Description
A Cigar That Doesn’t Just Promise Excellence—It Delivers It
Look, I’ve smoked a lot of Cohibas in my time. And I mean a LOT. But when someone asks me about the Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2014, I get that same feeling I had walking into my first Casa del Habano in Havana back in ’97. This isn’t just another limited edition release with fancy packaging and inflated expectations—this is legitimately one of the finest expressions of what Cuban tobacco can achieve when everything aligns perfectly. We’re talking about leaves harvested in 2014, aged with the kind of patience that makes modern life seem ridiculously rushed, and blended by people who’ve forgotten more about tobacco than most of us will ever know. Here’s the thing: this cigar represents something special in the Habanos portfolio, and if you’re serious about understanding what makes Cuban cigars the benchmark, you need to know what’s going on with this stick.
What Makes This Cohiba Special? Everything, Honestly
Cohiba needs no introduction if you’ve been in this hobby for more than five minutes. But the Reserva Cosecha line? That’s where things get interesting. These aren’t your regular production Cohibas—and I say that as someone who has enormous respect for the standard lineup. The Reserva Cosecha releases use tobacco from a single harvest year, aged for a minimum of three years before rolling, then given additional aging after construction. We’re talking about 2014 tobacco that didn’t see the inside of a box until years later.
The Robusto format has always been my sweet spot. Not too long, not too quick—about 50 minutes of pure enjoyment if you smoke at a reasonable pace. And this particular Robusto? It’s built for the smoker who appreciates complexity without needing to carve out two hours of their day. The wrapper is classic Vuelta Abajo leaf, grown in the legendary region that produces tobacco with characteristics you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. I’ve had friends try to argue with me about Nicaraguan this or Dominican that—and look, I love cigars from those regions too—but there’s something about properly aged Cuban tobacco that just hits different.
This cigar is for the aficionado who’s moved beyond the beginner phase. If you’re still figuring out the difference between Connecticut and Maduro, maybe work your way up to this one. But if you’ve been around the block, tried the big names, and you’re ready for something that showcases the full depth of Cuban craftsmanship? This is your moment.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo, 2014 Harvest) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Light to Final Draw
Okay, so let’s talk about what actually happens when you light this thing up. The cold draw—before you even introduce flame—gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s this subtle sweetness, maybe some cocoa undertones, and a promise of leather that makes you want to just sit there drawing cold air through it for another minute. But who has that kind of patience?
The first third opens up with a creamy smoothness that honestly surprised me the first time I tried one. I was expecting more aggression given the Cohiba reputation, but no—it starts refined, almost gentle. You get some cedar notes immediately, that classic Cuban twang that lets you know exactly what you’re smoking even if someone handed it to you blind. There’s a light pepper on the retrohale, nothing that’ll make you cough, just enough to remind you this isn’t a Connecticut shade wrapper. The construction on these is absolutely spotless. I mean, you’d expect that from a limited edition Cohiba, but I’ve seen regular production Behikes with worse burn lines than what I’ve experienced with the Reserva Cosecha 2014. The ash holds solid for a good inch, dense and light gray, which tells you everything about proper fermentation and aging.
Second third is where this cigar really starts flexing. The creamy texture remains, but now you’re getting these waves of complexity—coffee starts creeping in, not espresso bitter but more like a well-made café con leche. The leather notes I mentioned earlier? They’re front and center now, rich and supple. There’s an earthiness that grounds everything, keeps it from floating off into abstract flavor territory. And here’s what gets me: the spicy elements build gradually. It’s not a slap in the face, it’s more like… hmm, how do I explain this… it’s like when you’re making a good mole and the heat builds layer by layer. The strength is definitely in the medium-full range now. If you smoked this on an empty stomach, you’d probably feel it. Learn from my mistakes on that one.
The final third—and this is where lesser cigars fall apart—maintains its composure beautifully. No bitterness, no harshness, just a concentrated version of everything that came before. The coffee notes get a bit darker, almost toasted. That pepper from the beginning? It comes back for an encore on the retrohale, more pronounced but still refined. The aroma throughout the entire smoke is sublime. My wife, who normally exiles me to the back porch, actually commented that this one “doesn’t smell terrible.” From her, that’s basically a standing ovation.
How Does It Stack Up Against Similar Cigars?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2014 | Medium-Full | 45-60 minutes | Special occasions demanding complexity and refinement |
| Cohiba Robusto (Standard) | Medium | 45-55 minutes | Daily smoke for experienced aficionados |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-70 minutes | When you want more power and earth-forward flavors |
| Trinidad Fundadores | Medium | 90+ minutes | Extended sessions focusing on subtle elegance |
What to Pair With This Cigar
Real talk: this cigar deserves thoughtful pairing. I’ve smoked it with everything from gas station coffee to thirty-year-old rum, and while it performed admirably across the board, some combinations just sang. A good aged rum—I’m talking about something like Havana Club Selección de Maestros or Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo—complements the leather and coffee notes without overwhelming them. The sweetness in the rum plays beautifully against the spicy elements.
If you’re a whisky person, go for something with some sherry cask influence. A Glenfiddich 18 or even a good Spanish brandy works. The dried fruit notes bridge perfectly with the creamy texture of the cigar. Coffee? Absolutely, but make it a Cuban coffee if you can, strong and slightly sweet. And I know some people will judge me for this, but a really good craft stout beer—something with chocolate and coffee notes—is phenomenal with this stick. Not gonna lie, I discovered that combination by accident during a poker night and it’s now one of my go-to pairings.
