Description
The afternoon sun was filtering through the glass walls of Club Macanudo in Manhattan when I first encountered this dark, mysterious petit robusto. I’d ducked in from the chaos of Broadway, seeking refuge and a proper smoke to cap off a long day of meetings. The humidor’s selection was impressive, but something about that nearly black wrapper caught my eye immediately.
What I discovered that afternoon was the Cohiba Maduros 5 Magicos, part of Cuba’s most prestigious cigar line’s only maduro offering. This isn’t just another premium smoke – it’s the only line that proclaims itself through that distinctive dark wrapper aged for five full years. In my experience with Cuban cigars, few deliver the complexity and richness that this maduro wrapped cigar brings to the table.
The Cohiba name carries weight among any cigar aficionado, but the Maduro 5 range represents something special even within that legendary portfolio. These aren’t your everyday smokes. They’re crafted for those moments when you want something truly memorable.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 115mm (4.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Vitola | Petit Robusto |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-67 minutes |
| Wrapper | 5-Year Aged Cuban Maduro |
| Launch Year | 2007 |
Construction and Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice is that wrapper – it’s absolutely gorgeous. This dark robusto-sized smoke showcases what five years of careful aging can accomplish. The leaf is nearly chocolate brown, with an oily sheen that catches light beautifully. It’s not quite as dark as some maduros I’ve encountered, but there’s a richness to the color that hints at the complexity within.
Construction is flawless, as you’d expect from anything bearing the Cohiba name. The wrapper is applied with surgical precision, showing minimal veins and a smooth, slightly textured surface. When I roll it between my fingers, there’s a satisfying firmness without any hard spots or soft areas. The triple cap is beautifully applied, and that distinctive Cohiba band sits proudly just above the halfway point.
Cold draw reveals hints of what’s to come – leather, sweet hickory, and just a whisper of spice. The foot shows well-aged tobacco with that characteristic fermented aroma that only comes from proper aging. You can tell immediately this isn’t some rushed production cigar.
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
First Third: Bold Introduction
The opening delivers exactly what that dark wrapper promises. Leather dominates from the first few puffs, backed by dried earth notes that transport you straight to Cuba’s tobacco fields. There’s a strong espresso coffee character that builds quickly, rich and roasted without being bitter. What surprised me was the light flowery finish that appears after each draw – it’s subtle but adds an elegant complexity to what could otherwise be an overpowering start.
Smoke production is excellent from the beginning. Dense, creamy clouds that hang in the air with authority. The burn is razor-sharp and even, creating a compact ash that holds well.
Second Third: Rich Development
Here’s where things get really interesting. The smoke becomes noticeably thicker and richer, almost chewy in texture. Those spicy coffee notes intensify while picking up hints of cowhide and light chocolate. It’s like the cigar is showing off its full range of capabilities. The draw actually lightens up slightly, making it easier to appreciate all these complex flavors.
There are heady notes of earth mixed with that continuing spice, creating what I’d describe as a hearty core of flavors. It’s definitely building toward full bodied smoke territory, but never crosses the line into harsh or overwhelming. This is masterful blending at work.
Final Third: Elegant Conclusion
The finish is where this cigar truly shines. Cocoa notes emerge prominently, mixing beautifully with juicy floral elements that callback to those early flowery hints. Earthy tones continue but are mellowed by a gentle woody aftertaste that’s incredibly satisfying. There’s a subtle sweetness that appears – almost like salted peanut or honey – that ties everything together perfectly.
Even as it burns down to the nub, there’s no harshness or bitterness. Just layer upon layer of refined flavors that keep evolving. It’s the kind of finish that makes you not want the experience to end.
Perfect Pairings
Given the strong coffee and cocoa notes throughout, I’ve found that dark spirits work beautifully with the Magicos. A quality aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva complements those leather and earth tones perfectly. The sweetness in aged rum plays nicely against the cigar’s spicy elements.
For whiskey lovers, try it with a peated Scotch like Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16. The smoke and earth notes in both create an incredible harmony. If you prefer bourbon, something rich like Maker’s Mark 46 or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked works wonderfully.
Coffee pairings are obvious but effective. A double shot of espresso during the first third mirrors those strong coffee bean flavors. For something different, try it with a quality dark chocolate – 70% cacao or higher – during the final third when those cocoa notes really emerge.
