Description
The amber evening light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Club Havana in London’s Mayfair district. I’d just closed a particularly challenging deal, and my host insisted we celebrate properly with something from their premium Cuban selection. The sommelier disappeared into their walk-in humidor and returned with a gleaming mahogany box, presenting what would become one of my most memorable smoking experiences.
That introduction to the world of premium Cohiba cigars happened three years ago, but I still remember every detail of that first encounter with the Siglo V. The way it felt substantial yet refined in my fingers. How the first draw transported me somewhere between a Havana tobacco farm and a gentleman’s library.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 170mm (6¾ inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 43 |
| Shape | Lonsdale (Dalias) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba (Habanos S.A.) |
Construction and Appearance
The moment you handle an authentic Siglo V, you understand why Cohiba commands such reverence among aficionados. The wrapper leaf displays that distinctive oily Colorado coloration – a medium brown canvas with subtle reddish undertones that catch the light beautifully. Light veins trace across the surface like delicate brushstrokes, but they’re minimal and perfectly integrated.
What strikes me most is the generous filling. There’s a satisfying weight to each cigar that speaks to careful construction, yet the draw remains deliberately tight – exactly as intended for the slow, contemplative burn this vitola deserves. The craftsmanship from the Cuban plantations to the final rolling shows in every detail, from the seamless wrapper application to the perfectly formed cap.
Since 2014, authentic Siglo V cigars feature hologram bands – a crucial detail given the unfortunate reality of Cuban cigar shortages driving counterfeit production. The band itself is a work of art, with gold and yellow accents that complement the wrapper’s natural tones.
Flavor Profile: A Journey in Three Acts
Opening Third: Sweet Sophistication
The cold draw offers the first glimpse of what’s to come. Rich chocolate mingles with subtle mocha undertones, while floral notes dance around hints of sweet tobacco and toasted nuts. There’s an almost incense-like quality to the aroma that speaks to the careful aging process.
Once lit, those initial flavors bloom magnificently. The chocolate becomes more pronounced, accompanied by genuine anise sweetness and delicate wood notes. A whisper of white pepper appears on the retrohale – just enough to add complexity without overwhelming the refined character. Honestly, this opening act alone justifies the premium price point.
Second Third: Earthy Evolution
As you progress, the flavor profile undergoes a beautiful transformation. Earthy undertones emerge alongside rich leather notes, creating a more complex foundation while those beloved chocolate and mocha flavors persist. It’s like watching a master painter add depth to an already beautiful canvas.
The sweetness doesn’t disappear – it evolves. The chocolate becomes darker, more sophisticated, while the wood notes develop into something closer to aged cedar. This is where the Siglo V truly shines, offering the kind of balanced complexity that separates great cigars from merely good ones.
Final Third: Bold Conclusion
The finale introduces mild black pepper notes that add welcome intensity without compromising the cigar’s elegant character. Rich espresso undertones emerge, creating a coffee-house atmosphere that pairs beautifully with the darkening chocolate flavors. Some detect hints of bitter cocoa and damp earth – flavors that speak to the Vuelta Abajo region’s distinctive terroir.
Throughout all three stages, the Siglo V maintains remarkable consistency. The burn stays even, the draw remains perfectly controlled, and those massive plumes of smoke carry each flavor note with precision.
Perfect Pairings
The Siglo V’s refined profile opens up beautiful pairing possibilities. I’ve found that aged rum works magnificently – try a 15-year Zacapa or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The rum’s caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar’s chocolate undertones without competing.
For whiskey lovers, a smooth bourbon like Blanton’s or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked enhances the wood and vanilla flavors beautifully. The Kentucky character mentioned in classic reviews makes perfect sense when you experience this combination firsthand.
Coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook espresso pairings, especially in the final third when those rich coffee notes emerge naturally from the tobacco. A well-prepared Cuban coffee or a smooth Colombian single-origin creates harmony rather than conflict.
Wine presents interesting opportunities too. A vintage port or aged Madeira brings out the cigar’s sweeter elements, while a well-aged Spanish Rioja can highlight the leather and earthy components that develop in the second and third acts.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Siglo V occupies a sweet spot that makes it accessible to developing aficionados while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced smokers. If you’re comfortable with medium-strength cigars and appreciate refined, evolving flavors over bold intensity, this belongs in your rotation.
