Description
The Siglo IV: Where Cohiba Finally Gets Real
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since the mid-90s, and I’ll be honest with you: the Cohiba Siglo line can be hit or miss depending on which vitola you grab. But the Siglo IV? This is where the Línea 1492 hits its stride. It’s got enough length to let those legendary Vuelta Abajo tobaccos really develop, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome like some of the longer vitolas can. I remember the first time I tried one – it was during a poker game in Miami, maybe 2006 or 2007? – and thinking, “Okay, NOW I get what all the fuss is about.”
Here’s the thing about the Siglo IV: it’s the Goldilocks of the line. Not too short like the I and II, not a two-hour commitment like the VI. Just right. And if you’re new to the Cohiba mystique or you’re wondering whether the reputation is deserved, this is your answer. This particular vitola showcases everything that makes Cuban tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region special – that creamy complexity, that elegant strength that sneaks up on you, that finish that lingers like a great conversation.
What Makes the Siglo IV Special
Cohiba needs no introduction if you’ve been in the cigar world for more than five minutes. It’s the flagship marca of Habanos S.A., originally created in 1966 for Fidel Castro himself. Thing is, that prestige sometimes works against them – people expect perfection, and when a Cohiba disappoints (which, let’s be real, happens), it stings more than with other brands.
The Línea 1492 was introduced in – you guessed it – 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus discovering the Americas. The Siglo IV sits right in the middle of this line as a Corona Gorda, and it’s become my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting to understand what premium Cuban tobacco is all about. Not gonna lie, I’ve gone through more boxes of these than I care to admit.
What sets this cigar apart is its balance. The blend uses only the finest leaves from the legendary San Juan y Martínez and San Luis regions of Vuelta Abajo. These leaves undergo an extra fermentation process – a third pass that’s unique to Cohiba. Does it make a massive difference? Some days I think yes, some days I think it’s marketing. But the end result speaks for itself: a smooth, creamy smoke with enough complexity to keep your attention for the full hour-plus smoking time.
This is a cigar for the intermediate to advanced smoker who appreciates subtlety over sledgehammer strength. If you’re coming from full-bodied Nicaraguan puros, this might seem restrained at first. Give it time. The complexity unfolds slowly, like a good conversation.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Corona Gorda (Siglo IV) |
| Length | 5.6 inches / 143 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 46 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Light to Final Puff
Okay, so let me walk you through what you’re actually going to taste when you light one of these up. And I know this sounds dramatic, but the cold draw on a properly humidified Siglo IV is almost worth the price of admission by itself. You get this immediate hit of sweet hay and honey, with just a whisper of cocoa in the background. It’s inviting without being overwhelming.
The first third opens with this beautiful creamy texture that’s become the hallmark of well-aged Cuban tobacco. I’m talking about that buttery, almost velvety smoke that coats your palate. The dominant flavors here are cedar and leather – classic Cohiba territory – but there’s also this subtle floral note that weaves through everything. Some people pick up white pepper on the retrohale; I get more of a gentle baking spice, like cinnamon that’s been sitting in the cupboard for a year. The construction is typically excellent – these roll out of El Laguito like little works of art. The burn line stays razor-sharp with minimal correction needed, and the ash holds solid for a good inch and a half before you need to think about tapping it.
Here’s where it gets interesting – the second third. This is when the Siglo IV starts flexing. The strength ticks up from mild-medium to a solid medium, and suddenly you’re getting these coffee notes coming through. Not espresso, more like a quality café con leche. The creamy texture remains, but now there’s this earthy, almost nutty complexity layering underneath. And the wrapper – oh man, the wrapper – contributes this subtle sweetness that keeps everything balanced. I’ve had cigars where the second third is just the first third with the volume turned up. Not here. This is genuine evolution, genuine complexity unfolding.
