised me most was the subtle floral character weaving through the earthy base – something I hadn’t expected from such a robust-looking cigar.

Cocoa hints emerge early, accompanied by leather and a delicate honey sweetness that coats the palate. The body remains firmly medium during this opening act, allowing you to appreciate the nuanced complexity without overwhelming the senses.

Middle Third: Building Complexity

Here’s where the Esplendidos truly shows its pedigree. The strength increases to a solid medium while adding layers of creaminess reminiscent of French vanilla and caramelized toffee. The nuts become more pronounced – especially hazelnut that blends seamlessly with the developing cocoa notes to create an almost Nutella-like richness.

This middle section rewards patient smoking. Rush it, and you’ll miss the subtle transitions. Take your time, and you’ll experience how masterfully blended Cuban tobacco can evolve within a single smoke.

Final Third: The Powerful Finish

The final act brings sweetness to the forefront with rich French vanilla, deepening cocoa, and chocolate notes. The spices return with more intensity, joined by soil and earth tones that ground the sweetness. The body alternates between medium and strong, delivering a finish that’s both powerful and refined.

This is where 4-5 years of aging really pays dividends. A properly aged Esplendidos develops an almost creamy yet powerful character in the final third that younger examples simply can’t match.

Technical Specifications

Perfect Pairings

The Esplendidos’ complex flavor profile demands thoughtful pairing choices. I’ve found that sweet wines complement the final third’s vanilla and chocolate notes beautifully. A port or aged rum works particularly well, as the sweetness doesn’t compete with the cigar’s natural honey characteristics.

For spirits, I’d recommend a smooth aged rum like Havana Club 15 or a Highland single malt scotch. The coffee notes that develop during the smoke pair excellently with these choices. If you prefer wine, try a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or even a dessert wine to complement the cocoa and vanilla notes.

Timing matters too. This isn’t a morning smoke – the strength and complexity shine best as an afternoon cigar or post-dinner indulgence. Proper smoking technique becomes crucial with a cigar of this caliber.

Cutting and Lighting

The triple cap deserves respect. Use a sharp guillotine cutter to remove just the tip – about 1/8 inch. You want to preserve the cap’s integrity while creating a clean, even opening. Avoid cutting too deep, as this can cause the wrapper to unravel.

For lighting, toast the foot slowly with a butane torch or cedar spill. The dense packing means it needs time to ignite evenly. Rotate while toasting until the entire foot glows orange, then take gentle puffs to establish an even burn line.

Once lit, the draw should be perfect – not too tight, not too loose. If you encounter any resistance, the cigar should self-correct as it burns. This is where the master rollers at El Laguito really show their expertise.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

Honestly? The Esplendidos isn’t for beginners. The strength progression from medium to full, combined with the 60+ minute commitment, makes this better suited for experienced smokers who can appreciate the complexity.

If you’re comfortable with other Churchill-sized cigars and enjoy medium-to-full bodied smokes, you’ll appreciate what this offers. It’s perfect for special occasions – celebrations, business achievements, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something exceptional.

The price point also makes this more of an occasional indulgence than a daily smoke for most people. But when the moment’s right, few Cuban cigars deliver this level of satisfaction. I’d particularly recommend it for evening smoking when you have time to truly savor the experience.

Authenticity: Spotting the Real Deal

Unfortunately, the Esplendidos’ reputation makes it a frequent target for counterfeiters. Here’s what to look for in authentic examples:

Genuine Esplendidos carry standard Habanos bands B, C, D, and E. The construction should be flawless – no soft spots, perfect triple cap, and that characteristic oily wrapper sheen. The Habanos Packing Code for 15-cigar boxes should read D-C-C/P-3-C/B-15.

Fakes often reveal themselves through poor burn characteristics, harsh flavors, or inconsistent construction. The wrapper might have excessive veins or lack that oily quality. Most importantly, buy from trusted dealers with proper Habanos authorization. Reputable sellers will stand behind their products’ authenticity.

If something seems too good to be true price-wise, it probably is. Authentic Esplendidos command premium prices because they represent the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store your Esplendidos at 70% relative humidity and 70°F (21°C) in a quality humidor. These cigars respond beautifully to aging – I’ve found that 4-5 years of proper storage transforms them into something truly spectacular.

Young examples can sometimes show a bit of ammonia or harsh edges that completely disappear with time. Proper storage techniques become crucial for maximizing this aging potential.

The varnished boîte nature boxes of 25 age particularly well, though the 3-packs in boxes of 15 are more accessible for most collectors. Setting up proper humidor conditions is essential for long-term storage.

I’d recommend buying at least a few extras if you find a good batch – one to smoke now, and others to lay down for future enjoyment. The improvement over time is remarkable.

FAQ

How long should I age Cohiba Esplendidos before smoking?

While they’re smokable immediately, I’d recommend at least 6-12 months of proper storage for younger boxes. The sweet spot is 4-5 years when the flavors really harmonize and any harsh edges disappear completely.

What’s the difference between Esplendidos and other Cohiba Linea Clasica cigars like Siglo VI?

The Esplendidos is larger and longer-smoking than the Siglo series. Where the Siglo VI might run 90 minutes, the Esplendidos delivers 1 hour 45 minutes to over 2 hours of smoking time. The flavor profile is also more robust and complex, justifying its position as the flagship of the Cohiba line.

Are Esplendidos worth the premium price over other Cuban cigars?

For special occasions, absolutely. The construction quality, flavor complexity, and smoking time justify the cost. However, they’re not everyday smokes for most people. Think of them as the Cuban equivalent of a fine aged whiskey – perfect for celebrating or when you want something truly exceptional.

How can I tell if my smoking technique is right for this cigar?

Take slow, gentle puffs about once per minute. The smoke should be cool and flavorful, never hot or harsh. If it becomes bitter or burns too hot, slow down your puffing frequency. Understanding Cuban cigar construction helps you appreciate why patience is crucial with premium examples like this.

What makes the Vuelta Abajo tobacco special?

The Vuelta Abajo region in Cuba produces tobacco with unique characteristics due to its soil composition and climate. This specific terroir contributes to the complex flavors and smooth burning qualities that make Cuban cigars distinctive from tobacco grown elsewhere.