Cohiba Siglo VI: Size, Flavor and Place in the Siglo Line

The Cohiba Siglo VI is one of the most recognizable Cuban cigars, and collectors often shorten its name to "Siglo 6". It is the largest-gauge vitola in Cohiba's Siglo range, and the common questions about it concern its size, its flavor and how it differs from the smaller Siglos. This guide answers those questions.

Quick facts

A short history of Cohiba

Habanos describes Cohiba as created in 1966 and made at the El Laguito factory in Havana. The non-Cuban Cohiba sold in the United States (Red Dot, Blue and others) is an unrelated brand that shares the name.

Where the Siglo line comes from

In 1992, Habanos introduced the first sizes of the Línea 1492, a range referencing the voyage of Columbus. Each size carries a Roman numeral, and the original range ran from Siglo I to Siglo V. The Siglo VI came later: Wikipedia gives around 2002 for its addition, although Cigar Aficionado describes the cigar as introduced in 2004, so the exact year varies by source.

In 2009, Habanos presented its first Gran Reserva under the Cohiba brand, and the chosen vitola was the Siglo VI.

Siglo VI size and shape

The Siglo VI measures about 5⅞ inches with a 52 ring gauge, which places it in the toro or robusto extra family of sizes. Its factory name, Cañonazo, translates roughly as "cannon shot". At 52 ring gauge it is the thickest of the six Siglo vitolas.

Flavor profile

Cohiba says its leaves are a "selection of the selection" from the Vuelta Abajo region, and that some of the leaf types receive an additional fermentation. Wikipedia describes a third fermentation in wooden barrels at El Laguito.

Published tasting notes from Cigar Aficionado vary from one vintage to the next. Reviewers have described:

• a floral opening that moves into oak and nuts, including almond and roasted pecan;
• leather, cedar and cocoa in an older review;
• brown sugar, espresso and dried berries, finishing on chocolate in a later one.

Cigar Aficionado has rated the Siglo VI in the low 90s, and one reviewer noted that the blend contains only half a leaf of ligero, so the cigar has body without being overpowering. Another review of the Siglo series called it lighter than the core Cohiba line but "by no means mild". Treat any single description as one smoker's experience, since vintage, age and construction all affect the result.

How the Siglo VI compares with Siglo I through V

The Siglo VI is shorter than the Siglo III and Siglo V but much thicker than all of them. A tubed version of the Siglo VI also exists alongside the standard one, as retailer and Cigar Aficionado listings show.

Storing the Siglo VI

A humidor is the usual home for premium cigars. Cigar Aficionado's executive editor has cited 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent relative humidity as an ideal benchmark, and the magazine also gives looser humidor ranges of about 68 to 70 degrees and 70 to 75 percent humidity. Some makers argue the 70/70 rule does not suit every blend, so adjust to your own cigars.

Because humidity depends on temperature, cooler storage needs higher humidity; Cigar Aficionado notes that about 80 percent would be needed at 55 degrees. A humidor is not a sealed environment, so check the hygrometer periodically.

Smoking notes

The Siglo VI is a 52 ring gauge cigar, so it suits a straight cut or a wide punch. Light the foot evenly and keep a steady, unhurried pace, since a cigar that is puffed too fast tends to run hot. Sip water or coffee alongside it if you like; the choice is personal.

Buying notes

Regulations on importing Cuban cigars differ by country and state, so check your local laws before ordering.