Description
The Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 is not merely a cigar; it is a historic monument in the world of Habanos, representing the very first release in the prestigious Gran Reserva series. Crafted at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana, this masterpiece utilizes exclusively selected tobacco from the 2003 harvest, aged for a minimum of five years before being masterfully rolled into the iconic Cañonazo vitola. With a medium-to-full strength profile, it offers a transcendent smoking experience defined by its incredible depth, complexity, and silkiness. Aficionados are greeted with a sophisticated bouquet of creamy cocoa, aged cedar, rich leather, and a whisper of black pepper, all harmonized by nearly two decades of maturation. This is the ultimate expression of the Cohiba legacy, designed for the most discerning collectors who demand nothing less than the pinnacle of Cuban viticulture.
Box Features and Packaging Options
The presentation of the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 is as extraordinary as the tobacco within. While the standard Siglo VI is available in various formats, the Gran Reserva 2003 was released as a strictly limited edition, making its packaging a vital component of its investment value. Below are the details regarding its specialized presentation compared to standard luxury formats.
| Feature | Gran Reserva Box of 15 | Standard Siglo VI Box of 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 15 Units (Limited Edition) | 25 Units |
| Packaging Type | High-gloss black lacquered Boîte Nature | Varnished Slide Lid Box (SLB) |
| Ideal For | High-tier investment and milestone celebrations | Regular luxury consumption and long-term aging |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined interior with airtight seal | Traditional cedar-lined SLB |
| Special Identification | Gold-embossed Gran Reserva Logo | Standard Cohiba Taino Head Branding |
Cigar Specifications
Every Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 is a testament to the “Selection of the Selection.” Only the finest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region—specifically from the Vegas Finas de Primera—are deemed worthy of the Gran Reserva designation. The technical precision required to roll a 52 ring gauge Cañonazo ensures a perfect draw and a slow, cool burn that allows the aged oils to express their full potential.
| Vitola | Cañonazo (Siglo VI) |
| Length | 150 mm (5 7/8″) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | 2003 Cosecha (Harvest) Habano – Cuba |
| Binder | 2003 Cosecha (Harvest) Vuelta Abajo – Cuba |
| Filler | 2003 Cosecha (Harvest) Vuelta Abajo – Cuba |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Velvety |
| Smoking Time | 90 – 120 Minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba. Founded in 1966, the brand was initially created as a private blend for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. For decades, these cigars were never sold commercially; they were gifted to heads of state and foreign diplomats, earning Cohiba a reputation as the world’s most exclusive tobacco brand. It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was released to the public, instantly becoming the benchmark for luxury in the cigar industry.
The Siglo series (Línea 1492) was launched in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. The Siglo VI, introduced later in 2002, quickly became the flagship of the line due to its imposing 52 ring gauge and impeccable balance. However, the release of the Gran Reserva 2003 in 2010 marked a new era for Habanos S.A. It was the first time they applied the “Gran Reserva” concept—using only tobacco that had been aged for five years prior to rolling—to the Cohiba brand. By selecting the 2003 harvest, Habanos ensured that the inaugural Gran Reserva would be a legendary vintage that defined the category for years to come.
Today, the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 remains one of the most sought-after cigars in history. Its production was limited to only 5,000 numbered boxes, making it a “unicorn” for collectors. The brand’s commitment to the triple fermentation process—a technique unique to Cohiba fillers—removes impurities and creates the signature smoothness that characterizes this 2003 vintage. When you smoke a Gran Reserva, you are not just enjoying a cigar; you are participating in a legacy of Cuban excellence that spans over half a century.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an effortless draw that releases thick, voluminous clouds of white smoke. The initial notes are dominated by a refined cedar and a subtle white pepper, which quickly gives way to a creamy earthiness. Unlike the standard Siglo VI, the Gran Reserva 2003 displays an immediate maturity; there is no “young” bite or ammonia. Instead, the palate is coated in a velvety sweetness that hints at the richness to come. The construction is flawless, with a razor-sharp burn line and a firm, light-gray ash.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar enters its second third, the complexity intensifies significantly. The profile shifts toward deeper, more savory notes of aged leather and roasted coffee beans. A distinct dark cocoa sweetness emerges, perfectly balancing the medium-full body of the smoke. The 2003 harvest tobacco shows its pedigree here, offering a “chewy” texture to the smoke that lingers elegantly on the tongue. There is a profound sense of harmony; no single flavor dominates, but rather they weave together in a sophisticated tapestry of toasted nuts and floral undertones.