Description
The Cohiba That Demands Your Full Attention
I still remember the first time I smoked a Siglo V. It was 2007 – maybe 2008? – at a friend’s wedding reception in Miami. The groom handed me one with this knowing smile, like he was passing me the keys to something special. He wasn’t wrong. This cigar has a way of making you put down your phone, stop whatever conversation you’re having, and just… pay attention.
The Cohiba Siglo V isn’t just another vitola in the Línea Clásica – it’s what happens when Cuba’s most prestigious brand decides to make a Robusto that actually lives up to the hype. And trust me, I’ve smoked enough overhyped Cubans to know the difference. This one earns its reputation every single time. What you’re about to read isn’t some generic review cobbled together from tasting notes – it’s what I’ve learned from probably two dozen of these over the years, some spectacular, a couple disappointing (yeah, it happens), but most of them absolutely worth every minute of the 60-90 minutes you’ll spend with one.
What Makes the Siglo V Different
Cohiba introduced the Línea Clásica in 2003, and the Siglo V became the big brother of the range almost immediately. Thing is, Cohiba doesn’t mess around with their tobacco selection. Every leaf that goes into these cigars comes from the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis regions of Vuelta Abajo – and not just any tobacco from those regions. We’re talking about the top picks, the stuff that gets two additional fermentations beyond what other Habanos brands use. Does that extra fermentation matter? Oh, you’ll taste it.
This is a cigar for the aficionado who’s graduated past the beginner blends but isn’t trying to prove anything with a massive Churchill. The Siglo V hits that sweet spot – substantial enough to develop complexity, compact enough to smoke without needing to clear your entire afternoon. I smoke these when I want to treat myself but don’t want to commit to a two-hour session. They’re perfect for after a good dinner, during a slow Sunday afternoon, or when you just closed a deal worth celebrating.
Who shouldn’t smoke this? Beginners, honestly. Not because you can’t handle it – the strength is approachable – but because you’d be wasting it. It’s like giving someone their first whiskey and pouring them a 25-year-old single malt. Start with something less nuanced, then come back to the Siglo V when you know what to look for.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Siglo V (Dalías) |
| Length | 6.7 inches / 170 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 43 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo blend) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What Actually Happens
Right off the cold draw, you get this subtle sweetness. Not candy sweet – more like dried fruit, maybe a hint of cocoa. The wrapper on a fresh Siglo V should feel silky, almost oily if it’s been resting properly. I always check the foot before lighting – you should see that perfect triple-cap construction Cohiba is known for.
First third starts creamy. That’s the word that always comes to mind – creamy. There’s cedar there, definitely, but it’s wrapped in this smooth, almost buttery smoke. Some people pick up leather notes right away. I usually don’t get that until later, but every palate’s different. What I DO get is this really clean tobacco flavor, the kind that reminds you why Cuban cigars have their reputation. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing like a freight train. Let it breathe. This isn’t a cigar you rush.
Second third is where things get interesting – and honestly, where the Siglo V separates itself from lesser Robustos. The creaminess doesn’t disappear, but it starts sharing space with earthier notes. Coffee, maybe some nuts, and that leather finally shows up. If you retrohale (and you should, at least once), you’ll catch white pepper that isn’t harsh, just… present. Assertive without being aggressive. The strength builds gradually here. You’ll notice it, but it won’t knock you over. I’ve smoked these on an empty stomach – not recommended, but survivable.
The final third is where I see people either fall in love or get slightly disappointed. Sometimes – not always, but sometimes – Cuban cigars can get harsh or bitter toward the end. The Siglo V usually avoids this, but I’ve had a couple that got a bit tannic in the last inch. When it’s firing on all cylinders though? Man. The flavors concentrate, the earthiness deepens, and you get this wonderful tobacco sweetness that lingers for twenty minutes after you set it down.
Construction-wise, these are solid. I’ve had maybe one or two with draw issues out of the dozens I’ve smoked. The ash builds white and firm – I’ve seen it hold for two inches before I nervously tap it off. And the band? Yeah, it’s iconic. That black and gold Cohiba band is half the reason people buy these, let’s be real. But unlike some cigars that are all marketing, the Siglo V actually backs it up.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Siglo V | Medium-Full | 75-90 min | Special occasions, contemplative smoking |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 50-65 min | Bigger flavors, shorter time commitment |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 60-75 min | Smoother, more approachable alternative |
What to Drink With It
I’m probably biased here, but I think rum is the move with Cohiba. Specifically, aged Cuban rum – a Havana Club 7 or if you’re feeling fancy, a Santiago de Cuba 12. The caramel and vanilla notes play beautifully with that creamy first third. My buddy Carlos swears by pairing these with cognac, and honestly? He’s not wrong. A VS or VSOP Cognac won’t overpower the cigar but adds this whole other dimension.
