Description
The evening shadows stretched across the mahogany table as I reached for what looked like an unassuming petit corona, its dark wrapper gleaming under the amber light of my favorite cigar lounge. The moment I lifted it to examine the construction, that distinctive sweet yet intense aroma hit me—something deeper and more complex than I’d expected from such a compact vitola.
That first encounter with this particular Cuban masterpiece left an impression that’s stayed with me through countless smoking sessions since. The Cohiba Maduros 5 Secretos represents everything I love about Cuban cigars distilled into a perfectly sized package that punches well above its weight class.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 110-111mm (4.3-4.375 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Vitola | Petit Corona |
| Strength | Medium to Full-bodied (4/5) |
| Smoking Time | 20-40 minutes |
| Wrapper | 5-year aged Maduro |
| Origin | Cuba (Launched 2007) |
Flavor Profile Journey
First Third: The Invitation
Right from the initial draws, this maduro wrapper announces itself with authority. There’s an immediate sweetness—almost sugary—that forms the foundation, but it’s quickly joined by grassy undertones that remind you this is unmistakably Cuban tobacco. The spicy, earthy overtones build gradually, while cedar and coffee bean aromas introduce themselves through the retrohale.
What really caught my attention during those opening minutes was how the creamy chocolate notes emerged, accompanied by hints of dark red fruits. I’m talking cherry and plum flavors that aren’t overpowering but add this beautiful complexity. There’s also a subtle almond character that weaves through everything—honestly, it’s more sophisticated than many full-sized cigars I’ve smoked.
Middle Third: The Heart of the Experience
This is where the Cohiba secretos really starts to show its breeding. That cedar barrel taste I’d been detecting becomes more pronounced, creating this wonderful woody backbone. The coffee notes deepen into something richer—think espresso rather than morning brew—while brown sugar and cocoa join the party.
The spice remains subtle but present, never overwhelming the sweeter elements. It’s during this middle section that you really appreciate why this maduro wrapper was aged for five years. The integration of flavors is seamless, each element supporting the others rather than competing for attention.
Final Third: The Crescendo
If you thought this little powerhouse was done impressing you, the final third proves otherwise. The smoke becomes intensely creamy and dense—so much so that I’d recommend smoking this at home rather than in crowded spaces. That sweetness from the opening returns, now married to deeper cocoa notes and what I can only describe as grounded spice that lingers beautifully on the palate.
The finish is remarkably long-lasting for such a compact cigar. I’ve found myself savoring those final flavors for minutes after setting it down, which speaks to the quality of the leaf and the skill of the torcedores who crafted it.
Construction and Appearance
The five-year-aged maduro wrapper is immediately recognizable—a rich, tanned-brown color with an oily sheen that practically glows. The texture is smooth to the touch, with visible veins that add character rather than detract from the appearance. This isn’t some perfectly uniform machine-made product; it’s got that handcrafted Cuban personality.
Construction-wise, I’ve never had issues with the draw or burn. The ash forms in a compact, dark gray color that holds impressively well for the size. Even burn is consistent, which can sometimes be challenging with smaller ring gauges. The cap construction is clean, cutting easily without any wrapper unraveling issues.
What really impresses me is how this petit corona manages to deliver such a full-bodied smoke despite its compact dimensions. It’s a testament to the tobacco selection and the expertise that goes into the Cohiba range. Each one I’ve smoked has been consistent in both appearance and performance.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Here’s the thing about the maduro secretos—it’s got enough complexity to satisfy experienced smokers while remaining approachable for those newer to Cuban cigars. The medium to full-bodied strength means it won’t knock you over, but it’s certainly not mild.
I’d particularly recommend this for anyone who wants a quality Cuban experience but doesn’t have an hour or more to dedicate to smoking. It’s perfect for lunch breaks, short evening sessions, or when you want something substantial but manageable. The price point also makes it more accessible than some of the larger Cohiba vitolas.
If you typically enjoy cigars like the Trinidad Reyes or other petit coronas from Cuban manufacturers, this one should definitely be on your list. It holds its own against any company in this size category, offering a very good cigar overall that showcases what makes Cohiba special.
Storage and Aging
Given that the wrapper has already been aged for five years, these cigars are ready to smoke upon purchase. However, I’ve found they benefit from at least a few weeks in your humidor to acclimate to your specific storage conditions.
Maintain them at 65-72% relative humidity and 18-21°C (65-70°F) for optimal performance. The maduro wrapper can be sensitive to humidity fluctuations, so consistency is key. I’ve noticed that cigars stored on the lower end of that humidity range—around 65%—tend to burn more evenly and produce better flavor concentration.
For long-term storage, these can continue to improve for several years if properly maintained. Proper storage techniques become especially important with premium Cuban cigars like these, where you want to preserve every nuance of flavor the aging process has developed.
