Description
The amber light filtering through the mahogany-paneled lounge cast long shadows across my leather chair as I examined the hefty cylinder resting between my fingers. The weight alone suggested this wasn’t going to be an ordinary evening smoke. This was the Cohiba Siglo VI, a cigar that commands respect before you even think about lighting it.
I’d been saving this particular stick for weeks, waiting for the right moment. Tonight felt perfect – no rushing, no distractions, just me and what many consider the crown jewel of the Cohiba Linea series. The anticipation had been building since I first laid eyes on its impressive 5 7/8-inch length and substantial 52 ring gauge.
As someone who’s smoked countless cigars over the years, I can honestly say the Siglo VI holds a special place in my rotation. It’s not just another smoke – it’s an experience that demands your full attention and rewards patience with complexity that unfolds like a well-orchestrated symphony.
The Flavor Journey: A Tale of Three Acts
The pre-light draw immediately transported me to a cedar-lined humidor. Rich cocoa notes danced on my palate, hinting at the complexity that lay ahead. Once lit, the first third opened with a gentle warmth that spoke of Cuba’s legendary tobacco growing regions.
Coffee and earth dominated the opening act, accompanied by a creamy vanilla sweetness that smoothed out any rough edges. There’s a slight peppery spice that tingles the back of your throat – nothing overwhelming, but enough to remind you that this medium bodied cigar that offers more complexity than its gentler siblings in the Clásica series.
The Second Act: Where Magic Happens
About forty minutes in, something beautiful happened. The flavors began melding together like old friends finding their rhythm. The woody notes became more pronounced, creating a rich foundation for layers of cream and earth that seemed to build with each draw.
What struck me most was the interplay between the spicy, peppery earth and the coffee-leather combination that emerged. Each puff revealed honey-like sweetness in the finish, followed by lingering pepper and spice that made me immediately crave the next draw. This is where the Cohiba Siglo line truly shines – in that magical middle section where everything comes together.
The Final Movement
The last third maintained that woody, creamy, and earthy character I’d grown to love over the past hour. Sure, things got a bit warm toward the very end – that’s just physics with a cigar this robust. But the mouthfeel remained smooth throughout, delivering consistent tobacco flavor right down to the nub.
This powerful cigar never lost its composure, even as I pushed it to its limits. The burn stayed remarkably even, a testament to the masterful construction that comes out of El Laguito Factory.
Construction and Appearance
Rolling this beauty between my fingers, I was immediately impressed by the silky smooth wrapper. The Cuban tobacco leaf showed virtually no veins, with an oily sheen that caught the lounge’s dim lighting perfectly. The color reminded me of milk chocolate – rich and inviting.
The construction felt solid without being overpacked. When I gave it a gentle squeeze, there was just enough give to suggest an easy draw, and I wasn’t disappointed. The cap came off cleanly with my double-blade cutter, revealing perfectly packed filler tobacco.
Every component – wrapper, binder, and filler – comes from Cuba’s legendary tobacco regions, and you can feel that pedigree in your hands. The folks at El Laguito Factory know their craft, and it shows in every aspect of this Robusto Extra vitola.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 5 7/8 inches (150mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Vitola | Robusto Extra (Cañonazo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Cuba |
| Release Year | 2002 |
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Let me be straight with you – this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. If you’re new to smoking Cuban tobacco, start with something from the Clásica series and work your way up. The Siglo VI demands respect and experience to fully appreciate its nuances.
I’d recommend this to the intermediate to advanced aficionado who has at least a year or two of serious cigar smoking under their belt. You need to understand how to manage a full-bodied profile without getting overwhelmed by the nicotine.
This is absolutely a special occasion smoke. I’m talking celebrations, milestones, those quiet evening moments when you want to truly savor something exceptional. It’s not an everyday cigar – both because of the price point and because it deserves your full attention.
For the seasoned cigar aficionado who appreciates Cuban craftsmanship at its finest, the Siglo VI represents everything that makes Cohiba legendary. It’s complex enough to keep you engaged for the full hour and a half, yet refined enough that you’ll want to immediately reach for another.
Perfect Pairings for the Ultimate Experience
After years of experimenting, I’ve found several combinations that truly complement this cigar’s complex profile. My go-to pairing is a well-aged rum – specifically something like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The caramel and vanilla notes in these rums play beautifully with the honey sweetness that emerges in the second third.
For whiskey lovers, I highly recommend a peated Scotch like Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16. The smokiness doesn’t compete with the cigar; instead, it creates this incredible aroma that enhances both experiences. Just small sips – you don’t want to overpower your palate.
Coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook a properly brewed Cuban coffee or a rich espresso. The coffee notes in the cigar create this amazing echo effect that amplifies both the drink and the smoke. I particularly enjoy this pairing during late afternoon sessions.
Wine pairings work too, though they require more finesse. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley or a rich Tempranillo from Spain can stand up to the cigar’s intensity. The key is finding wines with enough tannins to complement rather than clash with the tobacco’s natural oils.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Proper storage is absolutely critical for maintaining the Siglo VI’s complex flavor profile. I keep mine at exactly 65-68% humidity and a steady temperature between 65-70°F. Any higher humidity and you risk developing that musty taste that ruins the delicate balance.
These cigars benefit tremendously from aging. Fresh boxes can sometimes show that slight roughness I mentioned in the first third. Give them six months to a year in your humidor, and they’ll reward you with smoother integration of flavors. I’ve got boxes from 2018 that are absolutely singing right now.
For detailed guidance on preserving your cigar collection, proper humidor setup is essential. Temperature fluctuations are the enemy here – more so than with milder cigars because the complex oils in premium Cuban tobacco are more sensitive to environmental changes.
If you’re serious about aging these, consider investing in a quality humidor with reliable temperature control. Setting up proper humidor conditions will ensure your investment appreciates rather than deteriorates over time.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The Siglo VI’s 52 ring gauge gives you some flexibility in cutting options, but I always go with a straight cut about 2-3mm from the cap. The construction is solid enough that you don’t need to worry about unraveling, and a straight cut gives you the best draw for a cigar this size.
Lighting requires patience – this isn’t a cigar you torch and puff immediately. I use a butane lighter and toast the foot evenly, rotating slowly until I see that orange glow across the entire surface. Then I take my first few puffs gently, letting the tobacco come up to temperature gradually.
The key is not to rush this process. The Siglo VI has enough tobacco that uneven lighting will plague you for the entire smoking experience. Take your time, get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with that perfect burn line that makes cigar smoking such a pleasure.
For comprehensive techniques on enjoying Cuban cigars properly, remember that the lighting ritual is just as important as the smoking itself. This cigar deserves ceremony.
Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits
With a cigar this prestigious, counterfeits are unfortunately common. The most reliable indicator I’ve learned to check is the band’s thin white line – it should be perfectly even and consistent thickness all the way around. Fake bands often show uneven lines with varying thickness that’s immediately noticeable.
Look closely at the band figure itself. On authentic Cohiba bands, the line below the chin should never intersect with the white squares positioned below it. Additionally, the left top corner of the “I” in Cohiba should align perfectly with the square above it. These details are incredibly difficult for counterfeiters to replicate consistently.
The holographic elements on newer bands should show clear, sharp images when tilted under light. Counterfeit holograms often appear blurry or poorly defined. The paper quality of authentic bands feels substantial – not flimsy or cheap.
When in doubt, purchase from reputable dealers who can provide authenticity guarantees. Established Cuban cigar specialists understand the importance of authenticity and stake their reputation on providing genuine products.
Understanding authentic Cuban cigar production helps you appreciate why genuine articles command premium prices. The craftsmanship and tradition behind each authentic Cohiba simply cannot be replicated by counterfeit operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the Cohiba Siglo VI compared to other Cuban cigars?
The Siglo VI sits firmly in the medium to full-bodied category. It’s definitely stronger than anything in Cohiba’s Clásica line, but not as intense as brands like Partagás Serie P or Bolivar. I’d place it right in that sweet spot where experienced smokers can appreciate the complexity without being overwhelmed by nicotine strength.
Is this cigar worth the premium price?
Absolutely, but with caveats. You’re paying for exceptional construction, complex flavor development, and the prestige of the Cohiba name. However, this isn’t an everyday smoke for most people. Think of it as the equivalent of a fine wine – something you savor on special occasions rather than consume casually.
How does the Siglo VI compare to other cigars in the Siglo line?
The VI is the largest and most complex of the Siglo series. While the smaller Siglos offer similar flavor profiles, the VI’s size allows for more flavor development and a longer, more contemplative smoking experience. The nice pepper and spice notes are more pronounced here than in the shorter vitolas.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Siglo VI?
I prefer late afternoon or evening for this cigar. It’s substantial enough that smoking it first thing in the morning might be overwhelming. The complexity really shines when you can dedicate 90 minutes to fully appreciate the experience without rushing. Weekend afternoons are perfect.
How should I prepare my palate before smoking this cigar?
Avoid strong flavors for at least an hour beforehand – no spicy foods, coffee, or alcohol that might interfere with your taste buds. I usually rinse with plain water and maybe have a light snack like crackers to neutralize my palate. The goal is to let the cigar’s natural flavors take center stage without competition.
