Description
The amber light of dusk filtered through the French doors of the smoking lounge, casting long shadows across polished mahogany tables where crystal ashtrays waited in perfect formation. I’d been planning this moment for weeks—finally getting my hands on what many aficionados consider the sweet spot of Cuban craftsmanship. The Cohiba Siglo III rested in my palm, its silky wrapper catching the last rays of sunlight streaming through those tall windows.
There’s something about holding a cigar that represents five centuries of tobacco tradition. This particular stick had traveled from the legendary vegas of Vuelta Abajo, through the skilled hands at El Laguito factory, to finally arrive at my location. As I examined the construction—flawless really—I couldn’t help but think about all the members of Cuban cigar history who’d perfected this craft.
The experience was about to begin, but first, let me share what makes this Corona Grandes so special.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 155mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Vitola | Coronas Grandes |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-90 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
Construction and Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice is that rich brown wrapper—it’s got this almost creamy-leather appearance that speaks to quality before you even light up. I’ve handled dozens of Cuban cigars, and the Siglo III consistently demonstrates the refinement that comes from using hand-selected tobacco from Vuelta Abajo’s finest vegas de primera. The smooth wrapper feels substantial without being thick, with just enough natural oils to give it that subtle sheen.
What really sets this cigar apart is the additional barrel fermentation process used on the seco, ligero, and medio tiempo leaves. You can’t see this extra step, but you’ll definitely taste it. The construction is handmade using the tripa larga totalmente a mano method at El Laguito factory—and honestly, it shows. The cigar feels balanced in your hand, with no soft spots or irregularities that might indicate poor rolling.
The cap is applied perfectly, and I’ve never had issues with the wrapper unraveling during smoking. That’s the kind of consistency you expect from a marca like Cohiba, where every stick represents the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship.
Flavor Profile by Thirds
First Third: Elegant Introduction
The opening draws reveal why this cigar has such a devoted following among aficionado circles. There’s an immediate mild creamy sweetness that mingles with fresh grass and hay notes—it’s like walking through a tobacco field just after dawn. Subtle citrus undertones add brightness, while gentle coffee aromas begin to build in the background.
The smoke is elegant and smooth, never harsh or overwhelming. I’ve found that taking slow, measured draws really allows those soft grass notes to develop fully. The burn is typically even from the start, producing fragrant smoke that fills the room without being overpowering.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
This is where the Siglo III really starts to show its character. The coffee notes that were subtle in the first third develop into rich coffee bean flavors, joined by wood and vanilla undertones. There’s a sweet spice that emerges—not overwhelming, but definitely present—that adds layers to each draw.
The cigar becomes creamy yet spicy, with a richness that makes you slow down and pay attention. Honey notes start to appear, weaving through the vanilla and coffee to create something truly complex. The medium body becomes more apparent here, though it never crosses into full-strength territory like some other Cohibas.
Final Third: Balanced Finish
In my experience, the final third maintains that consistent medium tobacco taste while adding spice on the finish. The honey and cream notes become more pronounced, joined by subtle mocha flavors that round out the smoking experience beautifully. What I appreciate most is how balanced it remains—there’s complexity without harshness, depth without becoming overwhelming.
The cigar can be smoked down to the nub without becoming hot or bitter, which isn’t always the case with longer vitolas. Those wood and vanilla notes from the middle third persist, creating a satisfying conclusion to what’s typically a 45-50 minute experience, though I’ve stretched it to 90 minutes when the evening was particularly perfect.
Pairing Recommendations
I’ve tried this cigar with various beverages, and certain combinations really enhance the experience. Cuban coffee is absolutely perfect—the coffee notes in both the cigar and drink complement each other without competing. After dinner, a fine brandy brings out the wood, spice, and vanilla characteristics beautifully.
For rum enthusiasts, I’d recommend a quality aged Cuban rum, sipped neat. The sweetness plays well with the honey and cream notes, while the rum’s complexity matches the cigar’s developing flavor profile. If you prefer whiskey, try a smooth single malt—nothing too peated or aggressive that might overpower the cigar’s elegant character.
Wine pairings work too, though I’d stick with fuller-bodied reds or even a quality port. The key is finding beverages that won’t clash with those grilled vanilla and spicy chocolate aromas that make this cigar special.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Siglo III occupies a sweet spot that makes it accessible to developing smokers while remaining satisfying for experienced aficionados. Its medium strength means newcomers won’t be overwhelmed, but the complexity keeps veterans interested throughout the smoke.
