Description
A concentrated masterpiece of Cuban craftsmanship, the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos represents the pinnacle of short-format luxury. As the most compact vitola in the prestigious Maduro 5 line, the Secretos offers a medium to full-bodied experience that belies its diminutive stature. This cigar is defined by its signature 5-year-aged Maduro wrapper, harvested from the uppermost “tapa” (top) leaves of shade-grown plants in the legendary Vuelta Abajo region. The result is a profile of immense depth, characterized by sweet cedar, dark chocolate, and rich espresso, evolving with a complexity usually reserved for much larger formats. Designed for the discerning connoisseur who demands intensity and refinement within a 20 to 60-minute window, the Secretos is a “Secret” worth sharing among those who appreciate the finer nuances of the “Selection of Selections.”
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Habanos | 10 Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Boîte Nature (BN) Box | Varnished Boîte Nature (BN) Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and daily rotation | Sampling and travel convenience |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal moisture retention | Compact cedar-lined protection |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Secretos (Petit Corona / Half Corona) |
| Length | 110mm (4 3/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Wrapper | 5-Year Aged Maduro (Vuelta Abajo, Cuba) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo – Seco, Ligero, Medio Tiempo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full-bodied and Rich |
| Smoking Time | 20–60 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, Cohiba was originally established as a private brand for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For nearly two decades, these cigars were never sold commercially; they were reserved exclusively as diplomatic gifts for heads of state and international dignitaries. The name itself is derived from the ancient Taino Indian word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that Christopher Columbus first witnessed being smoked by the island’s indigenous people. It wasn’t until 1982, during the World Cup in Spain, that Cohiba was finally released to the public, instantly setting the gold standard for the global cigar industry.
The Maduro 5 line, which includes the Secretos, Magicos, and Geniales, was unveiled in 2007 at the prestigious Habanos Festival in Havana. This line marked a significant departure from the traditional Linea Clásica and Linea 1492 (Siglo) series. The “5” in the name refers to the five years of aging applied to the dark Maduro wrapper leaves. These leaves undergo a natural, extra-fermentation process that creates a darker, oilier, and sweeter leaf than the standard Cohiba wrapper. Produced at the legendary El Laguito factory, Cohiba remains the only Habanos brand where the filler leaves (seco and ligero) undergo a third fermentation in barrels, a process that removes impurities and provides the legendary smoothness associated with the brand.
Today, Cohiba is recognized as the “King of Cubans.” The brand utilizes only the “selection of the selection” from the five finest Vegas de Primera in the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone. This rigorous selection process ensures that every Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos is a testament to the heritage of the world’s most famous cigar brand, offering a level of prestige and quality that is unmatched in the world of tobacco.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon lighting the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos, the palate is immediately greeted with an impressive volume of thick, velvety smoke. The initial draw introduces a sophisticated cedar aroma intertwined with the deep, toasted notes of fresh coffee beans. Unlike many smaller vitolas that can start with a harsh bite, the Secretos displays an immediate creamy texture, a hallmark of the 5-year-aged wrapper. Subtle hints of black pepper linger on the retrohale, providing a gentle spice that perfectly balances the inherent sweetness of the Maduro leaf. This opening is bold and confident, signaling the intensity of the experience to follow.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the complexity deepens significantly. The sweetness of the wrapper begins to manifest as dark chocolate and cocoa, underpinned by a luscious fruitiness reminiscent of black cherry and dried plums. The “Secretos” name becomes apt here, as the smoker discovers layers of toasted almond and a rich, earthy core. The strength builds steadily toward the medium-full mark, but the smoke remains remarkably smooth due to the extended aging of the binder and filler leaves. The construction is typically flawless, yielding a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that speaks to the expertise of the torcedores at El Laguito.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Secretos truly earns its reputation as a “punchy” powerhouse. The flavors coalesce into a concentrated swirl of dark espresso, leather, and heavy cream. The spicy notes from the beginning return with more vigor, though they never become overbearing. The dark fruit notes evolve into a caramelized sugar sweetness that coats the tongue. Despite its small size, the cigar does not overheat, allowing the smoker to enjoy the rich medio tiempo characteristics until the very end. The intensity is satisfying and profound, leaving a lasting impression of luxury.