Timing matters too. This isn’t a morning cigar unless you’ve had a substantial breakfast. Late afternoon or evening is ideal, when you can give it your full attention. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to celebrate something but don’t want the commitment of a Churchill or a Double Corona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Reserva Cosecha line different from regular Cohiba production cigars?
The Reserva Cosecha designation means all tobacco comes from a single harvest year—in this case, 2014. The leaves undergo extended aging before rolling (minimum three years), then the finished cigars receive additional aging. Regular production Cohibas use blended harvests and shorter aging periods. Think of Reserva Cosecha as a vintage wine versus a standard blend—same producer, elevated approach. The result is deeper complexity, smoother delivery, and flavors that are more integrated than what you’d find in the regular lineup.
How should I store the Cohiba Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2014?
Keep it at 65-70% relative humidity and around 65-70°F. I personally lean toward 65% humidity for aged Cuban cigars—it maintains the refined character without any risk of the wrapper getting too moist. These cigars have already been aged extensively, so they don’t need aggressive humidification. If you’re in a very dry climate, 68% is fine, but watch for any softness. Use a quality digital hygrometer, not those cheap analog ones that are wrong half the time. And please, separate your Cubans from non-Cubans if possible, because the aromatic profiles can cross-contaminate over time.
Is this cigar too strong for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars?
Here’s the thing—it depends on what you’ve been smoking. If you’re coming from mild Connecticut shade cigars, this will definitely be a step up in strength, especially in the final third. But if you’ve handled regular Cohiba Robustos or something like a Montecristo No. 2, you’ll be fine. The strength builds gradually rather than hitting you immediately, which actually makes it more approachable than some full-bodied Nicaraguan puros. My advice? Smoke it after a meal, keep some sugary drink nearby just in case, and take your time. Don’t chain-smoke it trying to keep up with someone else’s pace. That’s how you get dizzy.
Can I age this cigar further, or is it ready to smoke now?
Both, honestly. These are released in excellent smoking condition right now—the aging has already been done properly. I’ve smoked boxes fresh and they’re magnificent. That said, if you’ve got the patience and proper storage, another 2-5 years will let those flavors marry even further. The spicy notes will mellow slightly, the creamy texture will become even more pronounced, and the overall experience will get smoother. But—and this is important—don’t let the pursuit of “maybe it’ll be better later” stop you from enjoying one now. I’ve seen too many people age cigars forever and never actually smoke them. Life’s too short for that nonsense.
What’s the best way to cut and light this cigar?
Use a sharp guillotine cutter or a quality V-cut—nothing else. I prefer a straight cut just below the cap line, removing enough to draw freely but not so much that you risk unraveling the wrapper. For lighting, use a butane torch or cedar spills if you’re feeling traditional. Never use sulfur matches or fluid lighters—you’ll taste it for the first ten minutes and it ruins that pristine first-third experience. Toast the foot evenly while rotating the cigar, then take a few gentle draws to establish the burn. Don’t rush this part. A properly lit cigar burns better, tastes better, and requires fewer corrections. It’s worth the extra thirty seconds of patience.
How does the flavor profile compare to the regular Cohiba Robusto?
The regular Cohiba Robusto is excellent—don’t get me wrong—but it’s more straightforward. You get those classic Cohiba characteristics: leather, cedar, some spice, clean finish. The Reserva Cosecha 2014 takes all of that and adds layers. The extended aging brings out more coffee, more creaminess, more complexity in the transitions between thirds. The regular Robusto is like listening to a really good jazz quartet. The Reserva is like listening to that same quartet with a full orchestra backing them up. Both are enjoyable, but one has additional depth and nuance. If you love the regular Robusto, you’ll probably love this even more. If you think the regular Robusto is just okay, this still might convert you.
What occasions are best suited for smoking this cigar?
This is a celebration cigar, plain and simple. I’m talking about moments that matter—anniversaries, promotions, the birth of a child, closing a big deal, or just marking the end of a genuinely difficult year. It’s also perfect for introducing someone to serious Cuban cigars because it showcases what proper aging and craftsmanship can achieve. I smoked one when my daughter graduated college and another when I finally finished renovating my house. Both times felt appropriate. Would I smoke this while mowing the lawn? Absolutely not. Save it for when you can sit, focus, and actually appreciate what’s happening. You’ll be glad you did.
Final Thoughts on This Exceptional Release
Between you and me, the Cohiba Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2014 represents everything I love about Cuban cigars. It’s refined but not boring, complex but not confusing, strong enough to satisfy without beating you over the head. The craftsmanship is evident in every puff, from the flawless construction to the thoughtful progression of flavors. Is it the absolute best cigar I’ve ever smoked? That’s a tough call because there are so many variables—mood, setting, company, what you had for lunch. But it’s absolutely in the conversation, and that’s saying something considering how many cigars I’ve smoked over the past three decades.
If you’re looking to experience what makes limited edition Habanos special, this is an excellent choice. The 2014 harvest produced exceptional tobacco, the aging was handled properly, and the final product delivers on its promises without relying on hype or fancy marketing. It’s just a damn good cigar that happens to come from one of the most respected names in the business. Whether you’re expanding your collection or searching for something worthy of a milestone moment, the Cohiba Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2014 won’t disappoint. Light one up, give it your full attention, and you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about.
