Description
The Cohiba Exquisitos represents the pinnacle of the “short luxury” format, a masterclass in Cuban craftsmanship designed for those who refuse to compromise on quality, even when time is of the essence. As a distinguished member of the Línea Clásica, this Seoane vitola offers a concentrated expression of the Cohiba DNA, delivering a sophisticated medium to full-bodied experience in a slender, elegant silhouette. Hand-rolled with the finest tobacco from the Pinar del Río region, the Exquisitos is renowned for its signature creamy texture, nuanced honeyed sweetness, and a complex bouquet of cedar and roasted coffee. It is the quintessential choice for the modern aficionado—a cigar that provides a 20-to-30-minute escape into the world of Habanos prestige, making it as suitable for a refined morning ritual as it is for a brief, celebratory interlude.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 individual Habanos | 10 individual Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Spanish Cedar Boîte Nature | Varnished Spanish Cedar Slide-Lid Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and daily indulgence | Travel, gifting, and trial sampling |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal moisture retention | Compact cedar enclosure for climate stability |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Seoane (Small Panatela) |
| Length | 126 mm (4.9 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 33 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Colorado Claro) |
| Binder | Cuba (Pinar del Río) |
| Filler | Cuba (Pinar del Río – Triple Fermented) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Rich, Creamy, and Concentrated |
| Smoking Time | 20–30 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is the story of Cuban excellence itself. Established in 1966, Cohiba was initially created as an ultra-exclusive brand reserved solely for President Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For nearly two decades, these cigars were the ultimate diplomatic gift, presented to visiting heads of state and dignitaries. It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was released to the international market, instantly becoming the benchmark by which all other premium cigars are measured. The Línea Clásica, which includes the Exquisitos, was the first series to be introduced, cementing the brand’s reputation for power and elegance.
The Cohiba Exquisitos specifically joined the portfolio in 1989. Its vitola, the Seoane, carries a legacy of personal preference; it was famously the favorite format of Emilia Tamayo, the first woman to ever head a Cuban cigar factory (the legendary El Laguito). The Exquisitos is unique because it utilizes the same “selection of selections” tobacco as its larger siblings, including the Esplendidos and Robustos. This tobacco undergoes a third fermentation in barrels, a proprietary process exclusive to Cohiba that removes impurities and creates the exceptionally smooth, refined smoke that characterizes the brand.
Every Cohiba Exquisitos is a product of the El Laguito factory, a converted mansion in Havana where the world’s most skilled torcedores (rollers) apply their craft. The heritage of this cigar is not just in its name, but in the meticulous standards of construction and the volcanic soil of the Vuelta Abajo zone, where the sun-grown and shade-grown leaves are harvested. To smoke an Exquisitos is to participate in a tradition of revolutionary exclusivity that has been refined for over half a century.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an effortless draw, immediately revealing the sophisticated construction of the Seoane vitola. The initial puffs are greeted with a burst of aromatic cedar and a distinct herbaceous freshness that is characteristic of young Cohiba tobacco. As the foot stabilizes, a creamy texture coats the palate, bringing forward notes of lightly roasted coffee and a subtle black honey sweetness. Unlike larger ring gauges that take time to warm up, the Exquisitos finds its rhythm almost instantly, offering a medium-bodied introduction that is both vibrant and smooth.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the complexity deepens and the strength moves toward the fuller end of the spectrum. The profile becomes noticeably sweeter and more “gourmand.” Layers of rich nougat and toasted almonds emerge, reminiscent of fine European confectionery. There is a delightful development of dark berry fruitiness—specifically hints of blackberry and dried currants—which provides a perfect counterpoint to the underlying cocoa bitterness. The smoke remains dense and velvety, a testament to the triple-fermentation process that softens the tannins while magnifying the flavor intensity.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Exquisitos sheds its sweeter outer layers to reveal its powerful Cuban core. The woody spiciness intensifies, with notes of sandalwood and white pepper becoming more prominent. The honey undertones linger in the background, preventing the spice from becoming overwhelming. Despite its slender ring gauge, the cigar maintains a cool temperature, allowing the aficionado to enjoy the rich earthy foundation and leather notes that define the finish. The transition is seamless, moving from creamy elegance to a robust, satisfying conclusion.