Finish
The finish of the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos is exceptionally long and sweetly lingering. A final touch of baking spices and oak remains on the palate, inviting the smoker to reflect on the journey. It is a clean, refined aftertaste that lacks the bitterness often found in lesser Maduro cigars, a direct result of the meticulous 5-year fermentation and aging process.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Roasted Coffee, Sweet Cedar |
| Secondary Notes | Black Cherry, Toasted Almond, Earthy Leather |
| Tertiary Notes | Black Pepper, Molasses, Creamy Vanilla |
| Finish | Long, Sweet, and Spicy |
| Aroma | Rich Cocoa and Toasted Tobacco |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos is unique among Cuban cigars in that it is highly approachable “fresh” from the box. Because the wrapper has already been aged for five years and the filler/binder for two to three years prior to rolling, the cigar possesses a level of maturity that most Habanos lack upon initial release. However, for the serious collector, additional humidor aging can yield spectacular results. We recommend a period of 6 to 12 months of additional rest to allow the oils of the Maduro wrapper to further meld with the filler blend, which often enhances the creamy chocolate and dark fruit notes while softening the spicy edges.
For long-term aging, the Secretos has excellent potential. Over 3 to 5 years, the strength may slightly mellow, but the complexity of the Maduro sweetness will likely intensify, moving toward a profile of aged balsamic and deep truffle. To preserve the integrity of this Maduro masterpiece, store them at a consistent 70% humidity and 21°C (70°F). Given the rising scarcity of Cohiba’s Maduro 5 line and the limited production capacity of the El Laguito factory, these cigars represent a significant investment for collectors, often appreciating in value as box dates become older.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses and vanilla notes of an 11-year-old rum amplify the chocolate sweetness of the Maduro wrapper. |
| Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and oak characteristics of a fine Cognac mirror the cherry and plum notes found in the second third. |
| Single Malt Whiskey | A Sherry-casked Scotch provides a nutty, spicy counterpoint that enhances the cigar’s almond and cedar profile. |
| Double Espresso | The intensity of a short, dark coffee perfectly matches the Secretos’ own espresso and roasted bean flavors. |
| Vintage Port | The heavy body and dark berry sweetness of Port create a luxurious dessert-like pairing with the cigar’s cocoa notes. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. Every Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos we provide is sourced through official channels and undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure you are receiving a genuine product from Habanos S.A.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a holographic strip on the right and a unique barcode on the left.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of every box is hot-stamped with the factory code (usually “LGR” or similar for El Laguito) and the month/year of production.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which are applied with precision.
- Triple Cap – Every Secretos is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a mark of master roller craftsmanship that is difficult to replicate.
Our Guarantee: We stand behind the provenance of our inventory. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our stringent quality standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we ensure your luxury experience is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ring gauge of the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos?
The Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos features a 40 ring gauge. This relatively slim diameter is intentional; it allows the smoker to experience a higher ratio of wrapper-to-filler. Since the 5-year-aged Maduro wrapper is the star of this blend, the 40 ring gauge ensures that the sweet, fermented characteristics of the leaf are prominent throughout the entire smoke.
How long does it take to smoke a Cohiba Secretos?
Depending on your personal smoking pace, the Secretos typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. Its 110mm length makes it an ideal choice for a sophisticated afternoon break, a pre-dinner appetizer, or an evening smoke when time is limited but you refuse to compromise on flavor and quality.
Is the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos suitable for beginners?
While any cigar lover can appreciate the quality of a Cohiba, the Secretos is generally considered a medium to full-bodied smoke with significant intensity. Its concentrated flavor profile and punchy finish may be overwhelming for a complete novice. It is best suited for seasoned smokers or those who enjoy rich, dark, and complex profiles.
Where is the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos made?
All Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos are handcrafted at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba. This factory is widely regarded as the most prestigious cigar factory in the world, employing only the highest-rated torcedores (Level 9) to ensure that the construction and draw of every Cohiba meet the brand’s exacting standards.
Does the Maduro 5 line use artificial coloring for the wrapper?
No. The dark, rich color of the Cohiba Maduro 5 wrapper is achieved entirely through natural fermentation and aging. Unlike non-Cuban Maduro cigars that may use steam or dyes, Habanos S.A. relies on time and the natural oils of the top leaves of the tobacco plant to create the signature Maduro shade and sweetness over a five-year period.
