Description
The Little Cohiba That Could (and Does)
I’ll be honest – when people think Cohiba, they usually picture the Behike or the Esplendido sitting proudly in a humidor. The Exquisitos? It’s the cigar equivalent of the middle child. And just like that overlooked sibling, it might be the most interesting member of the family. This little guy has been in the Cohiba linea since the brand went public in 1982, and I’d argue it’s remained one of the most underappreciated vitolas in the entire Cuban portfolio. Why? Because cigar smokers have this weird bias – we think smaller means less complex. Spoiler alert: we’re wrong.
What you’re getting with the Exquisitos is the full Cohiba treatment in a compact 4.5-inch package. Same premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, same triple fermentation process that makes Cohiba what it is, but in a format that doesn’t demand two hours of your afternoon. That’s the thing about this cigar – it respects your time without compromising on quality.
What Makes This Stick Different
Cohiba needs no introduction, right? Created in 1966 for Fidel Castro himself, it was the private cigar of Cuban government officials until they decided to share it with the rest of us mortals in ’82. But the Exquisitos has always had this unique position in the lineup. It sits between the tiny Cohiba Siglo I and the more substantial offerings, occupying this sweet spot that – honestly – not enough people talk about.
The Exquisitos is built for the smoker who appreciates the Cohiba profile but doesn’t always have time for a full Robusto session. Maybe you’re on a lunch break. Maybe it’s that perfect window between dinner and whatever evening plans you’ve got. Or – and this is my favorite – it’s your second cigar of the day, after you’ve already had something bigger earlier. The beauty here is concentration. All those classic Cohiba characteristics are compressed into a shorter smoke, which actually intensifies certain aspects of the flavor profile.
Who’s this for? I’d say intermediate to advanced smokers who already know they like the Cohiba linea. If you’ve never had a Cuban cigar before, start somewhere else – this isn’t a beginner’s smoke, even though the size might suggest otherwise. The flavors are nuanced, the construction demands proper technique, and you need to understand what you’re looking for to really appreciate it.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Exquisitos (Perla) |
| Length | 4.5 inches / 115 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 36 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (triple fermented) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 35-45 minutes |
What You’re Actually Smoking
The cold draw on a properly stored Exquisitos is tight but not restrictive – you want some resistance here. I remember lighting one up at a cigar lounge in Miami, and before I even got the flame to it, I was getting hints of honey and hay. That’s the wrapper talking, and it’s a good sign of what’s coming.
First third hits differently than you’d expect from the size. There’s this immediate creaminess – almost buttery – with cedar notes that remind me of walking into a vintage tobacco shop. Not harsh cedar, but aged wood. Sweet tobacco dominates, and there’s a subtle nuttiness underneath that keeps building. The smoke output is generous for a 36 ring gauge, which tells you the construction is spot-on. I’ve found that retrohaling in this first section brings out white pepper that isn’t obvious on the palate alone.
Around the halfway point – and this is where it gets interesting – the cigar transitions. That initial sweetness starts sharing space with leather and earth. Not dirty earth, but the smell of fresh soil after rain. Some people get cocoa here; I usually pick up more of a coffee note, like espresso without the bitterness. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing too fast. And that’s the trick with smaller ring gauges – you can’t smoke them like a Churchill. Patience pays off.
Final third is where the Cohiba DNA really shows up. The strength ramps up slightly – still medium, but fuller than where you started. There’s this interplay between the sweetness that’s been there all along and a mineral quality that’s hard to describe. Almost flint-like? The leather becomes more pronounced, and if you’ve been drinking something alongside it, this is where the pairing really matters. The cigar gets warm but not harsh, and if you’ve been managing your pace, you can take it right down to the nub without any bitterness. The ash is solid – light gray, holding on for about an inch before dropping.
Construction-wise, I’ve had maybe one wrapper issue out of every box. That’s pretty solid for Cuban cigars in general. The draw is consistently excellent, and the burn rarely needs correction. You do want to toast it properly at the light – don’t rush that part.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Exquisitos | Medium | 35-45 min | Shorter sessions, concentrated Cohiba experience |
| Cohiba Siglo I | Medium-Light | 25-35 min | Quick smoke, milder than Exquisitos |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 min | Similar timeframe, earthier profile |
What to Drink With It
Coffee works brilliantly with this cigar, especially in the morning. I’m talking a proper espresso or a Cuban coffee if you can get it – the pairing is almost too perfect. For spirits, I lean toward aged rum. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or anything from Santiago de Cuba complements without overwhelming. Some people go for cognac, and I won’t argue with that – a VS or VSOP level works better than XO here because you don’t want to overshadow the cigar.
