Description
The dim lighting of the hotel bar in Havana cast long shadows across my table as I noticed the elegant presentation box being carefully placed before me. Inside, nestled in pristine white tissue, lay what would become one of the most memorable smoking experiences of my Cuban cigar journey. This was my introduction to the Cohiba Majestuosos 1966, a limited edition masterpiece that immediately commanded attention with its substantial presence and flawless wrapper.
Released in 2016 to celebrate Cohiba’s 50th anniversary, this exceptional cigar represents the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship. With only 1,966 humidors ever produced, each containing 20 of these remarkable cigars, finding one has become something of a treasure hunt among serious collectors.
Specifications
| Length | 150mm (5.9 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 58 |
| Vitola | Double Robusto/Toro Gordo |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Weight | Approximately 21 grams |
| Origin | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo tobacco) |
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
What makes this cigar truly special is how dramatically it evolves throughout the smoking experience. I’ve found that patience is absolutely essential – rushing through this one would be like speed-reading poetry.
First Third: An Elegant Opening
The Majestuosos starts with remarkable creaminess that immediately sets it apart from other Cuban cigars. I noticed distinct notes of lemon zest, fresh coffee bean, and some cedar right from the first few draws. Through the nose, there’s this beautiful perfume-floral quality that’s complemented by woody flavors that remind me of a well-aged humidor.
The cold wrapper aromas are intensely flavorful – sweet chocolate and barnyard earthiness dominate, but there are these pleasant tropical fruit hints of pears, mango, and pineapple that add complexity. It’s like the cigar is teasing you with what’s to come.
Second Third: The Power Builds
This is where the 1966 really shows its character. Espresso and nutmeg become the dominant players, and I’ve consistently noticed how the strength ramps up from medium-full to genuinely full territory. Charred oak emerges alongside leather and spice – it’s here that you realize this isn’t just another anniversary cigar.
Some samples I’ve smoked developed paprika notes during this section, which added an interesting dimension. The complexity at this stage justifies every penny of the premium price point.
Final Third: Complex but Challenging
Honestly, the final third has been the most variable part of my experiences with this cigar. When it’s good, you get these wonderful grainy flavors with occasional bursts of creaminess, orange zest, and nuttiness. The profile becomes earthier, which I actually appreciate.
However, I’ll be straight with you – I’ve encountered some harshness in the final two inches on multiple occasions. The sweetness that defines the earlier stages tends to fade, and while it’s still smokeable, it’s not quite at the same level as the opening acts.
Construction and Appearance
The first thing you notice about the Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 is that light brown wrapper with its nice sheen. The construction is handmade perfection – this is what decades of Cuban expertise looks like. There are a few larger sized veins visible, but they don’t detract from the overall presentation.
The wrapper has a smooth, oily texture that feels substantial in your fingers. You can tell immediately that this was designed exclusively for the anniversary celebration – every detail speaks to premium quality. The famous Cohiba band sits perfectly positioned, and the secondary anniversary band adds to the prestige factor.
Draw resistance has been consistently excellent in my experience. These cigars are constructed to exacting standards, and it shows in every aspect from the perfectly applied cap to the even burn line throughout the smoking experience.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
This isn’t a cigar for beginners, plain and simple. The medium to full strength profile and complex smoke require some experience to fully appreciate. I’d recommend this for seasoned Cuban cigar enthusiasts who can handle the intensity and have the patience to properly savor the evolution.
It’s perfect for special occasions – anniversaries, celebrations, or when you want to impress fellow aficionados. Given the limited availability, this is more of a “special humidor” cigar than an everyday smoke. If you’re looking to expand your understanding of what top-tier Cuban cigars can achieve, the 1966 delivers that education in spades.
The substantial ring gauge and smoking time also make this ideal for longer smoking sessions – think evening relaxation rather than a quick afternoon break.
Storage and Aging
These cigars respond beautifully to proper storage conditions. I keep mine at 65-68% humidity and 68-70°F temperature, which seems to maintain that perfect balance between the wrapper’s oils and the filler’s complexity. Proper storage techniques are absolutely critical for a cigar of this caliber.
Given that these were released in 2016, we’re now seeing how they develop with age. I’ve noticed that samples with 2-3 years of additional aging show more integrated flavors and less of the harshness I mentioned in the final third. The creaminess becomes more pronounced, and the coffee notes develop into more sophisticated espresso characteristics.
