Cohiba Exquisitos

Description

There is a misconception among some enthusiasts that you need a thick ring gauge to get a full flavor profile, but the Cohiba Exquisitos proves that theory wrong. I often reach for this Seoane vitola when I want the complexity of the Línea Clásica but simply do not have the time to commit to a Robusto or Esplendidos. It offers a concentrated, intense burst of flavor that fits perfectly into a lunch break or a pre-dinner window. While it looks delicate, the construction is solid, and it delivers a punch that might surprise you if you judge it solely by its size.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: Lighting a cigar with a 33 ring gauge requires a bit of finesse, as you want to avoid scorching the wrapper. Once you get it going, the draw offers just enough resistance to keep the burn cool. The initial profile is distinctively Cuban, greeting you with a sharp, grassy acidity that wakes up the palate immediately. Underneath that fresh hay aroma, you will find a smooth, creamy texture that coats the mouth. There are subtle hints of vanilla and fresh ginger present here, providing a zesty kick that balances out the earthy start.

Mid-Section: As you smoke past the first inch, the Exquisitos settles down and the strength begins to climb. The grassy notes recede, making way for warmer, darker flavors. You will start tasting roasted nuts, specifically something reminiscent of almond nougat or hazelnut. Coffee notes begin to emerge, sitting somewhere between a light roast and a mocha. The body shifts from medium to a more robust character, and the smoke production is surprisingly voluminous for such a slender format. The ash holds well, but you should be gentle with it.

Final Third: The final section is where this small cigar really shows its teeth. The flavors condense into a potent mix of spicy cedar wood and black honey. The sweetness from the middle section remains but takes on a darker, almost burnt caramel quality. It reaches a full-bodied strength here, delivering a heavy dose of nicotine that defies its small stature. You need to slow down your puff rate significantly in these final minutes to prevent the smoke from getting too hot or bitter.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Cohiba

Cohiba stands as the flagship brand of Habanos S.A., originally created in 1966 as a private reserve for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For nearly two decades, these cigars were the ultimate diplomatic gift, unavailable to the general public. The brand finally launched commercially in 1982, but the Exquisitos arrived a few years later in 1989 as part of the Línea Clásica introduction. Produced at the famous El Laguito factory, Cohiba distinguishes itself by using tobacco from the finest Vegas Finas de Primera in the Vuelta Abajo region, subjecting the leaves to a unique third fermentation in wooden barrels to refine the flavor.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – The heavy, molasses-driven sweetness of this Venezuelan rum provides a necessary cushion against the dry, woody finish of the cigar, smoothing out the spicy edges of the final third.
• Whiskey: Balvenie DoubleWood – The vanilla and honey notes inherent in this scotch create a seamless bridge to the creamy, nougat flavors found in the cigar’s mid-section, enhancing the nuttiness without overpowering the tobacco.
• Coffee: Jamaican Blue Mountain – Since this is often a morning smoke, this specific coffee works beautifully because its mild acidity and lack of bitterness mirror the initial grassy and creamy profile of the Exquisitos.

Ideal For

This cigar is best suited for experienced smokers who understand the mechanics of smoking a thin ring gauge. If you draw too hard or too frequently, the Exquisitos will overheat and turn harsh, ruining the nuanced blend. It is the perfect choice for the connoisseur who wants a high-quality, authentic Cuban experience but only has thirty minutes to spare. Beginners might find the heat management difficult and the strength at the end a bit overwhelming.