The final third is where you separate the men from the boys, so to speak. Some Corona Gordas get harsh or one-dimensional in the last couple inches. The Siglo IV maintains its composure. Sure, the strength builds to medium-full territory – you’ll feel it if you’re smoking on an empty stomach – but it never crosses into bitter or acrid. The leather notes deepen, you start picking up some cocoa and maybe a touch of dried fruit, and that signature Cohiba creaminess persists right down to the nub. The retrohale in this final stage can be intense in the best way – full of spicy, leathery goodness that lingers for minutes after you set it down.
Real talk: if your Siglo IV is getting harsh in the final third, it’s probably a humidity issue, not the cigar’s fault. These need to be stored at 65-68% RH. Any higher and they smoke wet and muddy.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Length | Ring Gauge | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Siglo IV | 5.6″ | 46 | Medium to Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Evening smoke, special occasions, showing off a bit |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | 4.9″ | 50 | Medium-Full to Full | 50-65 min | When you want more punch, earthier profile |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | 4.9″ | 50 | Medium | 50-60 min | Daytime smoke, easier on the palate |
| Montecristo No. 2 | 6.1″ | 52 | Medium to Medium-Full | 75-90 min | When you want similar elegance in a torpedo |
Between you and me, the Partagás Serie D No. 4 is probably still my desert island cigar if I could only pick one Cuban. But the Siglo IV occupies a different space. It’s more refined, more elegant – less of a flavor bomb and more of a sophisticated conversation. If the Serie D is a leather jacket and motorcycle boots, the Siglo IV is a well-tailored suit. Both have their place.
What to Drink With It
I’ll be blunt: don’t waste this cigar on cheap rum or gas station beer. It deserves better.
My go-to pairing is a quality aged rum – something like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. The natural sweetness and vanilla notes in aged rum complement that creamy texture beautifully without overwhelming the subtle flavors. If you’re a whiskey person, go for something smooth and not too peaty. A Speyside Scotch like Glenfiddich 18 works wonderfully, or if you’re bourbon-inclined, something wheated like Maker’s Mark.
Coffee is tricky. Espresso can overpower the more delicate notes in the first third, but a cappuccino or Cuban café con leche works surprisingly well, especially if you’re smoking in the morning or early afternoon. And yeah, I know purists say never smoke Cubans before evening, but who made that rule? Not me.
For non-alcoholic options, a quality aged tea – think pu-erh or a rich Assam – can mirror some of those earthy, leathery notes without competing. Just skip the milk.
As for occasions: this is your celebration cigar, your “closed the deal” cigar, your “finally got the kids to bed” cigar. It’s contemplative. I like it after a good dinner when I’ve got an hour to just sit and think about nothing in particular. Beach sunsets work. Mountain cabin porches work. Your backyard after mowing the lawn? Sure, but it might be overkill. Then again, who am I to judge?
What You’re Probably Wondering
How does the Siglo IV compare to other vitolas in the Línea 1492?
Here’s my take after smoking through the entire line more times than I care to admit: the Siglo I and II are too short to really let the blend develop – they’re pleasant but forgettable. The Siglo III is decent, almost made my regular rotation. The IV is where it clicks – enough length for complexity without being a massive time commitment. The V and VI are excellent if you’ve got 90+ minutes to spare, but honestly, I think the IV offers the best balance of flavor development and smoking time. It’s the sweet spot.
Is this cigar too strong for a beginner?
Not gonna lie, I wouldn’t recommend this as your very first Cuban cigar. The strength builds to medium-full in the final third, and if you’re not used to that, you might find yourself feeling lightheaded. That said, if you’ve smoked a dozen or so cigars and handled a Hoyo de Monterrey or Montecristo No. 4 without issues, you’ll be fine. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first and have a sugary drink nearby. Actually, scratch that – have the sugary drink nearby regardless. Better safe than sorry.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Siglo IVs?
