Description
The evening shadows were stretching across the terrace, and I found myself reaching for something I hadn’t touched in months. The small dress box had been sitting quietly in my humidor, almost forgotten among the more popular brands. These Siboney Coronas had been waiting patiently, and tonight felt like the perfect time to rediscover what this discontinued brand had to offer.
I’d picked up a box during one of those impulsive cigar shopping sprees, drawn more by curiosity than reputation. Siboney isn’t exactly a household name in the Cuban cigar catalogue, but sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from the regional editions and lesser-known brands that don’t get the same attention as Romeo or Partagás.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 127mm (5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Weight | 5.98g |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba |
Construction and Appearance
The Siboney Coronas arrives with the standard band A that you’ll find across the line, nothing fancy but clean and professional. What struck me first was the wrapper quality – consistently good condition across the box, with a smooth, slightly oily surface that speaks to proper aging. The construction feels solid for such a thin ring gauge, and I’ve rarely encountered any issues with the draw or burn.
The packaging keeps things simple. No cellophane wrapping on individual cigars, just a straightforward dress box presentation. It’s refreshingly unpretentious compared to some of the flashier regional edition presentations we see these days.
When I examine the construction more closely, these cigars show the hallmarks of Cuban craftsmanship without any unnecessary flourishes. The wrapper has that characteristic Cuban sheen, and the cap work is precise. For a discontinued brand, the production quality certainly didn’t suffer in its final years.
Flavor Profile and Experience
First Third
The dry draw reveals very floral notes immediately – this is where Siboney really announces itself as something different. Once lit, the opening third delivers a surprisingly complex introduction. There’s a creamy sweetness that reminds me of fresh tobacco leaves, with subtle hints of cedar and white pepper dancing around the edges.
The thin ring gauge means this cigar heats up quickly if you’re not careful with your pacing. I’ve learned to take my time with these coronas, allowing at least a minute between draws to let the flavors develop properly.
Middle Third
This is where the Siboney Coronas really finds its rhythm. The very aromatic qualities become more pronounced, with the floral notes evolving into something more complex – think dried roses mixed with light leather and a touch of honey. It’s not a powerhouse by any means, but there’s enough character here to keep things interesting.
The burn tends to be quite even through this section, and the ash holds well despite the smaller format. I’ve found that the flavors are most expressive when you’re smoking in cooler weather – hot summer days seem to mute some of the subtlety.
Final Third
The conclusion brings a gentle intensification without becoming harsh. Those floral characteristics that defined the earlier portions give way to slightly earthier tones, with hints of coffee and dark chocolate emerging. It’s a pleasant finish that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Even in the final inches, the Siboney maintains its composure. No bitter notes or harsh finish that sometimes plague thinner cigars as they burn down.
Perfect Pairings
I’ve experimented extensively with drink pairings for these coronas, and honestly, they’re quite versatile. A light Cuban coffee works beautifully – the floral notes in the cigar complement the brightness of a good espresso without competing.
For rum enthusiasts, I’d recommend a aged white rum like Havana Club 3 Year or even a light golden rum. The sweetness plays well with those creamy opening notes. Avoid anything too heavy or aged – it’ll completely overwhelm the cigar’s subtle character.
Wine pairings work surprisingly well too. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a light Pinot Noir can enhance the experience. I’ve particularly enjoyed these cigars with a Spanish Tempranillo during cooler evenings.
Tea drinkers shouldn’t overlook this pairing either. A good Earl Grey or jasmine tea brings out those floral qualities beautifully, especially during afternoon smoking sessions.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Siboney Coronas is perfect for newer cigar enthusiasts who want to explore Cuban cigars without jumping into full-strength territory. Its mild to medium body makes it approachable, while the complexity rewards attention and patience.
I’d also recommend these to experienced smokers looking for a morning or early afternoon smoke. They’re light enough not to overwhelm your palate, but interesting enough to satisfy someone with developed tastes. Perfect for those moments when you want a Cuban experience but don’t have time for a larger format.
Business settings work well with these cigars too. The 30-45 minute smoking time fits nicely into lunch breaks or brief evening relaxation periods. The subtle aroma won’t overwhelm others nearby, making them ideal for social smoking situations.
If you’re someone who appreciates the more nuanced aspects of tobacco – those floral and creamy notes that can get lost in stronger blends – this discontinued brand offers something special that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s market.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
With a 40 ring gauge, you’ll want to be precise with your cut. I prefer a straight cut about 2mm from the cap – any more and you risk unraveling, any less and you’ll restrict the already narrow draw. A sharp cutter is essential here; dull blades will crush the delicate cap construction.
