Description
A Moment Suspended in Time
The late afternoon sun filters through the old plantation shutters as I settle into the weathered leather chair. There’s something about these quiet hours before dusk that calls for reflection—and for reaching into the humidor’s deeper recesses where forgotten treasures sleep. Today, it’s a Siboney Coronas that catches my eye, one of those rare finds from Cuba’s experimental years.
I’ll be honest—most people have never heard of Siboney. It wasn’t Cohiba or Romeo making headlines. But there’s beauty in discovering what the masters created when they thought nobody was watching. The 1980s and early 1990s were fascinating times for Cuban cigars, with smaller brands exploring new territories before market forces decided their fate.
As I examine this particular specimen—a discontinued brand that speaks to Cuba’s willingness to innovate—I’m reminded why collectors hunt for these gems. This isn’t just tobacco wrapped in leaf; it’s a piece of cigar history that most will never experience.
The Flavor Journey: Three Acts of a Forgotten Drama
Since detailed tasting notes for Siboney Coronas aren’t widely documented due to their limited production run and discontinuation in 1996, I can only share what scattered experiences exist from those fortunate enough to encounter them during their brief commercial life.
From the few accounts I’ve gathered, the opening draws revealed a surprisingly gentle introduction. The dry draw are very floral, offering hints of what’s to come without overwhelming the palate. It’s not the bold Cuban punch you might expect—instead, there’s a subtlety that suggests these blends were crafted for a different kind of smoker.
The middle third apparently developed more complexity, though specific flavor notes remain elusive. What’s clear is that Siboney aimed for something distinct from their more famous Cuban cousins. The very aromatic qualities that defined the brand suggest a focus on nuanced tobacco character rather than strength.
As for the final third, well, that’s where the mystery deepens. With so few detailed reviews available, each encounter with a surviving Siboney becomes an archaeological expedition into Cuba’s experimental past.
Construction and Craftsmanship
What I can tell you definitively is that these were handmade cigars that came in three specific variants, each with its own character. The attention to Cuban manufacturing standards was evident—these weren’t rushed products despite their eventual commercial struggles.
The standard band A adorned each cigar, a simple but dignified identifier that marked them as legitimate Cuban production. The dress box presentation of 25 cigars showed that Siboney was positioned as a premium offering, not a budget alternative.
The construction quality, from what collectors report, maintained Cuba’s reputation for solid craftsmanship. These weren’t the cigars that failed due to poor manufacturing—their discontinuation came down to market forces and brand positioning rather than quality issues.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Tip No.1 | Tip No.2 | Tip No.3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 120mm (4¾”) | 120mm (4¾”) | 127mm (5″) |
| Ring Gauge | 41 | 35 | 40 |
| Weight | 5.50g | 3.97g | 5.98g |
| Strength | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1996 | ||
Who Should Seek Out Siboney Coronas
Here’s the reality: if you’re new to Cuban cigars, Siboney shouldn’t be your starting point. These are for collectors, historians, and experienced smokers who appreciate rarity over reputation.
I’d recommend them for cigar enthusiasts who’ve already explored the major Cuban brands and want to understand the broader story of edition cigars from Cuba’s experimental periods. If you’re someone who gets excited about finding a bottle of discontinued whiskey or a rare vintage wine, then hunting for Siboney makes sense.
These cigars are also perfect for those quiet moments when you want something that few others have experienced. There’s a certain satisfaction in smoking a piece of history that didn’t make it into today’s catalogue of available brands.
For special occasions where conversation matters more than bold flavor, a Siboney can be an excellent choice. They’re conversation starters, not palate dominators.
Perfect Occasions
I’ve found these work best during contemplative smoking sessions. Early morning on the porch with coffee. Late evening after a good meal when you want something unique but not overwhelming. They’re also excellent for sharing with fellow collectors who appreciate the story behind the smoke.
Pairing Recommendations
Since specific pairing notes aren’t well documented for Siboney, I’d suggest treating them like other mild to medium Cuban cigars from that era. The floral characteristics point toward lighter accompaniments.
For spirits, I’d lean toward aged Cuban rum—something like Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba 20. The sweetness and complexity would complement without overpowering. If whiskey’s your preference, try a Highland Scotch like Glenlivet 18 rather than something peaty or aggressive.
Coffee works beautifully, especially Cuban varieties or medium roast Central American beans. The aromatic qualities of Siboney seem to pair naturally with similar complexity in coffee.
Wine lovers might consider a well-aged Rioja or a mature Burgundian Pinot Noir. Something with earthiness and subtle fruit notes rather than bold tannins.
My Personal Preference
Honestly, I think these shine best with a good book and minimal distractions. Let the rarity speak for itself without competing flavors. Sometimes the best pairing is simply appreciation for what you’re experiencing.
Storage and Care
Standard Cuban cigar storage applies here, but with extra attention to detail since you’re dealing with discontinued stock that may already have some age on it. I maintain my humidor at exactly 70% relative humidity and 70°F (21°C), but I’m even more careful with rare cigars like Siboney.
