Cohiba Exquisitos

Description

The afternoon sun slanted through the windows of that little tobacco shop in Havana, casting golden bars across rows of cedar boxes. I remember the shopkeeper’s weathered hands lifting the lid on a particular varnished boîte nature box, revealing these impossibly slender treasures nestled in their wooden cradle like sleeping secrets.

That was my first encounter with the Cohiba Exquisitos – a cigar that would completely redefine my understanding of what Cuban tobacco could achieve in such a diminutive format. Here was a smoke that packed the full personality of the world’s most famous cigar brand into a petite panatela that could easily be overlooked by those chasing ring gauge numbers.

I’ve returned to these Exquisitos countless times since that day, and each one reminds me why the Cohiba linea classics earned their legendary status. This isn’t just another quick smoke – it’s a masterclass in Cuban blending concentrated into 30 minutes of pure smoking pleasure.

Specifications

Construction and Appearance

The first thing you notice about an Exquisitos is just how elegant it looks in your fingers. That colorado claro wrapper has this gorgeous silky sheen that catches the light beautifully. The construction is absolutely immaculate – these are handmade cigars that showcase the skill of Cuban torcedores at their finest.

I’ve never encountered a soft spot or construction flaw in any Exquisitos I’ve smoked. The wrapper leaf feels smooth and oily to the touch, with minimal veining. The cap is perfectly applied, and the foot shows that careful layered fill that you expect from premium Cuban cigars. Despite its slender profile, there’s a satisfying weight to it – around 5 grams – that speaks to quality tobacco packed efficiently.

The bands are classic Cohiba – that distinctive yellow, black, and white design that’s become synonymous with Cuban luxury. When you see authentic Exquisitos displays in a proper humidor, they command attention despite their modest size.

Flavor Profile: A Journey in Three Acts

First Third: The Opening Statement

Don’t let the slim ring gauge fool you – this little cigar announces itself with authority from the first puff. I’m immediately hit with powerful headiness that’s characteristic of well-aged Cuban tobacco. The dominant notes are grassy hay and cedar, backed by a pleasant acidic brightness that keeps everything lively.

There’s a woody spiciness that builds gradually, never overwhelming but definitely present. It’s a complex opening that demands your attention – this isn’t background smoking material.

Middle Third: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the Exquisitos really shows its pedigree. The strength builds noticeably, but it’s balanced by this beautiful sweetness that emerges. Those grassy hay notes become sweeter and more refined, while the cedar develops creamy undertones reminiscent of a perfect cappuccino.

I start picking up nuttiness here, along with subtle caramel notes and something that reminds me of ripe blackberries. It’s a sophisticated flavor development that rivals cigars twice its size. The medium body cigar reveals layers that many full bodied cigars struggle to achieve.

Final Third: The Grand Finale

The finish is where the Exquisitos really earns its place in the Cohiba linea. Despite being relatively quick burning, the final third doesn’t rush or become harsh. Instead, I get this lovely dry finish with a distinct chocolate edge that pairs beautifully with emerging honey notes.

Creamy nougat flavors develop, along with rich coffee and cocoa that linger on the palate. It’s a satisfying conclusion that leaves you wanting another one immediately.

Perfect Pairings

I’ve experimented extensively with drink pairings for the Exquisitos, and I’ve found two combinations that are absolutely magical. The first is a proper Italian ristretto or rich espresso. The coffee’s intensity complements the woody spiciness perfectly while enhancing those honey and coffee notes in the final third.

For evening smoking, nothing beats a quality cognac in a proper snifter. The brandy’s warmth and complexity marry beautifully with the cigar’s creamy, nutty profile. I particularly enjoy this combination by a fireplace – there’s something about that setting that brings out the best in both the drink and the smoke.

I’ve also had success pairing these with aged rum, particularly those with notes of caramel and vanilla that complement the middle third’s sweetness. Wine can work too, but stick to full-bodied reds or a rich port.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The Exquisitos is perfect for experienced smokers who appreciate complexity over size. If you’re someone who judges cigars by ring gauge alone, this probably isn’t for you. But if you value nuanced flavor development and expert blending, you’ll absolutely love these.

They’re ideal for situations where you want a premium smoking experience but don’t have 90 minutes to spare. Business lunches, afternoon breaks, or those moments when you want quality over quantity. I’ve found them particularly appealing to smokers transitioning from milder cigars to more complex Cuban profiles.