For lighting, take extra care with the thin format. Use a soft flame and toast the foot gently, rotating slowly to ensure even ignition. The smaller surface area means it’s easy to overheat the tobacco, which will kill those delicate floral notes immediately.
Once lit, remember that pacing is everything with coronas tip formats. The thin ring gauge concentrates heat, so longer intervals between draws are crucial. I typically wait 45-60 seconds between puffs, especially during the first third when the flavors are most delicate.
If you’re new to Cuban cigar smoking techniques, these Siboney Coronas actually make excellent practice cigars for developing proper smoking rhythm and temperature control.
Storage and Aging
Like all Cuban cigars, proper storage is critical for maintaining the Siboney’s delicate character. I keep mine at exactly 68-72% relative humidity – any higher and they become too spongy, any lower and those floral notes disappear entirely. Temperature should stay around 65-70°F for optimal aging.
These cigars actually benefit from some additional aging if you can find them in good condition. I’ve smoked examples with 3-5 years of additional humidor time, and the complexity deepens significantly. The very aromatic qualities become more refined, and the overall smoking experience gains elegance.
Because Siboney is discontinued, any boxes you find are essentially finite aging experiments. Proper preservation techniques become even more important when you’re dealing with irreplaceable stock.
For long-term storage, consider separating a few cigars for immediate enjoyment and setting the rest aside for extended aging. The thin vitola means they’ll evolve more quickly than larger formats, so check on them annually to track their development.
Setting Up Your Storage
If you’re new to cigar storage, proper humidor setup is essential for getting the best from these delicate cigars. The investment in good storage pays dividends with premium Cuban tobacco.
Authenticity and Identification
Authenticating Siboney cigars requires attention to the standard band and overall construction quality. The standard band A should be crisp and well-applied, with clean printing and proper alignment. Fake Cuban cigars often show poor band application or printing quality.
Construction consistency across a box is another key indicator. Genuine Siboney Coronas will show uniform size, weight, and wrapper quality. Significant variations within a single box should raise red flags about authenticity.
Purchase source matters enormously with discontinued brands like Siboney. Established retailers with proper provenance are your safest bet. Reputable Cuban cigar dealers will often have detailed information about their Siboney stock, including storage history and acquisition dates.
The wrapper should show that characteristic Cuban tobacco color and texture. Siboney wrappers tend to be relatively light, with good oil content and minimal veining. Machine-made fakes often show obvious construction differences and inferior tobacco quality.
Given that production has ceased, any Siboney cigars you encounter will have some age on them. This actually helps with authentication – properly aged Cuban tobacco develops distinctive characteristics that are difficult to fake convincingly.
The Cuban Heritage
While Siboney may not have the international recognition of Romeo y Julieta or Partagás, it represents an important piece of Cuban cigar history. These cigars come from the same Vuelta Abajo region that produces Cuba’s finest tobacco, benefiting from the same soil and climate conditions that make Cuban cigars legendary.
The brand’s discontinuation makes it a fascinating time capsule of Cuban cigar production techniques. Understanding the Cuban cigar production process helps appreciate what goes into even these lesser-known regional editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Siboney Coronas still in production?
No, Siboney is a discontinued brand. Any cigars available today are remaining stock from previous production runs. This makes them increasingly collectible but also means availability is limited and will continue to decrease over time.
How do Siboney Coronas compare to other Cuban coronas?
Siboney Coronas offer a lighter, more floral profile compared to stronger Cuban coronas formats. They’re milder than most Partagás offerings and less complex than Romeo y Julieta, but they have a unique character that sets them apart. The very aromatic qualities make them distinctive within the Cuban cigar catalogue.
What’s the difference between Coronas Tip No.1, No.2, and No.3?
The main differences are in dimensions and ring gauge. Coronas Tip No.3 (127mm, 40 ring) is the longest, while No.1 and No.2 are both 120mm but differ in ring gauge (41 and 35 respectively). The thinner ring gauges will smoke faster and potentially deliver more concentrated flavors.
How long should I age Siboney Coronas?
Since these are already discontinued, any examples you find will have some age. Additional aging of 2-5 years can enhance the complexity, but they’re perfectly enjoyable fresh. The thinner format means they evolve more quickly than larger vitolas, so monitor their development regularly.
What makes the flavor profile “very floral”?
The floral characteristics come from both the tobacco selection and the curing process. Siboney’s particular blend emphasizes lighter, more aromatic tobacco leaves that naturally express these delicate notes. The dry draw reveals these qualities immediately, and proper smoking technique helps preserve them throughout the experience.
