Description
Why the Siglo VI Deserves Its Reputation
I remember the first time I properly smoked a Cohiba Siglo VI – and I say “properly” because my first attempt was rushed, outdoors in Miami humidity, completely wrong conditions. The second time? That was at a private lounge in Vegas during a weekend trip with some buddies from my cigar club. We’d just finished dinner, settled into leather chairs with some aged rum, and I gave this cigar the attention it actually demands. That experience stuck with me because it’s when I understood what all the fuss was about with the Cohiba Linea 1492 release list. This isn’t just another Cuban cigar – though yeah, that sounds like marketing talk. Thing is, after smoking Cubans for nearly three decades, I can tell you the Siglo VI occupies a special spot in Cohiba’s lineup that makes sense once you light it up.
What Makes This Particular Cohiba Different
Cohiba’s history is intertwined with Cuba’s revolutionary period – these were Fidel’s personal smokes before becoming commercially available in 1982. The Linea 1492 series, which includes the Siglo VI, came later in 1992 to commemorate Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. I know, controversial anniversary to celebrate, but that’s the history.
The Siglo VI sits at the top of that Linea 1492 range. It’s the biggest ring gauge in the Siglo lineup, and honestly? It smokes different than its siblings. Where the Siglo I through V lean more refined and elegant, the VI has this presence to it. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region – which you probably already know if you’re reading this – but Cohiba gets first pick from those farms. They use only the top two leaves from shade-grown plants, then age them twice. Does that make it twice as good? Not exactly how tobacco works, but it does create something distinct.
This cigar is for the smoker who has time. Not the “I’ve got 45 minutes before my next meeting” smoker. The person who blocks off an evening, maybe after dinner when everyone else has gone to bed, or on a Saturday afternoon with nowhere to be. You need patience for this one, and if you bring it, the Siglo VI rewards that investment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Cañonazo (Toro) |
| Length | 5.9 inches / 150 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Experience From Light to Nub
Right out of the tube – because yeah, these come in aluminum tubes which some purists complain about but I actually appreciate for travel – the wrapper has this silky feel. Almost oily, but not in a bad way. The pre-light draw gives you hay and a subtle sweetness, maybe honey? Some cedar undertones. Nothing aggressive.
That first third after you toast the foot properly (and please, take your time with this step) opens with cream and nuts. Cashew specifically, not the generic “nutty” descriptor you see in every review. There’s white pepper on the retrohale if you’re into that – I am, though it took me years to train myself to retrohale without looking like I was having a medical emergency. The burn line stays pretty even if you’re not smoking it in wind, and the ash holds for a solid inch before you need to tap it. That ash is light gray, which tells you the combustion is running clean.
Second third is where things get interesting – and honestly where some cigars fall apart but this one doesn’t. The creaminess from the first third starts picking up leather notes, and there’s this coffee bean flavor that develops. Not espresso, more like medium roast coffee. Actually, scratch that – it’s more like the smell of coffee beans when you first open the bag, before brewing. The strength ticks up here too, moving from medium into medium-full territory. I’ve had friends who mostly smoke Connecticut shade cigars try this and they needed to slow down in this section or they got lightheaded. The nicotine is real but manageable if you’ve eaten something.
Final third – some reviewers say this is where Cuban cigars get harsh or tarry. I haven’t found that with properly aged Siglo VIs, though I’ll admit if you smoke it too fast you might get some heat. The flavors concentrate: dark chocolate, espresso now instead of coffee beans, and this earthy quality that reminds me of wet tobacco leaves in a curing barn I toured once in Pinar del Río. There’s still enough creaminess to balance everything. The pepper kicks up again if you push the retrohale. I typically smoke this down to about an inch and a half before calling it – you can go further but diminishing returns at that point.
Construction-wise, I’ve had maybe one or two duds out of dozens of these over the years. Touch-ups needed occasionally but nothing dramatic. The draw is usually perfect – 7 out of 10 resistance if we’re scoring it. Smoke production is generous without being obnoxious.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium-Full | 90-120 min | Evening relaxation, special occasions |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Post-dinner smoke, less time commitment |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-70 min | Bolder palate, hearty meal pairing |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this with everything from Cuban coffee (too much caffeine, don’t recommend unless it’s morning) to single malt scotch. My go-to? Either a good añejo rum – specifically something like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23 – or an aged Spanish brandy like Cardenal Mendoza. The rum’s caramel notes play beautifully with that creamy first third, while the brandy complements the leather and coffee in the second act.