Wine enthusiasts should reach for a full-bodied red like Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino. The tannins and earth notes complement the cigar’s complexity beautifully.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Honestly, this isn’t a beginner’s smoke. The Magicos demands attention and appreciation for nuance. It’s best suited for experienced smokers who understand how to pace themselves and pick apart complex flavor profiles. If you’re comfortable with medium to full-bodied cigars and enjoy the depth that maduro wrappers can provide, this is definitely worth exploring.
It’s perfect for special occasions – celebrations, quiet contemplative evenings, or when you want to impress fellow enthusiasts. The price point puts it firmly in special occasion territory for most smokers, but it’s worth every penny for those moments when you want something truly exceptional.
Business dinners, golf outings with serious cigar lovers, or that quiet hour on the patio after a long day – these are the settings where the Magicos really shines. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore what Cuban maduro cigars can offer beyond the typical Montecristo or Romeo y Julieta offerings.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
With that beautiful triple cap, you want to be careful with your cut. I prefer a straight cut about 2mm from the head, taking just enough to open the draw without damaging that perfect construction. A quality guillotine cutter is essential – don’t risk a cheap cutter on something this special.
For lighting, take your time. This dark wrapper can be temperamental if you rush it. Use a butane torch or cedar spills, never a sulfur match. Toast the foot gently and evenly, rotating the cigar to ensure uniform ignition. The aged tobacco will reward patience with an even burn and full flavor development.
Don’t over-puff during the first few minutes. Let it establish its burn pattern naturally. Proper smoking technique is crucial for getting the most from premium cigars like this.
Storage Requirements and Aging Potential
Like all Cuban cigars, the Magicos requires careful storage to maintain its exceptional qualities. Keep them at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) temperature. The aged maduro wrapper is particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations, so a quality humidor with reliable regulation is essential.
These cigars actually benefit from additional aging if you have the patience. I’ve smoked boxes with 2-3 years of additional aging, and the results are remarkable. The spice mellows slightly while the earthy and cocoa notes become more pronounced. Proper storage techniques are crucial for achieving these aging benefits.
Cedar boxes should be stored right-side up, and avoid temperature swings. If you’re planning to age them, consider the Cuban tobacco’s natural aging process and how time affects these complex blends. A properly maintained humidor is your best investment for preserving these premium smokes.
Authenticity: Avoiding Counterfeits
Unfortunately, the popularity of Cohiba cigars makes them frequent targets for counterfeiting. Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re getting genuine Magicos:
Authentic boxes will have proper Habanos date codes – look for stamps like “LTB JUL 12” or similar format showing factory and date information. The box should have holographic seals and official Cuban origin stamps. Everything should look crisp and professional, not fuzzy or poorly printed.
The cigars themselves should show consistent construction with that characteristic dark wrapper color and proper aging appearance. The bands should be perfectly applied with sharp, clear printing. Authentic Cohibas have a distinctive fermentation aroma – sweet, earthy, and rich.
During smoking, watch for even burn characteristics and that compact dark gray ash. Fakes often burn poorly with harsh, off flavors. The draw should be consistent and the flavor profile should match what I’ve described above.
Only buy from reputable dealers with established relationships with official distributors. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Established Cuban cigar specialists understand the importance of authenticity and source their products carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos take to smoke?
Plan on 45-67 minutes depending on your smoking pace. The ring gauge and quality tobacco mean it’s not a quick smoke. I typically budget about an hour for full enjoyment without rushing.
What makes the Maduro 5 line different from regular Cohiba cigars?
The key difference is that five-year aged maduro wrapper, which creates completely different flavor profiles. While regular Cohiba cigars showcase lighter, more delicate notes, the Maduro 5 range delivers deeper, richer, more robust flavors with emphasis on leather, coffee, and earth tones.
Is this cigar too strong for intermediate smokers?
It’s medium to full strength, so intermediate smokers can handle it if they’re comfortable with cigars like Partagas or stronger Montecristo offerings. The complexity builds gradually, so it’s not overwhelming from the start. Just pace yourself and have something to drink nearby.
How should I store these cigars for optimal flavor?
Maintain exactly 70% humidity and 70°F temperature. The aged maduro wrapper is sensitive to fluctuations, so invest in a quality humidor with reliable regulation. Avoid temperature swings and store boxes upright when possible.
What’s the difference between Magicos and other Maduro 5 sizes?
The Magicos is the petit robusto size at 4.5 inches with a 52 ring gauge. This size offers the full Maduro 5 flavor profile in a more manageable smoking time. Larger sizes in the line will have similar flavor notes but with longer development and smoking times. The petit robusto format concentrates all that complexity into a perfect hour-long experience.