For optimal aging, I recommend keeping them in a cedar-lined humidor with other premium Cuban cigars. The aromatics enhance each other over time. Setting up your humidor correctly will ensure these valuable cigars continue to improve rather than deteriorate.
Perfect Pairings
The complexity of the Majestuosos 1966 opens up numerous pairing possibilities, though I’ve found some combinations work better than others.
Rum: A well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 or Ron Santiago de Cuba 25 complements the cigar’s evolution perfectly. The rum’s sweetness balances the earthier notes while enhancing the coffee and chocolate characteristics.
Whiskey: Single malt Scotch works wonderfully, particularly Islay varieties like Lagavulin 16. The peat smoke doesn’t compete but rather harmonizes with the cigar’s complex smoke. For bourbon lovers, something like Blanton’s provides the right level of complexity without overwhelming the cigar’s subtleties.
Coffee: A proper Cuban coffee or a rich espresso during the first third creates this amazing synergy with the coffee bean notes. I particularly enjoy this pairing during morning smoking sessions.
Wine: Full-bodied reds work best – think Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Tempranillo. The tannins complement the leather notes while the fruit characteristics enhance the tropical hints in the wrapper aroma.
Authenticity: Avoiding Counterfeits
Given the limited production and high value of these cigars, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s what to look for when authenticating a genuine Cohiba Majestuosos 1966.
First, examine the special anniversary band – it should have crisp, clear printing with no bleeding or fuzzy edges. The holographic elements should be sharp and well-defined. The primary Cohiba band should match current authentic standards with proper embossing and gold foil application.
The presentation is crucial – authentic 1966s come in specific humidors with numbered certificates. If someone’s selling individual cigars without the original packaging documentation, be extremely cautious. The wrapper should have that characteristic nice sheen without being overly oily or dull.
Construction quality is a dead giveaway. Authentic Cuban cigars from this level don’t have sloppy caps, uneven wrappers, or poor band application. The weight should feel substantial – remember, these are approximately 21 grams each.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
With a 58 ring gauge, you have some flexibility in cutting options, but I’ve found that a straight cut works best for this particular cigar. Make the cut about 1/8 inch from the head to ensure proper draw without damaging the wrapper’s integrity.
For lighting, take your time. The thick ring gauge means you need to ensure even ignition across the entire foot. I prefer using cedar spills or a quality butane torch, rotating the cigar slowly to achieve an even light. Don’t rush this process – proper lighting sets the stage for the entire smoking experience.
Once lit, take slow, measured draws. This cigar rewards patience and will punish you for smoking too quickly with harshness and overheating. Mastering proper smoking technique becomes especially important with premium cigars like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 cost?
Given the limited production of only 1,966 humidors worldwide, prices vary significantly based on availability and condition. Individual cigars typically command premium prices reflective of their rarity and anniversary status. Original humidors with full sets of 20 cigars are particularly valuable among collectors.
How long does it take to smoke a Majestuosos 1966?
With its 150mm length and 58 ring gauge, expect a smoking time of approximately 90-120 minutes depending on your smoking pace. This is definitely a cigar for longer, more contemplative sessions rather than quick smokes. The complex flavor evolution requires time to fully appreciate.
Can I age these cigars further, or are they ready to smoke now?
While they’re certainly smokeable now, I’ve found that additional aging continues to improve integration and smoothness, particularly in the final third. The cigars were well-aged before release, but another 2-3 years of proper storage can enhance the overall experience significantly.
What makes this different from regular Cohiba cigars?
The 1966 was designed exclusively for Cohiba’s 50th anniversary using specially selected Vuelta Abajo tobaccos. The 58 ring gauge vitola was new for Cohiba at the time, and the blend profile offers more complexity than many regular production Cohiba cigars. The limited production also means more attention to quality control and selection.
Where can I find authentic Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 cigars?
Due to their limited nature, finding authentic examples requires dealing with reputable Cuban cigar specialists who can provide proper documentation. Established dealers with proven track records are essential when investing in rare Cuban cigars of this caliber. Always verify authenticity before purchase, especially given the prevalence of counterfeits.
The Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 represents a significant milestone in Cuban cigar history. While it may not be perfect – few cigars truly are – it offers an experience that justifies its prestigious status. For serious Cuban cigar enthusiasts seeking to understand what anniversary releases can achieve, this cigar delivers both complexity and rarity in equal measure. Just remember to approach it with the patience and respect it deserves, and you’ll understand why collectors prize these so highly.