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Gran Reserva 2003 truly earns its legendary status. The strength builds slightly, but the smoke remains remarkably smooth. The earthy notes deepen into a rich loam, accompanied by darker spices and a more pronounced espresso bitterness that is never overwhelming. The cedar returns, now more concentrated, and is joined by a lingering molasses sweetness. Even as the cigar burns down to the nub, it remains cool and flavorful, refusing to become harsh—a hallmark of perfectly aged, high-quality Cuban leaf.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and memorable. It leaves a creamy, buttery sensation on the palate, with persistent echoes of cocoa and fine wood. The aftertaste is clean yet complex, inviting the smoker to reflect on the nuances of the 2003 vintage long after the cigar has been extinguished.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Aged Cedar, Creamy Cocoa, Rich Leather |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Coffee, Toasted Almonds, White Pepper |
| Tertiary Notes | Floral Honey, Molasses, Damp Earth |
| Finish | Long, Velvety, and Buttery |
| Aroma | Sweet Tobacco, Exotic Spice, and Fine Wood |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 is perhaps the ultimate “investment grade” cigar. Because the tobacco was already aged for at least five years before the cigars were rolled in 2009/2010, they entered the market with a level of refinement that most cigars take a decade to achieve. Over the subsequent years, these cigars have continued to evolve in the box. The oils have integrated further, softening the spice and enhancing the creamy, chocolatey characteristics that define the Siglo VI vitola.
For collectors, the optimal aging window is now. While they are smoking beautifully today, they have the structural integrity to last another 10 to 15 years if stored correctly. To preserve the integrity of the 2003 harvest, we recommend maintaining a stable environment of 65-68% Relative Humidity (RH) and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Fluctuations in humidity can be devastating to aged tobacco, so a high-quality, cedar-lined electronic humidor is highly recommended. As the supply of these 5,000 boxes continues to dwindle, their rarity and value only increase, making them a cornerstone of any serious Cuban cigar portfolio.
Perfect Pairings
A cigar of this magnitude requires a pairing that can stand up to its complexity without overshadowing its delicate nuances. The goal is to complement the creamy cocoa and leather notes of the 2003 vintage.
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Ron Santiago de Cuba 25 Year | The deep molasses and tropical fruit notes of the rum amplify the cigar’s natural sweetness and cocoa. |
| Hennessy XO Cognac | The spicy oak and dried fruit profile of a mature Cognac mirrors the aged cedar and leather of the Cohiba. |
| Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak | The dried ginger and sherry sweetness of the Scotch provides a beautiful contrast to the cigar’s earthy finish. |
| Vintage Port (Dow’s or Taylor’s) | The rich, dark fruit and structural tannins of a vintage Port pair perfectly with the medium-full body of the Gran Reserva. |
| Double Espresso | A concentrated, high-quality coffee enhances the roasted bean and cocoa notes found in the second third. |
| Sparkling Mineral Water | The best choice for a pure tasting experience, as it cleanses the palate between puffs without adding external flavors. |
Authenticity Verification
Given the immense value and rarity of the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003, authenticity is of paramount importance. We utilize a multi-step verification process to ensure every box in our humidor is a genuine product of Habanos S.A.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a holographic Taino head and a unique barcode that can be verified on the official Habanos website.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of the box is hot-stamped with the factory code (El Laguito) and the month and year of packaging, ensuring it aligns with the 2003 Gran Reserva production timeline.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which are applied with precision.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is finished with the traditional Cuban triple cap, a mark of expert craftsmanship that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate perfectly.
- Gran Reserva Band – This cigar features two bands: the classic Cohiba band and a secondary black and gold “Gran Reserva” band indicating the 2003 harvest.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of provenance and quality control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 different from a standard Siglo VI?
The primary difference lies in the tobacco aging. A standard Siglo VI uses high-quality tobacco, but the Gran Reserva uses exclusively tobacco from the 2003 harvest that was aged for five years before the cigar was even rolled. Additionally, the Gran Reserva is a limited release of only 5,000 boxes, featuring a unique black lacquered finish and a secondary gold band.
How long should I expect to spend smoking this cigar?
Due to its 52 ring gauge and 150mm length, the Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2003 is a substantial smoke. Most aficionados find that it takes between 90 and 120 minutes to fully appreciate the transitions and complexity of this vitola. It is a cigar designed for slow, contemplative smoking.
Is this cigar suitable for a beginner?
While the smoke is remarkably smooth due to its age, the Cohiba Gran Reserva 2003 is a complex, medium-to-full-bodied cigar with significant depth. Its rarity and price point generally make