New smokers should approach with caution – despite the slim profile, this is a medium strength smoke with some serious nicotine content. Don’t smoke on an empty stomach unless you’re prepared for that Cuban tobacco headiness.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

With such a small ring gauge, your cutting technique matters enormously. I always use a sharp guillotine cutter and take just the smallest amount off the cap – we’re talking 2-3mm maximum. Too aggressive a cut and you’ll compromise the draw.

For lighting, patience is everything. The thin format means it’s easy to char the wrapper if you’re not careful. I use a butane torch at a distance, rotating slowly until I get an even light across the foot. Take your time with those first few puffs – let the cigar establish its burn line naturally.

The proper smoking technique becomes crucial with these smaller vitolas. Slow, deliberate puffs work best, allowing the tobacco to develop its full flavor profile.

Storage and Aging

Like all Cuban cigars, Exquisitos require careful storage to maintain their exceptional quality. I keep mine at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in a properly maintained humidor. The extra-fermented tobacco used in Cohiba cigars is particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

These cigars age beautifully if you have the patience. I’ve smoked boxes with five years of age on them, and the flavor development is remarkable. The grassy notes mellow into something more refined, while the creamy elements become more pronounced.

For detailed guidance on preserving your cigars fresh, proper humidor maintenance is essential. The relatively small size means these cigars can dry out faster than larger ring gauges, so consistency in your storage environment is crucial.

Authenticity: Spotting the Real Deal

Unfortunately, the popularity of Cohiba means there are plenty of fakes in circulation. With Exquisitos, there are several key indicators to look for when verifying authenticity.

First, examine the construction. Authentic Exquisitos have perfectly smooth wrappers with consistent colorado claro coloring. The ring gauge should be exactly 33 – I’ve seen fakes that are noticeably thicker or thinner. The bands should be crisp and perfectly applied, with the standard Cohiba holographic elements clearly visible.

The packaging is equally important. Genuine Exquisitos come in varnished wooden boxes of 25 with the code BN-VW-C/L-12,13-n-25. Look for proper Habanos S.A. holograms and warranty seals on the packaging. The box itself should feel substantial and well-finished.

Most importantly, buy from reputable sources. Sites like solocigars and other authorized dealers provide guarantee of authenticity that you simply can’t get from questionable online sellers or tourist shops.

FAQ

How does the Exquisitos compare to other Cohiba cigars like the Siglo series?

The Exquisitos offers a more concentrated flavor experience than the milder Siglo I, while being more accessible than the fuller-bodied Siglo VI. It’s part of the original Cohiba linea and represents the brand’s classic profile in a smaller format. If you enjoy the Siglo II but want something quicker to smoke, the Exquisitos is perfect.

Is this cigar suitable for beginners?

While the smaller size might seem beginner-friendly, the Exquisitos packs medium strength that can be overwhelming for new smokers. I’d recommend starting with milder options and working up to this level. The complexity deserves an experienced palate to fully appreciate.

How long can I age these cigars?

Cuban cigars improve with proper aging for decades if stored correctly. I’ve enjoyed Exquisitos with 10+ years of age that were absolutely spectacular. The key is maintaining consistent humidity and temperature in a quality humidor. The tobacco’s journey from plantation to perfection continues even after boxing.

Why are authentic Cuban Exquisitos more expensive than similar-sized cigars from other brands?

You’re paying for the unique tobaccos grown in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region, the extra fermentation process that Cohiba uses, and the skilled hand-rolling by master torcedores. The reputation and quality control standards also factor into the price. In my experience, the flavor complexity justifies the premium.

What’s the difference between pre-2002 and current production Exquisitos?

The dimensions changed slightly – earlier versions were approximately 36 ring gauge by 125mm, while current production is 33 ring gauge by 126mm. The tobacco quality and blending philosophy remain consistent, but some longtime smokers prefer the slightly thicker pre-2002 format. Both are excellent, just subtly different smoking experiences.

The Exquisitos represents everything I love about Cuban cigars condensed into a perfect 30-minute experience. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or someone looking to explore what makes Cohiba special, this little masterpiece delivers complexity, character, and satisfaction that punches well above its weight class. For those interested in learning more about our selection and expertise, I encourage you to visit our about page to understand our commitment to authentic Cuban cigars.