The relatively light weights of these cigars—ranging from 3.97g to 5.98g depending on the variant—mean they’re more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than heavier coronas. I check my hygrometer weekly and make adjustments immediately if needed.
For proven preservation techniques, the key is consistency. Avoid the temptation to frequently handle these rare finds. Each time you remove them from stable conditions, you’re risking damage to aged tobacco that can’t be replaced.
If you’re lucky enough to have a box of Siboney Coronas, consider the aging potential carefully. These weren’t designed for decades of storage like some premium lines, but they can certainly benefit from proper humidor conditions. I’ve noticed that Cuban cigars from this era often improve with a few months of stable storage after acquisition.
Long-term Considerations
Given their discontinued status, every Siboney you smoke is one fewer in existence. Consider saving special specimens for truly meaningful occasions. I keep detailed notes on condition and appearance changes over time—it’s fascinating to track how these rare cigars evolve.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
With thinner ring gauges across all three variants, Siboney Coronas require a gentler approach than thick regional favorites like Churchill sizes. I prefer a straight cut rather than a punch, giving me better control over the draw with these smaller formats.
The Tip No.2 with its 35 ring gauge is particularly delicate. Use sharp cutters and make clean, decisive cuts. Ragged cuts on thin cigars can unravel quickly, and you don’t want to waste a rare find due to poor technique.
For lighting, I take extra time with the foot. These older Cuban tobaccos deserve respect, and rushing the light can create bitter flavors that mask whatever subtle characteristics remain. Mastering proper technique becomes crucial when you’re dealing with irreplaceable cigars.
Toast the foot gently, rotating to ensure even heating. With Siboney’s reported floral characteristics, harsh lighting can overwhelm the delicate opening notes you’re specifically seeking.
Draw Considerations
If you encounter draw issues, resist the urge to use draw tools aggressively. These cigars are historical artifacts as much as smokable tobacco. A tight draw might be characteristic of the original construction or aging effects. Accept it as part of the experience rather than risk damaging something you can’t replace.
Authentication and Avoiding Counterfeits
Here’s some good news: counterfeiting discontinued, unsuccessful Cuban brands rarely makes economic sense. Most fake Cuban cigars target popular brands like Partagás or Cohiba where there’s steady demand. Siboney’s limited recognition makes it an unlikely target for counterfeiters.
Still, basic authentication principles apply. Authentic Siboney Coronas featured standard band A and came in dress boxes of 25. The specific weights I mentioned earlier—5.50g, 3.97g, and 5.98g for the respective variants—are useful reference points if you have a precise scale.
Check for handmade construction quality typical of Cuban production standards. Machine-made substitutes or non-Cuban origins would be obvious red flags. The tobacco should show proper aging characteristics if the cigar has been stored correctly since the 1990s.
Documentation Challenges
The biggest authentication challenge isn’t spotting fakes—it’s finding reliable documentation. Siboney’s brief commercial run means fewer reference materials exist compared to established brands. When in doubt, consult experienced Cuban cigar collectors or reputable dealers who specialize in discontinued lines.
Any surviving original packaging or cellophane from the era adds authenticity value, though many collectors have long since removed such materials for proper storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Siboney brand discontinued?
Siboney wasn’t commercially successful during its 1980s-1990s production run. Cuban cigar production focuses resources on profitable brands, and Siboney simply couldn’t compete with established names. Market forces, not quality issues, led to its discontinuation in 1996.
How rare are Siboney Coronas today?
Extremely rare. With limited original production and over 25 years since discontinuation, finding authentic Siboney Coronas requires patience and luck. Most surviving examples are in private collections rather than retail channels.
Are there any plans to revive the Siboney brand?
No official announcements exist regarding Siboney’s revival. Cuba focuses on maintaining and expanding successful current brands rather than resurrecting discontinued ones. The Siboney name and blend specifications remain historical artifacts.
What’s the difference between the three Tip variants?
The variants differ primarily in dimensions and weight. Tip No.1 (41 ring gauge, 5.50g) was the thickest, Tip No.2 (35 ring gauge, 3.97g) the thinnest, and Tip No.3 (40 ring gauge, 5.98g) the longest at 5 inches. Flavor differences, if any, aren’t well documented.
How should I value Siboney Coronas for collection purposes?
Rarity drives value more than smoking quality for Siboney. Condition, authenticity verification, and original packaging significantly impact collector value. Consult specialized Cuban cigar auction results and collector forums for current market pricing, as these don’t follow standard retail cigar valuations.
The story of Siboney reminds us that not every Cuban experiment succeeded commercially, but that doesn’t diminish their historical significance. In a world of predictable cigar choices, sometimes the discontinued paths offer the most interesting journeys. For those fortunate enough to encounter authentic Siboney Coronas, you’re not just smoking tobacco—you’re experiencing a brief chapter in Cuba’s rich cigar heritage that time has nearly forgotten.
