Description
The Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios represents the zenith of dark-leaf craftsmanship within the Habanos S.A. portfolio. As the largest vitola in the prestigious Maduro 5 Linea, the Genios is a masterpiece of intensity and refinement, specifically engineered for the connoisseur who demands a medium-to-full-bodied experience. Measuring 140mm with a commanding 52 ring gauge, this “Robusto Extra” is draped in a signature dark, oily Maduro wrapper that has been meticulously aged for a minimum of five years. This extended maturation process results in a profile defined by dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and rich earthy spices, offering a sweetness that is entirely natural and profoundly complex. For those seeking the “darker side” of Cohiba’s legendary elegance, the Genios provides a thick, velvety smoke that evolves with majestic grace from the first light to the final, lingering draw.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 hand-rolled Genios | 10 hand-rolled Genios |
| Packaging Type | Lacquered Boîte Nature (BN) wood box | Sleek, varnished sliding lid box |
| Ideal For | Serious collectors and long-term aging | Short-term enjoyment and luxury gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined for optimal moisture retention | Compact cedar construction for portability |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Genios (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 140mm (5.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 (20.64mm diameter) |
| Wrapper | 5-Year Aged Cuban Maduro (Tapado-grown) |
| Binder | 3-Year Aged Cuban Leaf |
| Filler | 3-Year Aged Cuban Long-Filler (Tripa Larga) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full-bodied and Rich |
| Smoking Time | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. / Cohiba |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially established as a private label for Fidel Castro and high-ranking diplomatic officials. Produced at the secretive El Laguito factory in Havana, these cigars were crafted from the “selection of the selection”—the finest leaves from the five best Vegas de Primera in the Vuelta Abajo region. It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was released to the international market, instantly becoming the gold standard for luxury tobacco worldwide.
The Maduro 5 Linea, launched in 2007, marked a significant departure from the brand’s classic profile. While the Linea Clasica and Linea 1492 (Siglo) focus on grassy, honeyed, and floral notes, the Maduro 5 series explores the depth of fermentation. The “5” in the name refers to the five years of aging the wrapper leaves undergo. These leaves are harvested from the very top of shade-grown plants (Tapado), where they receive the most sunlight, resulting in a thicker, more sugar-rich leaf. After years of natural fermentation and aging, these leaves develop a dark, shimmering “Maduro” hue and a concentrated flavor profile that has made the Genios a modern icon among “power smokers.”
Today, the Genios stands as the flagship of this line, embodying the prestige of the Cohiba name while offering a unique, heavy-hitting character. It remains one of the most sought-after cigars in the world, representing the pinnacle of Habanos S.A.’s technical ability and the unparalleled terroir of the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis zones.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios greets the palate with an immediate burst of semi-sweet dark chocolate and a distinct earthy grassiness that is quintessential to the Cohiba DNA. The draw is typically perfect, offering just enough resistance to allow the thick, creamy smoke to coat the mouth. Early notes of oak and cedar provide a sturdy foundation, while a subtle creamy sugary sweetness—reminiscent of caramelized honey—lingers on the lips. The aroma is intoxicating, filling the room with scents of hay and toasted cocoa.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the second third, the body intensifies toward a solid medium-to-full. The sweetness transitions from honey to medium-bodied coffee and roasted nuts. A sophisticated nutty retrohale becomes more prominent, accompanied by caramel overtones that balance the increasing strength of the roasted tobacco. The construction of the Genios shines here; the ash remains firm and white, a testament to the high-quality long-filler leaves and the expert rollers at El Laguito.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final act of the Genios is where its true power is revealed. The flavors darken and intensify, moving into bold dark roast coffee and peppery spices. Notes of leather and chargrilled ash emerge, adding a savory complexity that prevents the profile from becoming overly sweet. Despite the increased intensity, the smoke remains remarkably smooth, never veering into harshness. The cinnamon and nougat notes from the cold draw occasionally reappear, providing a complex interplay between spice and sweetness.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and balanced. It leaves a lasting impression of spicy tobacco, dark cocoa, and a creamy texture on the tongue. Even minutes after the cigar is put down, the palate continues to resonate with the echoes of its rich, complex oils, making it a truly meditative smoking experience.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Roasted Coffee, Earthy Grass |
| Secondary Notes | Oak, Leather, Caramel, Roasted Nuts |
| Tertiary Notes | Cinnamon, Honey, Nougat, Black Pepper |
| Finish | Long, Spicy, and Creamy |
| Aroma | Toasted Tobacco, Sweet Hay, Cocoa |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. While the wrapper has already been aged for five years and the filler/binder for three, the interaction between these components continues to evolve within the box. Collectors often find that the “Maduro funk”—that deep, fermented sweetness—becomes more integrated and refined after 1 to 5 years of additional aging in a controlled humidor.
