Cohiba Esplendido
Origin: Cuba
Size: 7.0 X 47
Wrapper: Natural

Casa de Malahato Cuban Cigars Ltd
In 1492, during Columbus' first voyage to the "new world", he visited the island of Cuba. His sailors were introduced to "Cohiba" by the island natives, a bunch of dried leaves that were smoked in a tube shaped pipe made of leaves called a "Tobacco". In 1982, three types of Cohiba Cuban cigars were introduced to non-diplomats: the Lanceros, the Coronas Especiales and the Panatelas. Three more vitoles were added to the brand in 1989: the Espléndidos, the Robustos and the Exquisitos, completing what is known as "La Lú‹ea Clasica". Five more vitoles were added in 1992 creating the "Linea 1492": the Siglo I, II, III, IV and V. Cohiba remains the “King of the CubansE Only the finest tobacco leaves are used to create the various types of Cohiba cigars.

Reviewed by: Al Gennari
Date: October 2005
Notes:

I''ve enjoyed fine cigars for about 15-20 years now. I don't consider myself an "expert", but I can certainly tell a good cigar from a bad one. I purchased a box of 25 Esplendidos from a reliable source from whom I've bought Cubans before, including Romeo y Julietta, Montecristo, and Diplomaticos. Being aware of the number of fake Cohibas out there, I made every effort to ascertain that these were the genuine article. I carefully checked stamps, box construction and marking, wrapper color, "triple cap", the cedar inserts, the bands and decal, and even went as far as to sacrifice one to cut it open and check for proper construction. I was satisfied I had the real thing.

Now for the tasting: I knew that these were a stronger offering, so I waited until after a good meal to try the first one. Almost immediatedly upon lighting up I noticed both draw and uneven burn problems. The initial puffs tasted bitter and harsh, with none of the touted complexities of flavors I've heard so much about. The strength was certainly there, but not the smoothness and satisfaction I've noted in other fine cigars I've smoked.

As I continued smoking, the uneven burning continued and I started noticing some tunneling as well. The ash was mottled gray and rather flaky and did not hold on much beyond 3/4 of an inch before falling off. I found myself having to relight it about 4 times or so.

The cigar did begin to develop somewhat as it got to the middle, but I didn't find it particularly pleasing to my palate. I also think this cigar has a high nicotine content, in that I began noticing a bit of a buzz.

I've smoked some cigars down to where my fingers were almost getting burned and still enjoyed every puff, however this was not the case here. I was almost glad by the time it got down to around 3 inches and I could justify calling it "smoked".

This experience was repeated with 3 more I smoked some days later.

The cigars had been properly kept and were not dry. Perhaps aging may help some here, but I'm inclined to doubt it.

Overall, I was not impressed and expected far more. Based on this experience I'd have to say I find this cigar over-rated and not as good many Dominicans or Hondurans I've had. I got a very good deal on mine, but I certainly would\'t pay premium prices for them.

There is always the possibility I got a hold of a very well executed fake, but I doubt it. Why would a counterfeiter out to make a quick buck go to that much trouble?

I won't be getting these again.