I’d particularly recommend it for business celebrations, quiet evenings with good company, or those moments when you want to truly savor the smoking experience. The 90-minute commitment isn’t something you rush through during a quick break – it’s an event in itself.
New Cuban cigar enthusiasts often ask me for a “gateway” to premium Cohibas. The Siglo V fits that role perfectly. It’s approachable enough not to overwhelm, yet sophisticated enough to demonstrate why Cuban tobacco commands such respect globally.
Cutting and Lighting
Given the 43 ring gauge, a straight cut works beautifully – just remove about 1/16 inch of the cap to preserve the wrapper integrity. I prefer a sharp double-blade cutter for clean, precise results that won’t damage the carefully constructed head.
For lighting, take your time with a butane torch or cedar spills. Toast the foot evenly while rotating the cigar, then draw gently while continuing to apply flame around the circumference. The deliberately tight construction means you’ll need patience during the lighting process, but this ensures the even burn that makes the flavor progression so rewarding.
Avoid rushing this stage. The first few puffs set the tone for your entire smoking experience, and the Siglo V rewards careful attention to these details with superior performance throughout.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage techniques are crucial for maintaining the Siglo V’s exceptional quality. Maintain your humidor between 65-72% relative humidity with temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C). I’ve found that 68% humidity and 68°F temperature create ideal conditions for these cigars.
The aging potential is remarkable – properly stored Siglo V cigars improve significantly over 5-10 years. The flavors become more integrated, the chocolate and coffee notes deepen, and that elegant harmony reaches new heights. Setting up proper humidor conditions becomes an investment in your smoking future.
Given current Cuban cigar shortages affecting global availability, many collectors are aging larger quantities of premium Cohibas. If you’re considering this approach, ensure your humidor maintains consistent conditions and check on your cigars quarterly.
Authenticity: Spotting the Real Deal
Unfortunately, the combination of premium pricing and Cuban cigar shortages has created a thriving counterfeit market. Here’s how to protect your investment:
Authentic Siglo V cigars feature hologram bands (added after 2014), so any cigar claiming to be from recent production without this feature raises immediate red flags. The wrapper should display that distinctive oily Colorado coloration with minimal, well-integrated veins.
Construction tells the story immediately. Genuine articles feel substantial due to generous filling, but maintain that deliberately tight draw. Counterfeits often feel either too loose (poor filling) or impossibly tight (amateur construction).
Packaging provides additional clues. Authentic Siglo V cigars come in 25-count boxes, cabinets of 25, or tubos in boxes of 15 arranged as 5×3 packs. The box itself should display proper Habanos S.A. markings, holographic seals, and consistent typography.
Most importantly, purchase from authorized dealers who can verify provenance. The savings from questionable sources never justify the disappointment of counterfeit cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Siglo V compare to other cigars in the Cohiba Siglo line?
The Siglo V sits in the middle of the strength spectrum within the 1492 commemorative line. It offers more complexity than the Siglo I or II, but remains more approachable than the fuller-bodied Siglo VI. The Lonsdale format provides an ideal canvas for the flavor development that makes this particular vitola special.
Why are Cuban cigar shortages affecting Siglo V availability?
Multiple factors contribute to current shortages, including increased global demand, production challenges in Cuba, and supply chain disruptions. The Cohiba brand, being premium-positioned, faces particular pressure as collectors and aficionados compete for limited releases. This makes finding authentic Siglo V cigars more challenging and expensive than in previous years.
Can beginners enjoy the Siglo V, or should they start elsewhere?
While I wouldn’t recommend it as someone’s first cigar ever, the Siglo V makes an excellent choice for beginners who’ve enjoyed milder cigars and want to explore premium Cuban tobacco. The medium strength won’t overwhelm newcomers, and the refined flavors provide an excellent education in what great cigars can offer.
What’s the ideal smoking pace for maximum flavor enjoyment?
Take slow, deliberate puffs – about one per minute. The tight construction and quality tobacco reward patience with better flavor development and cooler smoke. Rushing through a Siglo V wastes both money and the opportunity to experience its evolving character. Proper smoking technique becomes especially important with premium cigars like this.
How long can I age Siglo V cigars before they peak?
In my experience, Siglo V cigars hit their stride around 3-5 years of proper aging, though they continue improving up to 10 years. The chocolate and coffee notes become more integrated, while the overall smoking experience grows smoother and more refined. Beyond 10 years, you risk diminishing returns unless storage conditions remain absolutely perfect.