Over time, the initial peppery spice tends to mellow, allowing the dark chocolate and creamy leather notes to take center stage. For the best results, we recommend storing these cigars at a consistent 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F. Because of the limited availability of the Maduro 5 wrapper leaf and the global demand for the Cohiba brand, the Genios consistently appreciates in value, making it as much a financial investment as it is a sensory one. A well-aged box of Genios from a specific year is a prize for any serious Habanos enthusiast.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The natural molasses sweetness of an 11-year-old rum perfectly complements the chocolate and caramel notes of the Maduro wrapper. |
| Single Malt Islay Whiskey | The smoky, peaty character of an Islay malt provides a bold counterpoint to the earthy and leathery notes of the Genios. |
| Full-Bodied Bourbon | The vanillins and oak char from bourbon enhance the nutty and spicy elements of the final third. |
| XO Cognac | The dried fruit and floral elegance of a high-end Cognac match the sophistication and “creme” texture of the smoke. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of a dark roast espresso mirrors the coffee notes in the cigar, creating a harmonious “coffee and cream” effect. |
| Late-Bottled Vintage Port | The dark berry sweetness and fortifying warmth of Port bridge the gap between the cigar’s spice and its cocoa sweetness. |
Authenticity Verification
In an era of sophisticated counterfeits, ensuring the provenance of your Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios is paramount. Every box we ship undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection to guarantee it is 100% authentic Habanos S.A. product.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a holographic image of the brand and a unique barcode.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of the box contains a heat-stamped factory code and the date of production (e.g., MAR 23), which can be verified against the Habanos registry.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, along with the “Hecho en Cuba” seal.
- Triple Cap – The Genios is finished with a perfect Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of the master rollers at the El Laguito factory.
Our Guarantee: We source our cigars exclusively through authorized Habanos distributors. If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we prioritize transparency and quality above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios taste like?
The Genios offers a rich, medium-to-full-bodied profile dominated by dark chocolate, espresso, and earthy spices. Unlike the classic Cohiba line which is known for its grassy and floral notes, the Maduro 5 line is much darker and sweeter, with a creamy texture and a finish that hints at caramel and roasted nuts.
How long does it take to smoke a Cohiba Genios?
Given its 140mm length and 52 ring gauge, the Genios is a substantial smoke. Most connoisseurs find that it takes between 60 and 90 minutes to fully appreciate the evolution of the cigar. Smoking it too quickly can cause the Maduro wrapper to overheat, so a slow, rhythmic pace is recommended to unlock the layers of cocoa and spice.
Does the Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios age well?
Absolutely. While the 5-year aged wrapper makes it delicious right out of the box, the Genios has incredible aging potential. Resting the cigars for 2 to 5 years in a humidor allows the oils to marry, smoothing out the peppery edges and intensifying the decadent chocolate and leather notes. It is widely considered one of the best-aging cigars in the Cohiba portfolio.
How does the Genios compare to the classic Cohiba Robusto?
The Genios is larger and significantly bolder than the classic Robusto. While the classic Robusto focuses on the signature triple-fermented grassy and bean-like flavors of the Linea Clasica, the Genios utilizes the Maduro 5-year aged wrapper, which provides a much darker, sweeter, and more intense smoking experience. The Genios is better suited for those who prefer a heavier, more dessert-like profile.
