Description
The weight surprised me first. Heavier than I’d expected, settling into my palm with the kind of substantial presence that makes you pause mid-conversation. The wrapper caught the amber light of the lounge—not the typical golden-brown of most Cuban cigars, but something deeper, like aged leather with hints of mahogany threading through the veins. I found myself turning it slowly, examining the seamless construction before even thinking about the cut. This wasn’t just another smoke; this was the Cohiba Talisman, and even before lighting, it commanded attention.
Released as part of Habanos’ 2017 Edición Limitada series, the Cohiba Talisman represents one of the heftiest Cohibas ever made. At 154mm with a 54 ring gauge, it’s built for those evenings when you want something substantial—a cigar that’ll occupy your attention for the better part of two hours. The anticipation builds from the moment you handle it, knowing this robust habano carries the full weight of Cuba’s most prestigious brand.
A Journey Through Three Distinct Acts
The opening third hits you with authority. Strong cedar notes dominate immediately, backed by rich leather undertones that remind me of well-worn books in an old library. There’s a youthful citrus punch that cuts through—almost aggressive in its brightness, but in the best possible way. It’s full-bodied from the first draw, no gentle introduction here.
As you move into the middle section, the Talisman reveals its complexity. The cedar mellows into sweet and savory territory, with honey notes layering beautifully over an earthy, nutty foundation. Cocoa starts emerging, subtle at first, then building into something richer. Coffee joins the mix—not harsh espresso, but something more like a well-aged Cuban coffee bean.
The final third transforms completely. Dark chocolate bitterness takes center stage, but it’s balanced by notes of English oak that add sophistication rather than overwhelming the palate. Earth tones ground everything, while that subtle nuttiness from the middle third continues as a pleasant undercurrent. By the time you’re reaching the final inch, you understand why this cigar earned its place in the Cohiba Linea.
Construction That Honors the Legacy
Every Cohiba Talisman emerges from the legendary El Laguito factory in Cuba, where the most skilled torcedores craft each cigar by hand. The wrapper quality is impeccable—smooth to the touch with minimal veins, and it burns evenly throughout the entire smoking experience. I’ve never had construction issues with the Talisman, which speaks volumes about the attention to detail.
The draw provides just the right resistance. Not too loose that you lose flavor concentration, not so tight that you’re working for each puff. The ash holds well, forming that coveted white-gray color that indicates proper fermentation and aging. When you’re paying premium prices for a Cuban cigar, these construction details matter enormously.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 154mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Vitola | Robusto Extra (Toro Extra) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
| Weight | 15.64 grams |
Who Should Smoke the Cohiba Talisman
Honestly, this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. The medium to full strength profile requires some experience to fully appreciate, though I’d describe it as surprisingly mellow considering its full-bodied character. If you’re comfortable with cigars like the Cohiba Siglo VI or other robust offerings from the Cohiba Linea, you’ll appreciate the Talisman’s complexity.
It’s perfect for special occasions—celebrations, business dinners, or those rare evenings when you want to treat yourself to something exceptional. The substantial size and lengthy smoking time make it ideal for golf outings, evening conversations on the patio, or any situation where you have two hours to properly enjoy a premium Cuban cigar.
Experienced smokers who appreciate the craftsmanship that comes from Cuba’s tobacco-growing traditions will find the Talisman particularly rewarding. It showcases everything that makes Cuban tobacco legendary—the terroir of the Vuelta Abajo region, the expertise of master blenders, and the heritage of the Cohiba brand.
Perfect Pairings for Enhanced Enjoyment
The Cohiba Talisman pairs beautifully with aged spirits. I’ve had excellent experiences matching it with Havana Club 15-year rum—the sweetness complements those honey notes in the middle third perfectly. For whiskey lovers, try it with Macallan 18 or any well-aged single malt Scotch. The oak notes in both the cigar and whiskey create wonderful harmony.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate pairing the Talisman with Cuban coffee, especially during the final third when those coffee notes emerge naturally. The bitterness plays off each other in unexpected ways. For wine pairings, consider a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or an aged Port—something with enough structure to stand up to the cigar’s complexity.
