Description
Indulge in the epitome of Cuban luxury with the **Cohiba Exquisitos**, a distinguished **Seoane vitola** that delivers an unparalleled smoking experience. This handcrafted Habano, hailing from Cuba’s most iconic brand, offers a refined **medium to full-bodied** profile, making it the perfect choice for aficionados seeking a time-efficient yet exquisitely flavorful indulgence. Expect a symphony of creamy textures and nuanced flavors, beginning with cedar and black honey aromas, evolving through coffee, cocoa, and honeyed spice, and culminating in a satisfying, dry finish. The Cohiba Exquisitos is more than just a cigar; it’s a statement of discerning taste and appreciation for the art of Cuban craftsmanship.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Wooden Box |
| Ideal For | Aging, Sharing, Gifting, Connoisseurs |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when stored properly) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Seoane |
| Length | 125-126 mm (4.9-5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 33 |
| Wrapper | Colorado Claro – Premium Cuban |
| Binder | Premium Cuban |
| Filler | Premium Cuban (Pinar del Río) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Factory | Seoane |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Cohiba, synonymous with Cuban cigar excellence, boasts a history as rich and complex as its flavor profiles. Born in 1966, Cohiba wasn’t initially intended for commercial sale. Instead, these exceptional cigars were crafted as private smokes for Fidel Castro and gifted to visiting dignitaries, instantly elevating their status to a symbol of revolutionary Cuba. The name itself, “Cohiba,” originates from the Taíno Indian word for tobacco, a fitting tribute to the island’s indigenous heritage.
It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba became available to the public, quickly establishing itself as the flagship brand of Habanos S.A. The brand’s meticulous production process, featuring triple-fermented tobacco sourced from the finest Pinar del Río plantations, sets it apart. The **Exquisitos** joined the prestigious **Línea Clásica** in 1989, further solidifying Cohiba’s reputation for unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Its heritage reflects revolutionary exclusivity, with cellophane wrapping until the early 1990s. The vitola’s name is said to be inspired by a Spanish gentleman’s custom cigar specs, and it was a favorite of Emilia Tamayo, the pioneering director of El Laguito factory, Cuba’s first female factory head.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial puffs of the Cohiba Exquisitos deliver a **medium-bodied** experience, immediately engaging the palate with a creamy texture. The dominant flavors are **coffee** and subtle **herbaceous notes**, intertwined with a **smooth caramel** sweetness. A modest amount of smoke is produced, allowing for a focused appreciation of these initial complexities.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses, the flavor profile evolves, revealing sweeter nuances. Notes of **blackberries** emerge, complementing the signature Cohiba **creamy, nutty** essence reminiscent of fine nougat. The **coffee** notes remain present, joined by subtle **cocoa** touches, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third introduces a delightful woody spiciness, adding depth and complexity to the smoking experience. Underlying **honey** undertones provide a touch of sweetness, balancing the spice and creating a satisfying crescendo. The smoke production increases slightly, intensifying the overall sensory experience.
Finish
The Cohiba Exquisitos concludes with a **short, dry finish**, leaving a clean and refreshing sensation on the palate. Lingering dryness is accompanied by ripe, robust echoes of **earth** and a subtle hint of **pepper**, providing a memorable aftertaste that invites contemplation.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Coffee, Cedar, Cream |
| Secondary Notes | Blackberry, Nougat, Caramel |
| Tertiary Notes | Honey, Wood Spice, Cocoa |
| Finish | Dry, Earthy, Pepper |
| Aroma | Cedar, Black Honey |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Exquisitos possesses excellent aging potential, rewarding patient aficionados with enhanced depth and complexity. Over time, the cigar’s creamy texture becomes even more pronounced, while the initial acidity softens, allowing the underlying flavors to fully develop. Optimal aging for the Cohiba Exquisitos is typically between 2 to 5 years, allowing the **nutty** and **honeyed** notes to become more prominent.
