Description
The late afternoon sun was streaming through the tall windows of La Casa del Habano in Mexico City when I first encountered this compact powerhouse. I’d been browsing their extensive release list, looking for something different from my usual Montecristo selection, when the tobacconist recommended trying one of Cohiba’s newer additions to their linea. What struck me immediately wasn’t just the perfect construction, but how this smaller format seemed to capture everything I loved about Cuban cigars in a surprisingly manageable size.
The Cohiba Medio Siglo represents something special in the world of premium cigars – a petit robusto that was created specifically to celebrate Cohiba’s 50th anniversary in 2016. After spending considerable time with this cigar across different settings, from that initial experience in Mexico City to quiet evenings on my own terrace, I can honestly say it’s become one of my go-to choices when I want excellent quality without the time commitment of a larger vitola.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 102mm (4.02 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 (20.64mm diameter) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium (progresses to Medium-Full) |
| Smoking Time | 30-60 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Capa Cuba), Natural |
| Origin | El Laguito Factory, Cuba |
Construction and Appearance
What immediately catches your eye is the impeccable construction that comes from El Laguito factory – the same facility that produces all Cohiba cigars. The wrapper displays that characteristic Cuban appearance with a natural red hue that might show minor veins or occasional green spots, but these are normal characteristics rather than flaws. In my experience, some examples can appear slightly less oily than you might expect from a premium Cuban, but the construction remains consistently solid.
The cap is perfectly applied with generous, homogeneous filling throughout the cigar. I’ve found the cold draw consistently delivers subtle cedar hints, which gives you a preview of what’s to come. This compact new vitola combines the 102mm length of the famous Siglo I with the substantial 52 ring gauge of the Siglo VI – creating what I consider an ideal balance for the modern smoker.
Every Medio Siglo I’ve smoked uses 100% Cuban tobacco from the renowned Vuelta Abajo region, with capa, capote, and tripa all sourced from Cuba. The cigars are rolled totalmente a mano, tripa larga (completely by hand, long filler) and undergo Cohiba’s distinctive triple fermentation process for the seco and ligero fillers – this extra step is what sets Cohiba apart from other Cuban brands.
Flavor Profile and Smoking Experience
First Third: Cedar and Vanilla Foundation
The opening draws reveal an acidulous character that quickly settles into light cedar notes with distinct vanilla peaks. There’s a grainy sweetness that emerges early, sometimes accompanied by white pepper and woody undertones. I’ve noticed a slight sourness that can appear initially, occasionally with peachy fruit notes, but this typically balances out within the first few puffs. The rustic spices in the aftertaste provide depth without overwhelming the palate.
Second Third: Roasted Complexity
This is where the Medio Siglo really begins to show its character. The transition brings forward pronounced roasted notes while black pepper spices become prominent in the aftertaste. You’ll taste earthy spice combinations with soft fruit undertones, developing nuttiness, and a creamy texture that makes each draw satisfying. The woody and oaty flavors that emerge during this phase remind me why I keep coming back to this particular vitola.
Final Third: Bold Finish
The strength really asserts itself in the final portion, moving from medium to medium-full territory. Black and white pepper dominate, supported by wood and leather notes with creamy tanginess cutting through. Honestly, I’ve found that the aromatic intensity can feel somewhat limited compared to other Cohibas, and occasionally the strength can overwhelm the more delicate flavors if you’re not careful with your pacing.
The persistence throughout is good, though I’ll admit that in some examples, the later puffs can feel unbalanced when strength takes over. Despite this occasional quirk, the overall progression keeps me engaged throughout the entire smoking experience.
Perfect Pairings
Given the manageable size and smooth profile evolution, I’ve found this cigar works beautifully at different times of day with various accompaniments. For rum enthusiasts, I particularly enjoy it with a well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Year – the vanilla and wood notes create perfect harmony with the cigar’s cedar foundation.
Whiskey lovers should try it with a Highland Scotch like Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The roasted notes in the second third complement the whiskey’s complexity without fighting for attention. For bourbon drinkers, I’ve had excellent experiences pairing it with Blanton’s or Eagle Rare.
Coffee pairings work exceptionally well, particularly with medium roast Colombian or Cuban coffee. The roasted elements in both create a synergy that enhances the entire experience. For wine enthusiasts, a rich Rioja or well-aged Barolo provides enough body to stand up to the cigar’s progression into medium-full strength.
Who This Cigar Is For
The Medio Siglo is ideal for intermediate to advanced cigar smokers who appreciate Cuban complexity but don’t always have 90 minutes for a Churchill or Robusto. It’s become my go-to recommendation for business dinners or social gatherings where you want something substantial but not overwhelming.