This is an excellent choice for special occasions—celebrations, business dinners, or those moments when you want to add some refinement to your evening. The smoking time makes it perfect for longer conversations or contemplative solitude. I’ve found it works particularly well for afternoon or early evening smoking, when you want something substantial but not overpowering.
If you’re someone who typically enjoys milder cigars but wants to explore more complex flavors, the Siglo III is an ideal step up. It’s also perfect for members of smoking groups who want to share something impressive without breaking the bank on ultra-premium options.
Proper Cutting and Lighting
Given the 42 ring gauge, I prefer using a guillotine cutter for a clean, straight cut. Remove just enough of the cap to create a good draw—about 2-3mm is usually sufficient. The construction is solid enough that you don’t need to worry about the wrapper unraveling with a properly executed cut.
For lighting, I always use a butane torch or cedar spills. Avoid sulfur matches or regular lighters that might impart unwanted flavors to that carefully crafted wrapper. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar to ensure uniform ignition. The Cohiba’s quality construction means it should light easily and burn evenly from the start.
Take your time with both processes—this isn’t a cigar to rush. The ritual of properly preparing a Siglo III is part of the overall experience. For more detailed guidance on these techniques, check out our comprehensive guide on mastering Cuban cigar smoking.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the Siglo III’s special characteristics, especially that unique aroma from the additional fermentation process. Store these cigars at 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) temperature in a quality humidor.
I’ve found that Siglo IIIs benefit from aging 2+ years for even greater flavor development. The additional fermentation means these cigars continue evolving in properly maintained storage conditions. If you’re serious about storage, invest in a reliable hygrometer and consider the setup advice from Cigar Aficionado’s humidor guide.
For those just starting their cigar journey, our article on preserving cigars fresh offers practical techniques that don’t require a huge investment. Tupperdors work well for smaller collections, but dedicated humidors are worth the investment if you’re planning to age these cigars properly.
Identifying Authentic Cigars
With Cuban cigars commanding premium prices, authenticity is crucial. Genuine Siglo IIIs come with proper Habanos stamps and seals on boxes—always verify these through official Habanos authenticity tools. The bands should be perfectly applied with standard Cohiba design elements and proper holographic features.
Each authentic cigar weighs approximately 10.14g and displays the precise construction quality that comes from El Laguito factory. The cigars are typically packaged in cabinets of 25, boxes arranged 5×5, or in tubos for special presentations.
Red flags include poor construction, uneven burn characteristics, off aromas that don’t match the expected profile, and suspiciously low prices. Always purchase from authorized Habanos distributors or trusted merchants with established reputations. When in doubt, verify band holograms, box codes, and serial numbers against the official Habanos database.
To learn more about the journey from plantation to your humidor, explore our detailed article on Cuban cigars from plantation to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Cohiba Siglo III typically burn?
Most smokers find the Siglo III provides 45-50 minutes of smoking time with normal pacing. If you take slower draws and really savor the experience, you can extend this to 90 minutes or more. The cigar’s construction allows it to burn evenly throughout without becoming harsh toward the end.
What makes the Siglo III different from other Cohiba vitolas?
The Siglo III uses the additional barrel fermentation process on seco, ligero, and medio tiempo leaves that creates its unique aroma profile. At medium to medium-full strength, it’s actually milder than many other Cohibas while maintaining complexity. The 42 ring gauge and Corona Grandes vitola provide an excellent balance of smoking time and flavor development.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Siglo III is an excellent choice for developing smokers. Its medium strength won’t overwhelm newcomers, while the complex flavor profile provides an educational smoking experience. The consistent construction and even burn make it forgiving for those still learning proper smoking techniques.
What’s the best way to store these cigars long-term?
Maintain 70% relative humidity and 70°F temperature in a quality humidor. The Siglo III actually improves with aging—2+ years of proper storage can enhance the flavor complexity significantly. Use a reliable hygrometer and avoid frequent temperature fluctuations that can damage the wrapper or affect the unique fermentation characteristics.
How can I be sure I’m getting authentic Cuban Siglo IIIs?
Purchase only from authorized Habanos distributors and verify all authentication features including box stamps, band holograms, and construction quality. Authentic cigars weigh approximately 10.14g and display flawless construction from El Laguito factory. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true—genuine Cuban Cohibas command premium prices for good reason.
