Description
When Cohiba Decides to Show Off
I’ll never forget the first time I got my hands on a box of these back in 2002. A buddy of mine who works in the distribution side of things called me up – practically giddy – saying Cohiba just released something special for the Edicion Limitada program. The Cohiba Piramides LE 2001. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what Habanos was trying to do with these limited releases. Now, over two decades later? This cigar stands as proof that when Cohiba decides to step outside their regular production lineup, they don’t mess around. The thing is, most people chase after the Behikes or the Siglo VI, but those of us who were smoking Cubans in the early 2000s know – this Piramides was something different entirely.
What Makes This Stick Stand Out
Cohiba doesn’t need much of an introduction. They’re the flagship brand of Habanos S.A., originally created in 1966 for Fidel Castro himself. But the Piramides LE 2001 wasn’t just another addition to their regular lineup – it was part of the very first Edicion Limitada series ever released. Think about that for a second. Before 2001, there was no such thing as a limited edition Habanos program. This cigar helped establish what would become one of the most anticipated annual releases in the Cuban cigar world.
What sets this particular vitola apart is the combination of Cohiba’s legendary tobacco selection – we’re talking leaves from the prestigious Vuelta Abajo region that undergo an extra fermentation process – wrapped in a gorgeous dark wrapper from those special crops. The Piramides format itself, that classic torpedo shape, was already proven with the regular production Cohiba Piramides Extra, but this limited edition took it up several notches. The aged tobacco, the careful selection process – it’s all there.
Who’s this cigar for? Honestly, if you’re the type who appreciates refinement over raw power, if you’ve graduated past the “bigger ring gauge equals better cigar” phase that everyone goes through, this is your jam. It’s not a beginner’s smoke – I wouldn’t waste it on someone who can’t appreciate the nuances – but for the experienced palate looking for that quintessential Cohiba experience in a classic vitola, you’ve found it.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Piramides (Torpedo) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Dark) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Journey Through This Cigar
Right off the bat – and I mean before you even light this thing – the cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s this concentrated cedar note, almost like walking into a proper humidor, mixed with something slightly sweet. Cocoa maybe? It’s subtle though, nothing overwhelming.
Once you get it going, the first third opens up with this beautiful complexity that’s somehow both refined and bold at the same time. You’re getting classic Cohiba notes – that signature creaminess they’re known for – but there’s more depth here than you’d find in, say, a Siglo III. The dark wrapper brings this earthy quality, hints of leather and wood, while underneath there’s this persistent sweetness that keeps things interesting. The construction on these, assuming you’ve got a well-stored example, is typically flawless. That torpedo shape means you’re getting a concentrated smoke right from the pointed cap, and the draw – chef’s kiss – just right.
Middle section is where things get interesting. The strength picks up a bit, moving solidly into medium-full territory, but it never gets aggressive. What I love about this phase is how the flavors layer. You’ve got your base notes of earth and wood, then these waves of coffee, dark chocolate, and occasionally this peppery spice that comes through on the retrohale. Speaking of the retrohale – if you’re not doing it with this cigar, you’re missing half the experience. That’s where you catch those floral notes, almost perfumy, that Cohiba is famous for. The ash at this point should be holding solid, probably an inch and a half before you need to knock it off. Nice and firm, light grey color.
Final third – and this is where aged cigars really shine – everything comes together. The flavors are concentrated but not harsh. You’re getting more of that cedar, mixed with roasted coffee beans, maybe a touch of dark honey sweetness cutting through. Some people find the final third of Cohibas can get a bit strong or hot, but with these Piramides, if you’re pacing yourself properly (and you should be, this isn’t a race), it stays smooth and refined right to the nub. I’ve smoked these down until my fingers were getting uncomfortable, not wanting to let go of the experience.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Piramides LE 2001 | Medium-Full | 90-120 min | Special occasions, experienced smokers seeking refined complexity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 60-90 min | Classic torpedo experience, more accessible strength profile |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium | 75-100 min | Those preferring straight parejo format with Cohiba signature taste |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with everything from single malt scotch to aged rum, and honestly, it’s pretty versatile. My go-to? A good añejo rum – something like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness in the rum plays beautifully against that earthy, refined tobacco character. If you’re a whisky person, go for something with some complexity but not too much peat – maybe a Glenfiddich 18 or even a good bourbon like Blanton’s. The vanilla notes in bourbon actually complement the Cohiba profile surprisingly well.