I’d recommend checking on them periodically, as smaller ring gauges can be more susceptible to humidity changes than larger vitolas. A good digital hygrometer is essential for monitoring conditions accurately.
Perfect Pairings
The coffee and cocoa notes in this cigar make it a natural partner for quality coffee—I particularly enjoy it with a Cuban espresso or a rich Colombian single-origin brew. The sweetness and spice profile also pairs beautifully with aged rum; I’ve had excellent experiences with 12-year-old Havana Club or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva.
For whiskey drinkers, try it with a smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or a Highland single malt Scotch. The vanilla and caramel notes in these spirits complement the cigar’s chocolate and brown sugar characteristics perfectly.
Wine pairings work too, though I’d lean toward fuller-bodied options. A nice Rioja reserva or even a port can handle the intensity of the maduro wrapper without being overwhelmed. The key is matching the intensity levels—this powerful cigar needs beverages that can hold their own.
Given the dense smoke production, I’d suggest enjoying these pairings at home or in well-ventilated spaces. The concentrated flavor delivery makes indoor smoking more intense than with milder cigars.
Authenticity Guide
With Cuban cigars, authenticity is always a concern. Genuine Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos come with the standard Habanos band featuring holographic elements that vary by market—look for Intertabak or Cuba Cigars designations depending on your region.
The maduro wrapper should have that characteristic tanned-brown color with natural texture and veining. Fakes often have overly uniform coloring or artificial-looking surfaces. The construction should feel solid but not overly dense, and the pre-light aroma should be rich and complex, not harsh or chemical-smelling.
Packaging is another tell—authentic boxes contain either 10 or 25 cigars with precise labeling including “Secretos” and the ring gauge specification of 40. The box codes and stamps should be crisp and properly aligned, not smudged or crooked.
Most importantly, purchase from authorized Habanos distributors. The slight premium you pay for guaranteed authenticity is worth it when you’re dealing with cigars of this caliber. Reputable dealers will stand behind their products and can verify provenance.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
With a 40 ring gauge, you don’t need a large cut. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter, removing just enough of the cap to create an opening without damaging the wrapper. A straight cut works better than a V-cut for this size—you want to maintain the structural integrity of that compact head.
For lighting, take your time. The maduro wrapper can be sensitive to overheating, which will create bitter flavors that mask the carefully developed sweetness and complexity. Use a butane lighter or cedar spill, toasting the foot evenly before taking your first draw.
I’d recommend drawing slowly and deliberately, especially in the first third. This allows the wrapper oils to warm gradually and prevents the burn from getting too hot. Proper smoking technique is especially important with premium Cuban cigars where you want to experience every nuance.
If you need to relight, let it cool for a few minutes first, then gently blow through the cigar to clear any stale smoke before re-toasting the foot. The construction is solid enough to handle relighting without falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to other Cohiba vitolas?
The Maduro 5 Secretos offers a more concentrated, intense experience than similar-sized Cohiba Siglo offerings due to the aged maduro wrapper. While it may not have the complexity development of longer Cohiba cigars, it delivers remarkable depth for its size. It’s essentially Cohiba’s answer to those who want the brand’s quality in a shorter smoking time.
Is this suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Yes, but with caveats. The medium to full-bodied strength won’t overwhelm newer smokers, and the shorter smoking time makes it less of a commitment than larger vitolas. However, the intensity of flavor might be more than some beginners expect. I’d recommend it for those who have some cigar experience and are ready to step up to Cuban quality.
What’s the difference between this and the regular Cohiba Secretos?
The key difference is the five-year-aged maduro wrapper, which provides deeper, sweeter, more complex flavors compared to the natural wrapper on regular Secretos. The maduro version has more pronounced chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit notes, while maintaining the classic Cuban tobacco character underneath. It’s a more full-bodied smoke overall.
How long can I age these cigars?
Since the wrapper is already aged five years, they’re ready to smoke immediately. However, they can continue to improve for 3-5 additional years if stored properly. Beyond that, you risk the wrapper becoming overly delicate. The sweet spot for additional aging seems to be 2-3 years, which allows the flavors to marry further without losing the maduro characteristics.
Why are these more expensive than other petit coronas?
The five-year aging process for the maduro wrapper significantly increases production costs and time. Additionally, Cohiba represents the premium tier of Cuban cigars, with higher-grade tobacco selection and more experienced torcedores. The combination of brand prestige, wrapper aging, and construction quality justifies the price point for those seeking a very good cigar overall in this size category.
From the Vuelta Abajo region where the finest Cuban tobacco grows, to the careful craftsmanship that goes into every cigar, the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos represents Cuban cigar-making at its finest. It’s a powerful cigar jam-packed with flavor that proves good things do come in small packages—this one just happens to have a big heart and the pedigree to match.