Port works particularly well with the chocolate notes that develop later in the smoke. I’ve also enjoyed it with aged rum punch or even a well-crafted Old Fashioned. The key is choosing beverages that won’t be overwhelmed by the cigar’s full strength flavor profile.
Proper Storage and Aging Potential
Store your Cohiba Talisman cigars at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F temperature for optimal condition. These parameters prevent the wrapper from cracking while maintaining the tobacco’s essential oils that give the cigar its complex flavors. Proper storage techniques become especially important with premium Cuban cigars like this.
The Talisman has excellent aging potential. I’ve smoked examples with 3-4 years of additional aging, and the flavors become even more integrated and refined. The citrus punch mellows, the chocolate notes deepen, and everything harmonizes beautifully. If you can resist smoking them immediately, consider aging a few for special occasions.
For long-term storage, consider investing in a quality humidor with reliable humidity control. Proper humidor setup ensures your investment in these premium cigars pays off with optimal smoking experiences years down the road.
Cutting and Lighting for Optimal Results
Use a sharp guillotine cutter for the Cohiba Talisman, removing just enough cap to create a clean opening without unraveling the wrapper. The 54 ring gauge gives you plenty of surface area for the cut, so don’t be overly aggressive. I prefer cutting about 2-3mm from the head.
For lighting, take your time with a butane torch or cedar spills. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar slowly to ensure uniform ignition. The substantial tobacco content requires patient lighting—rushing this step will create uneven burn issues that plague the entire smoking experience. Mastering these fundamentals makes all the difference with premium cigars.
Once lit, allow a few minutes between draws. The Talisman’s complexity unfolds best when you’re not rushing the experience. The thick ring gauge retains heat well, so you don’t need to puff frequently to keep it burning.
Authenticating Your Cohiba Talisman
Counterfeit Cohibas flood the market, making authentication crucial for this premium cigar. Genuine Cohiba Talisman cigars feature the distinctive Cohiba band with proper holographic elements and clear, sharp printing. The secondary band should read “Edición Limitada 2017” with consistent font and coloring.
Check the box for proper Habanos seals, correct spelling, and quality construction. The cigars themselves should have flawless wrapper leaves with minimal veins and perfect construction. Any imperfections in rolling or inconsistent band placement suggest counterfeits.
Purchase from reputable dealers who can provide authenticity guarantees. Established retailers with solid reputations typically source directly from authorized distributors, reducing counterfeit risk significantly. When paying premium prices for Cuban cigars, authenticity assurance is worth the extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cohiba Talisman compare to other Cohiba Linea cigars?
The Talisman is among the largest Cohibas ever made, offering more smoking time than classics like the Siglo series. It’s fuller-bodied than most regular production Cohibas but maintains the brand’s signature smoothness and complexity. Think of it as Cohiba’s answer to those who want more substance without sacrificing refinement.
What makes the 2017 Edición Limitada special?
Limited edition releases from Habanos use specially aged tobaccos and often introduce new vitolas not available in regular production. The Talisman showcases tobacco aged longer than standard releases, contributing to its remarkable complexity and balance. Production numbers were limited, making authentic examples increasingly rare and valuable.
Can beginners enjoy the Cohiba Talisman?
While not impossible, I wouldn’t recommend the Talisman for complete beginners. The medium to full strength and complex flavor profile can be overwhelming for inexperienced smokers. Start with milder Cohibas like the Siglo I or II, then work your way up to fuller-bodied offerings like the Talisman.
How long will a Cohiba Talisman stay fresh in proper storage?
With proper humidor storage at 65-70% humidity, Cuban cigars can remain excellent for decades. The Talisman actually improves with age, developing more nuanced flavors over time. I’ve smoked 5-year-old examples that were significantly better than fresh releases, with more integrated flavors and smoother delivery.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Cohiba Talisman?
Given its full strength and substantial size, the Talisman works best as an evening cigar. After dinner, with a substantial meal in your system, provides the ideal setting. The 90-120 minute smoking time also makes it perfect for unhurried evening relaxation rather than quick afternoon breaks.