New Cuban cigar smokers will find this approachable due to its mild-to-medium opening, though they should be prepared for the strength increase in the final third. Experienced smokers often praise this small cigar for delivering a complete Cuban experience in a compact format – it’s bigger than a Coro but more manageable than a traditional robusto.
This bold cigar suits postprandial smoking perfectly – substantial enough for after dinner without being too heavy. I’ve also found it works well for afternoon smoking when you want quality without the time investment of larger formats. The smaller format trend has made cigars like this increasingly popular among modern enthusiasts who value their time.
Cutting and Lighting
With the 52 ring gauge, I prefer using a straight cut about 1-2mm from the cap – enough to open the draw without unraveling the wrapper. A sharp cutter is essential; I’ve had excellent results with Xikar and Colibri cutters. Some smokers prefer a punch cut with this ring gauge, which can work well if you prefer a more concentrated draw.
For lighting, take your time with the toast. The compact size means you don’t want to overpower the tobacco with too much flame initially. I use a butane torch lighter, keeping the flame about an inch away while rotating the foot. The cedar notes you detected on the cold draw should emerge immediately if you’ve lit it properly.
Don’t rush the process – handmade Cuban cigars deserve patience. Once you’ve achieved an even burn, the draw should be effortless, and you’ll taste those characteristic first-third flavors right away. For more detailed techniques, I recommend checking out this comprehensive guide on Cuban cigar smoking.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining this cigar’s quality. Keep your Medio Siglos at 65-70°F (18-21°C) with 65-72% relative humidity. The slightly lower humidity prevents the wrapper from becoming too soft while preserving the oils that contribute to flavor development.
I’ve found these cigars benefit from at least 30-60 days of proper humidor storage after purchase, allowing the tobaccos to marry and any shipping stress to resolve. They’re available in 25-count boxes or individual tubos, and both formats store well with proper humidification.
For long-term aging, the Medio Siglo shows potential for 3-5 years of development, though they’re certainly enjoyable fresh. The triple fermentation process means they don’t require extensive aging like some other Cuban cigars. For detailed storage guidance, this article on preserving cigar freshness provides excellent techniques, and Cigar Aficionado’s humidor setup guide offers professional-level advice.
Authenticity Guide
Cohiba is unfortunately the most counterfeited Cuban brand, making authentication critical. Genuine Medio Siglos feature the new Cohiba band design introduced with the Línea 1492 series post-2016. The band should have crisp printing, proper holographic elements, and the distinctive Cohiba head logo.
Examine the box carefully – authentic Cuban boxes include holograms, proper tax stamps, and serial numbers. The construction should show the quality I’ve described: well-applied caps, consistent filling, and that natural Cuban wrapper appearance with possible minor veining or color variations.
Purchase from authorized dealers whenever possible. Counterfeits often show poor construction, inconsistent burn characteristics, or inferior tobacco that lacks the complexity I’ve outlined. The cold draw test is particularly revealing – authentic Medio Siglos consistently show those cedar hints I mentioned earlier.
The learning process for understanding authentic Cuban cigars extends beyond any single vitola – this detailed exploration of Cuban cigar production provides valuable context for appreciating authentic craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Medio Siglo compare to other Cohiba Siglo series cigars?
The Medio Siglo uniquely combines the length of the Siglo I (102mm) with the ring gauge of the Siglo VI (52). This creates a smoking experience that’s more substantial than the thinner Siglo I but quicker than the longer Siglo VI. The flavor profile is distinctly its own, with that characteristic progression from cedar and vanilla to roasted, peppery notes.
Is this a good cigar for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Yes, but with caveats. The mild-to-medium opening makes it approachable, and the shorter smoking time isn’t intimidating. However, new smokers should be aware that the strength builds significantly in the final third. I’d recommend having it after a meal and pacing yourself carefully.
Why are some Medio Siglos less oily than other Cohibas?
This appears to be a characteristic of this particular vitola rather than a quality issue. The wrapper may show less oil than other Cohiba cigars, but the flavor and construction remain excellent. It’s likely related to the specific wrapper selection for this format or the aging process at the factory.
Can I age these cigars, or should I smoke them fresh?
They’re excellent both fresh and aged. I recommend at least 30-60 days of proper storage after purchase to let them settle. For longer aging, 3-5 years can develop additional complexity, though the triple fermentation process means they don’t require extensive aging like some other Cuban cigars.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Medio Siglo?
The manageable size and strength progression make them versatile for any time of day. I particularly enjoy them postprandial (after dinner) when you want something substantial but not overwhelming, or during afternoon relaxation when you want quality without a huge time commitment. The 30-60 minute smoking time fits well into most schedules.
For those interested in exploring more about Cuban cigar culture and the expertise behind selections like this, learning about experienced Cuban cigar specialists can provide valuable insights into what makes cigars like the Medio Siglo special in the broader context of Cuban tobacco craftsmanship.