If you’re a whiskey person, go for something sherried. A GlenDronach 18 or Glenfarclas 17 would work. Avoid the super peaty Islay malts – they’ll compete with the cigar rather than complement it. Wine drinkers might try a vintage port or a full-bodied Rioja, though honestly I think spirits work better here.
Timing matters too – this is definitively an after-dinner cigar. Smoking it on an empty stomach is asking for trouble given the nicotine content. Late evening, maybe 8 PM or later, when you’ve finished eating and you’re ready to slow down your day. Weekend afternoons work too if you’re the type who does long lunches.
How long should I age a Cohiba Siglo VI before smoking it?
If you’re buying from a reputable source, they should already have some age on them – Cuba doesn’t release these fresh. That said, I’d give them at least 6 months in your humidor to recover from shipping and stabilize. A year or two makes them noticeably smoother. I’ve smoked some with 5+ years on them and they were phenomenal, though you start losing some of that vibrant pepper at that point.
What humidity level should I store these at?
I keep my Cohibas at 65% relative humidity, maybe 66%. Higher than that and they can get spongy, burn poorly. Lower and they dry out, smoke too hot. Temperature matters too – aim for around 65-70°F if you can control it. Avoid those wild fluctuations that happen if your humidor is near a window or AC vent.
Is the Siglo VI stronger than other cigars in the Cohiba Siglo range?
Yeah, it’s the strongest of the bunch, though “strong” is relative. It’s not a Partagás or Bolivar powerhouse. The larger ring gauge means more filler tobacco, which translates to more body and nicotine. If you’re used to Siglo IIs or IIIs, step up gradually. Don’t jump straight to the VI on an empty stomach unless you enjoy feeling woozy.
Why do some Siglo VIs taste different from others?
Cuban cigars have variation – that’s just reality. Different harvest years, different rollers, how they were stored before you got them. If you’re buying from SoloCigars or other trusted sources, you’re getting authentic Cuban product, but Mother Nature doesn’t produce identical tobacco leaves. This is why I buy boxes of five or ten rather than singles – you get a more consistent experience from the same box.
Can beginners smoke a Cohiba Siglo VI, or is it too advanced?
Can they? Sure. Should they? Probably not as their first Cuban. The Siglo VI is too much cigar – literally and figuratively – for someone new to cigars. Start with something milder and shorter, maybe a Montecristo No. 4 or even a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. Build up your palate and your ability to recognize flavors. Come back to the Siglo VI when you’ve got some experience under your belt and you’ll appreciate it more.
How does the Siglo VI compare to the Cohiba Behike line?
The Behike is more expensive and uses an extra leaf called medio tiempo in the blend, which adds strength and complexity. Is it “better”? Depends on what you value. The Behike is rarer, more exclusive, definitely smoother. But the Siglo VI holds its own – it’s got character and doesn’t feel like you’re smoking your mortgage payment. I’d take a box of Siglo VIs over two or three Behikes any day, purely from a practical standpoint. For special occasions though? Behike wins.
What’s the best way to cut a Siglo VI?
I use a straight guillotine cut, taking off just enough to open the cap – maybe 1/16th of an inch. Some people prefer a V-cut or punch with larger ring gauges like this, and that’s fine if it works for you. Just don’t use a cheap cutter. A dull blade will tear the wrapper, and you’ll spend the first inch watching it unravel while cursing yourself. Invest in a good Xikar or Palio cutter.
Final Thoughts on This Particular Cuban
The Cohiba Siglo VI isn’t a daily cigar for most people – it demands too much time and attention for that. But for those evenings when you want something substantial, something with enough complexity to keep you interested for two hours, this delivers. It’s become one of those cigars I keep a box of in my humidor specifically for when friends visit who actually appreciate Cuban tobacco, or when I’ve had a particularly good week and feel like treating myself.
If you’re already familiar with the Cohiba Linea and you’ve worked your way through the Siglo I through V, the VI is the natural progression. If you’re new to the brand entirely, maybe work your way up to this one – but definitely put it on your list. Check what SoloCigars has available and grab a five-pack to see if this matches your palate. Worst case scenario, you’re out an evening and you learned something about your preferences. Best case? You found your new special occasion smoke.
Just remember: proper humidity, proper rest time after shipping, proper lighting technique, and most importantly – block off the evening. Don’t rush this one.
