Description
The Cohiba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2001 represents the absolute zenith of Cuban cigar artistry, a legendary release that has transitioned from a sought-after limited edition into a museum-grade vintage masterpiece. As one of the earliest and most prestigious entries in the Habanos Edición Limitada program, this medium-to-full bodied pyramid offers a sensory journey through twenty-four years of meticulous aging. Crafted at the world-renowned El Laguito factory, it features the hallmark additional fermentation of Seco and Ligero leaves that defines the Cohiba name, resulting in a profile of silky cedar, dark cocoa, and buttery vanilla. For the serious collector, this vitola is not merely a smoke; it is a preserved moment in Habanos history, offering a level of complexity and refinement that only decades of patient maturation in a climate-controlled humidor can bestow.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Cigars | N/A (Historical Limited Release) |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Boîte Nature Box with LE Seal | Not available for this vintage |
| Ideal For | Long-term investment and milestone celebrations | N/A |
| Humidity Protection | Boveda-ready cedar lining for optimal aging | N/A |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Pirámides |
| Length | 156 mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Aged Cuban Corojo (Edición Limitada Dark) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo – Triple Fermented) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full-bodied Complexity |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 80–90 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba itself. Founded in 1966 as a private brand for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials, Cohiba remained a “diplomatic gift” shrouded in mystery for nearly two decades. It was only in 1982, during the World Cup in Spain, that the brand was officially launched to the public. Since then, it has maintained its status as the flagship marque of Habanos S.A., representing the “selection of the selection.” The tobacco is sourced exclusively from the five finest Vegas de Primera in the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo region, ensuring a raw material quality that is unsurpassed in the industry.
The Edición Limitada 2001 series was a pivotal moment for the brand, marking the second year of the Limited Edition program. This specific release of the Pirámides vitola was highly anticipated, as the shape was not yet a part of the regular Cohiba production line (the Pirámides Extra would not arrive for many years). By utilizing wrappers aged for a minimum of two years and subjecting the filler leaves to an exclusive third fermentation in wooden barrels, Cohiba created a cigar with a depth of flavor and a “funk” that is unique to the brand. Today, the 2001 Limited Edition is regarded as a heritage milestone, a testament to the longevity and evolving grace of Cuban tobacco.
Exclusivity is the cornerstone of the Cohiba legacy. From the iconic yellow and black grid branding to the El Laguito factory—a converted mansion where the world’s most skilled torcedores hand-roll every cigar—everything about the brand screams luxury. The 2001 Pirámides is the embodiment of this ethos. It was produced in strictly limited quantities, and over the last two decades, the remaining stock has dwindled, making every surviving box a rare artifact of the cigar world. To smoke one is to experience the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship as it was at the turn of the millennium.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a sophisticated and focused draw, immediately delivering the concentrated essence of aged cedar. Because of the tapered pyramid head, the flavors are intensified on the palate. Initial puffs reveal a delicate interplay of white pepper and subtle spice, which quickly mellows into a creamy, toasted nuttiness. The age of the tobacco is apparent in the lack of any “green” bitterness; instead, there is a supernatural smoothness that coats the mouth, accompanied by a rich, aromatic smoke that carries hints of dried flowers and old library leather.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the medium-to-full body fully asserts itself. The spice recedes, making way for the signature Cohiba cocoa and dark chocolate notes. This is where the barrel-fermented tobacco shines, offering a deep, earthy sweetness reminiscent of black honey and roasted coffee beans. The texture of the smoke becomes noticeably velvety and buttery, with a lingering butterscotch note on the retrohale. The construction remains impeccable, with a razor-sharp burn and a firm, light-grey ash that speaks to the quality of the Vuelta Abajo long-filler.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Cohiba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2001 reaches its peak evolutionary stage. The flavors deepen into a rich tapestry of vanilla bean, heavy cream, and damp earth. There is a magnificent purity of tobacco here, stripped of all youthful aggression and replaced by a refined intensity. Even as the cigar nears the nub, it remains remarkably cool and balanced, offering a honeyed sweetness that perfectly counters the robust, aged tobacco core. It is a finish that demands reflection, lingering long after the cigar has been laid to rest.