Coffee works too, but I’d go with a proper espresso, maybe a double shot, rather than a full cup. The concentrated coffee flavors mirror what’s happening in the cigar itself. And timing? This is an evening smoke, full stop. After dinner, when you’ve got nowhere to be for the next two hours. Maybe it’s a Saturday night, maybe you’re celebrating something – or maybe it’s just been a long week and you want to treat yourself. This isn’t your morning coffee break cigar.
How should I store the Cohiba Piramides LE 2001 if I manage to find one?
These cigars are already well-aged, so you don’t need to do anything fancy – just keep them in a stable environment at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. I actually keep mine slightly on the drier side, around 62-63%, because I find aged Cohibas smoke better that way. Don’t overthink it though – just maintain consistency and they’ll be fine for years to come.
Is the 2001 Edicion Limitada significantly different from the regular production Cohiba Piramides Extra?
Absolutely, and anyone who tells you otherwise hasn’t smoked them side by side. The LE 2001 uses darker wrapper leaves from a special harvest and the tobacco gets extra aging before rolling. You’re getting more depth, more concentration of flavors, and honestly just a more refined overall experience. The regular Piramides Extra is excellent in its own right, don’t get me wrong, but this limited edition is playing in a different league.
What strength level should I expect compared to other Cohiba vitolas?
I’d put it above most of the Siglo serie – definitely stronger than a Siglo III or IV, maybe comparable to a Siglo VI but with more complexity. It’s not as full-bodied as some Partagas or Bolivar cigars, but it’s got more oomph than people expect from Cohiba. If you’re comfortable with medium-full cigars from other marcas, you’ll be fine. Just don’t smoke it on an empty stomach your first time.
Are these cigars still smoking well after 20+ years?
If they’ve been stored properly – and that’s a big if – they’re smoking beautifully. I’ve had some from my original 2002 purchase within the last couple years and they’re stunning. The harshness that sometimes shows up in younger Cubans is completely gone, replaced by this smooth, concentrated flavor profile. That said, I’ve also had examples that were stored poorly and they were lifeless and flat. Storage history matters more than age sometimes.
What’s the best way to cut this pyramid shape?
With torpedos and pyramids, I like a straight cut, but just taking off the very tip – maybe 1/8 inch, no more. You want to maintain that tapered shape because it concentrates the smoke. Some people use a V-cut and that works too, but I find you get better flavor concentration with a conservative straight cut. Whatever you do, don’t guillotine half the cap off – you’ll ruin the whole point of the pyramid format.
How does this compare to the later Edicion Limitada releases from Cohiba?
Tough question because there have been some great ones. The Sublimes LE 2004 was fantastic, and the Double Corona LE 2003 had its fans. But there’s something special about this being the first – they were still figuring out what the Edicion Limitada program should be, and I think they put extra care into getting it right. Plus, the aging on these now makes them hard to compare directly to more recent releases. Let’s just say if you can get your hands on both, you won’t be disappointed by either.
Can beginners appreciate this cigar or is it wasted on inexperienced palates?
Real talk? I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners, not because they couldn’t physically smoke it, but because they won’t appreciate what they’re getting. It’s like giving a 19-year-old a glass of 30-year-old scotch – sure, they might enjoy it, but they’re not going to understand what makes it special. Start with regular production Cohibas, work your way through the Siglo serie, smoke some other Cuban brands to develop your palate, then come back to this. You’ll appreciate it so much more.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Piramides LE 2001 represents something that’s increasingly rare in the Cuban cigar world – a limited edition that actually deserves the hype. It’s not just marketing, not just a fancy band and a higher price tag. This is genuinely special tobacco, rolled into a classic vitola, aged beautifully, and delivering an experience that showcases everything Cohiba does best. If you’re serious about Cuban cigars and you get a chance to acquire one of these – assuming it’s been properly stored – don’t hesitate. These aren’t getting any easier to find, and the ones that remain in good condition are genuine treasures. Light one up when you’ve got the time to appreciate it, pair it with something worthy, and enjoy what the Edicion Limitada program was meant to be from the very beginning.