To ensure optimal aging, store your Cohiba Exquisitos in a humidor maintained at a relative humidity of 65-70% and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). Storing the cigars upright in cedar-lined compartments helps to preserve the oils and prevent the flavors from becoming muddled. Many connoisseurs choose to keep a selection of aged Cohiba Exquisitos in their office humidors, ensuring a readily available indulgence for moments of relaxation and contemplation.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Italian Ristretto or Espresso | The intense, concentrated flavors of a ristretto or espresso amplify the cigar’s **woody spiciness**, **coffee**, and **honey** notes, creating a harmonious and stimulating pairing. |
| Cognac | The rich, complex flavors of cognac, with its notes of dried fruit, spice, and oak, complement the cigar’s **creamy nougat** essence, making it an ideal pairing for relaxed evenings. |
| Aged Rum | A well-aged rum, with its notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, mirrors the cigar’s sweetness and depth, creating a sophisticated and satisfying pairing. |
| Single Malt Scotch Whisky | A balanced single malt scotch, with its smoky, peaty, or fruity notes, can provide a contrasting yet complementary pairing, enhancing the cigar’s complexity and adding a layer of intrigue. |
| Dark Chocolate | The bitterness and intensity of dark chocolate, especially varieties with high cocoa content, provides a contrasting yet complementary pairing, accentuating the cigar’s cocoa and coffee notes. |
| Honey-Infused Tea | The floral and sweet notes of a honey-infused tea offer a gentle counterpoint to the cigar’s bolder flavors, creating a soothing and balanced pairing, particularly suitable for daytime enjoyment. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. We guarantee that all our Cohiba Exquisitos are 100% authentic Habanos, sourced directly from authorized distributors.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of Cohiba Exquisitos features the official Habanos holographic seal, which is applied to the bottom right corner of the box. This seal is difficult to replicate and serves as a primary indicator of authenticity.
- Box Code Verification – Every box of Habanos cigars has a unique box code imprinted on the bottom. You can verify this code on the Habanos S.A. website to ensure that the box is legitimate and has been properly tracked through the distribution chain.
- Factory Stamp – Authentic Habanos boxes also include a factory stamp, which indicates the date and location of production. This stamp provides valuable information about the cigar’s origin and can be used to further verify its authenticity.
- Triple Cap – Cohiba cigars are known for their meticulously constructed triple cap, which requires a high level of skill and precision to create. This feature is a hallmark of authentic Cohiba cigars and is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
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
What does the Cohiba Exquisitos taste like?
The Cohiba Exquisitos offers a complex and refined flavor profile, beginning with notes of cedar and black honey. As you smoke, you’ll experience a creamy texture with hints of coffee, caramel, and herbaceous notes. The middle third brings out sweeter flavors of blackberries, nougat, and cocoa, while the final third introduces woody spices and honey undertones, culminating in a dry, earthy finish.
How long does it take to smoke a Cohiba Exquisitos?
The Cohiba Exquisitos is a relatively short smoke, typically taking between 20 to 30 minutes to fully enjoy. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet luxurious smoking experience, perfect for a brief break or a moment of relaxation when time is limited.
How does the Cohiba Exquisitos compare to the Cohiba Panetela?
Both the Cohiba Exquisitos and the Cohiba Panetela are slender vitolas from the Cohiba brand, but they differ in ring gauge and flavor profile. The Panetela is slimmer with a smaller ring gauge and offers a lighter, more floral flavor profile, while the Exquisitos has a slightly larger ring gauge and a fuller, more complex body with notes of coffee, cocoa, and honey.
Is the Cohiba Exquisitos a good cigar for beginners?
While the Cohiba Exquisitos is a premium cigar with a medium-to-full body, it can be enjoyed by more experienced beginners who are looking to expand their palate and experience the complexity of Cuban tobacco. However, its strength and complexity may be overwhelming for complete beginners who are new to cigar smoking.