Finish
The finish of the Cohiba Exquisitos is remarkably clean and “short,” meaning it does not overstay its welcome on the palate, yet it leaves a memorable aftertaste of ripe tobacco, toasted oak, and a lingering nutty dryness. It is a sophisticated end to a brief but intense journey, leaving the smoker refreshed rather than overwhelmed, making it the perfect companion for a second cup of coffee or a mid-day break.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Creamy Coffee, Spanish Cedar, Wild Honey |
| Secondary Notes | Toasted Almonds, Blackberry, Fresh Herbs |
| Tertiary Notes | White Pepper, Leather, Nougat |
| Finish | Clean, Dry, Earthy, and Robust |
| Aroma | Sweet Tobacco, Floral, and Rich Wood |
Aging and Collector Value
While the Cohiba Exquisitos is designed to be approachable shortly after purchase, it possesses significant aging potential that appeals to the serious collector. Due to the high quality of the Línea Clásica blend, these cigars evolve beautifully over a period of 2 to 5 years. During this time, the initial herbaceous notes mellow into a deeper, more integrated honey and nut profile, and the “bite” of the final third becomes a smooth, spicy glow. The oils within the Colorado Claro wrapper continue to mature, enhancing the cigar’s signature sheen and aromatic intensity.
For optimal maturation, we recommend storing the Exquisitos in a humidor maintained at 65-70% RH and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). Because of their slender 33 ring gauge, they are more sensitive to fluctuations in humidity than larger cigars; keeping them in their original varnished cedar boxes provides an extra layer of protection and encourages the marriage of flavors. Collectors often note that an Exquisitos with five years of age rivals the complexity of much larger vitolas, making them a high-value addition to any investment-grade humidor.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Italian Ristretto | The concentrated oils of the coffee mirror the creamy coffee notes of the Exquisitos, creating a harmonious morning experience. |
| Vintage Cognac | The dried fruit and oak notes of a well-aged Cognac amplify the honey and berry undertones in the cigar’s second third. |
| Aged Cuban Rum | A natural pairing; the molasses sweetness of the rum balances the woody spice and earthy finish of the Habano. |
| Islay Single Malt | For those who enjoy contrast, the smoky peat of the whiskey plays beautifully against the creamy, nutty essence of the Cohiba. |
| Champagne (Extra Brut) | The effervescence cleanses the palate between puffs, highlighting the floral and herbaceous nuances of the blend. |
| Earl Grey Tea | The bergamot citrus in the tea complements the cedar and honey profile, making for a refined afternoon pairing. |
Authenticity Verification
As the world’s most sought-after cigar brand, Cohiba is frequently targeted by counterfeiters. We take exhaustive measures to ensure that every Cohiba Exquisitos in our inventory is 100% authentic, sourced directly through official Habanos S.A. channels.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official warranty seal with a unique barcode and multiple holograms that shift under light, verifying its origin.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of every box is hot-stamped with the factory code (e.g., MAR, TLE) and the date of production, which can be cross-referenced with Habanos records.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which are mandatory for premium Cuban exports.
- Triple Cap – A hallmark of El Laguito craftsmanship, each Exquisitos features a perfectly applied triple cap, a technique rarely mastered by counterfeiters.
Our Guarantee: We stand behind every vitola we sell. If any cigar fails a Habanos authenticity verification, we provide a full refund. Our reputation is built on transparency and the trust of global collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Cohiba Exquisitos different from the Cohiba Panetela?
While both are slender cigars, the Exquisitos is slightly longer (126mm vs 115mm) and has a larger ring gauge (33 vs 26). This extra girth allows for a more complex filler blend, resulting in a medium to full-bodied profile compared to the lighter, more floral nature of the standard Panetela. The Exquisitos offers a punchier, more concentrated Cohiba experience.
Is the 33 ring gauge difficult to smoke?
Not if the cigar is properly constructed. Because the Exquisitos is rolled at the El Laguito factory by top-tier artisans, the draw is typically excellent. However, slender cigars require a slower smoking pace; puffing too frequently can cause the cigar to overheat. When smoked gently, it delivers a cool, flavor-dense experience.
Why is the Exquisitos considered a “luxury” short smoke?
The Exquisitos uses the same triple-fermented tobacco as the flagship Cohiba Behike and Siglo lines. Most “short” cigars from other brands use lower-grade leaves or short-fillers, but the Exquisitos is a long-filler (Tripa Larga) masterpiece. You are getting the world’s finest tobacco in a format that fits into a busy schedule.
How long should I age a new box of Cohiba Exquisitos?
While they are enjoyable immediately, we recommend a minimum of 6 to 12 months of stabilization in your humidor after shipping. For those seeking the “sweet spot” of Cuban aging, 3 years is the ideal duration to allow the ammonia to fully dissipate and the creamy, nutty flavors to reach their peak intensity.