Coffee works too, especially if you’re smoking one in the morning or early afternoon. Strong espresso, maybe a Cuban coffee if you can get it. The bitterness cuts through the creaminess in a good way. I’ve also had success with a nice añejo tequila – something sipping quality, not the stuff you did shots of in college.
Time and place matter as much as what you’re drinking. I love these after a good steak dinner, or during a quiet evening when I can actually focus on what I’m tasting. They’re wasted at loud parties or when you’re distracted. These deserve your attention, which probably sounds pretentious, but it’s true.
How does the Siglo V compare to other cigars in the Cohiba Línea Clásica?
The Siglo V is the longest vitola in the line at 6.7 inches, which gives it more time to develop complexity than the shorter Siglo I through IV. It’s also got a thinner ring gauge (43) compared to some modern preferences, which means you taste more wrapper influence. I’d say it’s the sweet spot of the range – not too short, not too long, just right for when you want the full Cohiba experience without committing to a massive smoke.
Are Cohiba Siglo V cigars affected by the Cuban cigar shortages?
Real talk – yes, absolutely. The shortages posted in recent years have hit premium Cohibas hard. You’ll see availability fluctuate, and boxes that might have sat on shelves for months a few years ago now move quickly. My advice? When you find authentic ones from a reputable source, don’t hesitate. The situation hasn’t gotten better, and I don’t see it improving anytime soon given the challenges Cuba’s tobacco industry is facing.
How long should I age a Siglo V before smoking?
Honestly? They’re pretty good right out of the box if they’ve been stored properly. But – and this is a big but – they really shine with 2-3 years of rest. I’ve smoked them fresh and I’ve smoked them with five years on them. The aged ones lose some of that occasional harshness and the flavors just meld together better. If you’ve got the patience and the humidor space, buy a box and forget about it for a couple years. Your future self will thank you.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Cohiba Siglo V?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, maybe 66% in the winter when the air is drier. Some people go higher, but I find that Cuban cigars in general smoke better at slightly lower humidity than, say, Nicaraguan puros. Too wet and they get plugged, the burn gets wonky, and you lose some of those delicate flavors. Temperature matters too – try to stay around 65-70°F if you can.
Can you smoke a Siglo V on an empty stomach?
I mean… you can, but should you? Probably not. These build to medium-full strength, and that nicotine will hit you if you haven’t eaten. I’ve done it – not my finest moments. Had one before breakfast once and spent the next twenty minutes sitting down feeling lightheaded. Learn from my mistakes. Have a good meal first, or at least some substantial snacks. Your body will appreciate it.
What makes Cohiba’s tobacco different from other Cuban brands?
The big difference is those two extra fermentations I mentioned earlier. Most Cuban cigars go through one fermentation process. Cohiba adds two more rounds specifically for their filler tobacco. Does it make a measurable difference? Yeah, it smooths out the tobacco and adds this subtle complexity that’s hard to describe but easy to taste once you know what you’re looking for. It’s why Cohibas have that characteristic smoothness even at medium-full strength.
Are there fake Cohiba Siglo V cigars I should watch out for?
Oh man, are there ever. Cohiba is the most counterfeited Cuban brand, period. If the deal seems too good to be true, it absolutely is. Buy from authorized retailers, check the box codes, examine the bands carefully – the hologram should be crisp, the printing sharp. I’ve seen fakes that were pretty convincing at first glance but fell apart under scrutiny. When in doubt, pass. A fake Cohiba is worse than no Cohiba at all.
Final Thoughts From the Humidor
The Cohiba Siglo V isn’t perfect – few cigars are – but it’s one of those vitolas that consistently delivers when you want something special. It’s elegant without being delicate, complex without being confusing, and strong enough to satisfy without overwhelming. If you’re building a humidor of Cuban classics, this deserves a spot.
Yeah, cuban cigar shortages make them harder to find than they used to be. Yeah, there are excellent alternatives that are easier to source. But there’s something about a well-rested Siglo V, properly stored and smoked with intention, that reminds you why you fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place. Grab a few when you can, let them rest, and save them for moments worth remembering.