Look, I’ve experimented with this extensively because I’m that guy. The sweet spot is 65-68% relative humidity at around 65-68°F. Any higher and they smoke wet – you lose that beautiful creamy texture and get a muddy, muted flavor profile instead. Any lower and the wrapper can crack, plus they burn too hot. I keep mine at 66% and they’re perfect. Also, give them at least a couple weeks to rest after you receive them before smoking. They need time to recover from shipping and adjust to your humidor‘s conditions. The difference between a freshly-arrived Siglo IV and one that’s rested for a month is night and day.
Do these cigars benefit from aging?
Absolutely, but here’s the thing – they’re already excellent right out of the box if they’re from a recent production year. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons between fresh Siglo IVs and five-year-aged ones, and yeah, the aged ones are smoother with more integrated flavors. The cedar notes mellow out, the creaminess intensifies, and you get these honeyed undertones that aren’t as prominent when they’re young. But do you need to age them for five years? No. Will you enjoy them fresh? Yes. If you’ve got the patience and the humidor space, buy a box and smoke one every six months to track the evolution. It’s a fun experiment. I’m probably biased here, but I think 2-3 years of aging is the sweet spot for these.
How can I tell if my Siglo IV is authentic?
Real talk: counterfeits are a real problem with Cohiba, especially with the Siglo line. First, buy from reputable sources only – authorized Habanos dealers or well-established shops with solid reputations. Check the band carefully – the holographic strip should be crisp and clear, not blurry or poorly printed. The box should have a proper warranty seal with a hologram, and the box code should be embossed, not printed. The cigars themselves should have near-perfect construction with no soft spots, uniform color, and that distinctive Cuban tobacco smell – sweet, barnyard-y, with hints of ammonia if they’re fresh. If something seems off, trust your gut. And honestly? If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve seen too many people get burned by fake Cohibas bought from sketchy sources.
What time of day is best for smoking a Siglo IV?
I know the traditional answer is “never before dinner,” but I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t question that rule. Yeah, it builds to medium-full strength, so early morning on an empty stomach is asking for trouble. But late afternoon? Perfect. After a good lunch? Absolutely. My favorite time is around 7 or 8 PM after dinner when I’ve got an hour to just decompress. The flavors really shine when your palate is clean but you’re not hungry. And here’s a weird thing I’ve noticed – they smoke differently depending on the weather. On humid summer evenings, the creaminess is more pronounced. On cool fall nights, the spicy notes come forward. Could be in my head, but I swear it’s true.
Are there any similar cigars that are easier to find?
Look, nothing smokes exactly like a Cohiba because of that third fermentation process they use. But if you’re looking for something in the same elegant, creamy, medium-bodied ballpark, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is more readily available and easier on the wallet. The Montecristo No. 4 is another solid alternative – slightly earthier, but that same refined Cuban character. If you can find them, the H. Upmann Magnum 46 is criminally underrated and delivers similar complexity. None of these are perfect substitutes, but they’ll scratch a similar itch when you can’t get your hands on Siglo IVs. Between you and me, though, it’s worth putting in the effort to source the real thing.
The Bottom Line
So here’s what it comes down to: the Cohiba Siglo IV is everything a premium Cuban cigar should be. It’s complex without being confusing, strong enough to satisfy without knocking you on your ass, and elegant from first puff to last. The construction is typically flawless, the flavor progression is genuine and engaging, and that signature Cohiba creaminess ties everything together beautifully.
Is it perfect? No cigar is perfect every single time – that’s part of what makes this hobby interesting. I’ve had the occasional Siglo IV that was wound too tight or had a wonky burn line. But the hit rate is higher than most Cuban cigars I’ve smoked, and when they’re on, they’re really on.
If you’re looking to treat yourself or you want to understand what the Cohiba mystique is all about, this is your answer. Just make sure you’ve got an hour to spare, a good drink nearby, and nowhere you need to be. This isn’t a cigar you rush through while scrolling your phone. It demands and rewards your attention.
Trust me on this one. After 30 years of smoking Cubans, I know what I’m talking about. The Siglo IV has earned its place in my regular rotation, and I think it’ll earn a place in yours too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got one calling my name from the humidor.