Finish
The aftertaste is the hallmark of a truly great vintage cigar. It leaves a clean, silky residue of cocoa and aged wood on the palate. There is zero harshness, only a whisper-soft essence of sweet spice and toasted vanilla that invites the smoker to savor the memory of the experience for hours.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Aged Cedar, Dark Cocoa, Roasted Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Vanilla Bean, Butterscotch, Toasted Almond |
| Tertiary Notes | Black Honey, White Pepper, Leather |
| Finish | Silky, Long-lasting Cream and Earth |
| Aroma | Rich Bouquet of Aged Wood and Sweet Tobacco |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2001 is widely considered one of the greatest aging successes in the history of Habanos. While many cigars lose their character after two decades, the 2001 LE has matured into what experts call “peak evolutionary silk.” The oils in the dark wrapper have crystallized over time, creating a fine patina that adds a subtle sweetness to the smoke. The internal leaves have undergone a chemical transformation, where the nicotine has mellowed and the sugars have concentrated, resulting in the buttery textures and zero rough edges described by modern tasters.
From an investment perspective, this cigar is blue-chip status. As a Limited Edition from over 20 years ago, the global supply is exceptionally low, while the demand for vintage Cohiba continues to skyrocket. For optimal continued storage, we recommend maintaining a strictly controlled environment of 70% RH and 21°C (70°F). The pyramid shape is particularly conducive to long-term aging, as the tapered end helps to preserve the internal moisture and oils more effectively than a standard Parejo. This is a trophy smoke that will only continue to appreciate in rarity and prestige.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Ron Santiago de Cuba 500 | The ultra-premium Cuban rum mirrors the cigar’s cocoa and vanilla notes with its own aged sweetness. |
| Lagavulin 16 Year Old | The peaty, smoky intensity of this Islay malt provides a brilliant counterpoint to the cigar’s creamy cedar. |
| Rémy Martin XO Cognac | The floral and dried fruit notes of a high-end Cognac amplify the honeyed finish of the 2001 Pirámides. |
| Espresso Macchiato | The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the buttery smoke, highlighting the dark chocolate undertones. |
| Vintage Tawny Port | The nutty, oxidized character of an aged Port complements the tertiary leather and earth notes perfectly. |
| Dalmore King Alexander III | Multiple cask finishes bring a complex spice that harmonizes with the cigar’s evolving middle third. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every Cohiba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2001 in our humidor is a verified masterpiece, sourced through official channels and maintained in pristine condition.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos holographic label with a unique serial number, ensuring origin and tax compliance.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of the box bears the factory code (often ELU or similar for this era) and the date stamp, which can be cross-referenced for historical accuracy.
- Factory Stamp – The “Totalmente a Mano – Tripa Larga” (Totally by hand – long filler) heat stamp is applied with precision, a mark of genuine El Laguito craftsmanship.
- Triple Cap – Each Pirámides features the signature Cuban triple cap, expertly applied by master rollers to ensure a perfect draw and structural integrity.
Our Guarantee: We understand the gravity of investing in a vintage Cohiba. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our rigorous quality standards, we provide a full refund. Our reputation has been trusted by global collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the flavor of the Cohiba Pirámides 2001 changed since its release?
Upon its initial release in 2001, this cigar was known for its robust strength and spicy intensity. Over 24 years, those aggressive edges have vanished. The strength has mellowed from a sharp “Full” to a “Medium-to-Full,” while the flavor profile has shifted toward creamy, buttery, and honeyed notes. It has gained a level of complexity and smoothness that is simply impossible to find in a younger cigar.
Is this the same cigar as the one found in the Cohiba 35 Aniversario Humidor?
Technically, yes. The Cohiba Pirámides 2001 was released both as a standalone Edición Limitada and as part of the 35th Anniversary Humidor. They share the same vitola, the same tobacco blend from the 2001 harvest, and were rolled at the same El Laguito factory. Both are considered among the finest examples of the Pirámides vitola ever produced.
What makes the 2001 Edición Limitada different from the Cohiba Pirámides Extra?
The Pirámides Extra is a regular production cigar (Línea Clásica) that was introduced much later. The 2001 Edición Limitada is a vintage release using specific leaves from the 1999/2000 harvests. The 2001 LE also features a darker, aged wrapper and a unique fermentation profile that differs from the standard production lines, making it significantly more collectible and flavor-dense.
What is the best way to cut and light this vintage pyramid?
Given the age and rarity of the Cohiba Pirámides 2001, we recommend using a very sharp straight cutter to remove only a small portion of the cap, preserving the taper to concentrate the smoke. To light, use a cedar spill or a soft flame lighter. Avoid high-powered torch lighters, as the intense heat can scorch the delicate, 24-year-old wrapper and negatively impact the initial flavor notes.