Beer? Try a Belgian dubbel or a quality porter. The malty sweetness plays well with that creamy first third. Wine drinkers should look at lighter reds – nothing too tannic. A good Rioja or even a Pinot Noir from California works surprisingly well.
Occasion-wise, this is my go-to lunch cigar or late afternoon smoke. It’s also perfect for when you’re having multiple cigars in a day – save the bigger stuff for later and start with this. Evening on the patio, mid-afternoon golf break, or that window between work and dinner when you just need 40 minutes to yourself.
How does the Exquisitos compare to other cigars in the Cohiba linea?
It’s smaller than most but don’t let that fool you – the flavor concentration is actually higher than some of the larger vitolas. Think of it as Cohiba’s greatest hits in a shorter format. The Siglo I is milder and quicker, while the Robustos and larger formats give you more time but not necessarily more complexity per inch. I’d put the Exquisitos right in the middle of the linea strength-wise, maybe tied with the Siglo II but with a richer profile.
Is this a good cigar for beginners?
No joke – probably not. The size makes it look approachable, but the flavor complexity requires some experience to appreciate. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, I’d start with something from the Montecristo line or maybe a Romeo y Julieta. Come back to the Exquisitos once you’ve got a dozen or so Cubans under your belt. You’ll appreciate it more, trust me.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Exquisitos?
I keep mine at 65% RH, maybe 66% tops. The smaller ring gauge means they’re more sensitive to over-humidification – too wet and the draw gets tight, plus you risk burn issues. Temperature around 65-68°F is ideal. And give them time to acclimate if you just bought them. Actually, scratch that – give them at least three months of rest in your humidor if possible. The difference is noticeable.
How long should I age these before smoking?
Fresh off the truck? Six months minimum. But honestly, these shine with 2-3 years on them. I’ve got a few from 2019 that are smoking beautifully right now. The sweetness becomes more refined, the rough edges smooth out, and that characteristic Cohiba complexity deepens. Can you smoke them fresh? Sure. Should you? Probably wait a bit if you can exercise some patience.
Why is the Exquisitos less popular than other Cohiba vitolas?
Hmm, how do I put this – cigar culture has this obsession with size. Bigger is perceived as better, more prestigious. Which is ridiculous, but there it is. The Exquisitos doesn’t have the visual impact of an Esplendido or the cache of the Behike line. It’s understated. Plus, a lot of people assume smaller means simpler, which just isn’t true with this cigar. It’s a marketing perception thing more than a quality issue.
Can I smoke this without a cutter? What’s the best way to cut it?
You absolutely need a cutter – don’t bite or tear this wrapper, it’s too delicate. For the 36 ring gauge, I prefer a straight cut over a V-cut or punch. Keep the cut shallow – you want to remove just the cap, not slice into the shoulder. A sharp guillotine cutter is your best bet. And make it quick and clean – these smaller vitolas don’t forgive sloppy cuts.
Are there fake Cohiba Exquisitos I should watch out for?
Oh man, yes. Cohiba is probably the most counterfeited Cuban brand out there. Buy from authorized dealers – period. Check the box codes, verify the bands (look for the holographic squares), and if the deal seems too good, it probably is. Fake Exquisitos are common because they’re easier to replicate than larger vitolas. When in doubt, check SoloCigars or another reputable source rather than some random seller online.
The Bottom Line Here
The Cohiba Exquisitos deserves way more attention than it gets. It’s the cigar for smokers who’ve moved past needing the biggest vitola in the room to prove something. You’re getting authentic Cohiba quality in a format that fits real life – not everyone has two hours for a cigar every time they want to smoke. The flavor profile is classic Cohiba all the way: creamy, nuanced, with that signature sweetness balanced by earth and leather. Construction is reliable, and if you’ve got the patience to let these age, they reward you for it.
If you’re already a fan of the Cohiba linea but haven’t tried the Exquisitos, you’re missing out on one of the most versatile vitolas in the portfolio. And if you’re looking to explore what makes Cohiba special without committing to a marathon smoke session, this is your entry point. Stock your humidor with a few boxes, let them rest, and thank me later.
