This afternoon, I’m excited to share a new cigar review with all of you. Today, I’m diving into the experience of the Cohiba Siglo II, which I recently received. It’s a beautiful day and I’m set up outside, ready to explore what this renowned Cuban cigar has to offer. I’ve tried a lot of Cuban cigars in the past, but this one stands out as something smooth and special.
If you’re new to cigars, don’t jump straight into a Cuban like the Cohiba. I made that mistake when I first started, thinking I could handle it. Instead, try something milder to begin with.
As I smoke this Siglo II, I can finally taste more than just the basic flavors I knew before. It’s been a lovely experience to take in the coffee and chocolate notes that were once elusive to my rookie palate. I’m enjoying the rich sensation of this cigar and it’s truly a delightful stick.
Key Takeaways
- The Cohiba Siglo II is a smooth and special Cuban cigar.
- Beginners should start with milder cigars before trying Cubans.
- The Siglo II offers rich coffee and chocolate notes.
Thoughts on Cohiba Siglo II
Initial Checks
I’ve looked closely at the Cohiba Siglo II to make sure it’s the real deal, and I’m happy to say it’s a legit one. It stands out as the genuine item, especially when compared to my earlier encounters with potentially fake cigars. The whole process of checking felt right, and I’m confident in its authenticity.
First Reactions
Lighting up the Cohiba Siglo II felt special. It’s a classic Cuban, strong and rich from the start. Unlike other brands, this cigar had a punchy start, hitting right at the throat. Comparing it to past experiences, it’s definitely smoother, especially when I think about the times I’ve tried other Cuban cigars. It’s a cigar I felt excited to try, given its reputation and the elegance of the Cohiba brand.
Taste Experience
The taste was quite impressive. At first, it had the usual Cuban flavors like hay and earthy tones. Yet, halfway through, a wave of chocolate and coffee took over, making it one of the sweetest Cubans I’ve tasted. I started to feel like my taste buds had leveled up. It was a lovely surprise, and being able to taste beyond the usual was rewarding. I really enjoyed this experience with the Cohiba Siglo II and found it amazing how flavorful it was compared to typical Cuban cigars.
Advice for New Cigar Fans
Picking Your First Cigar
When you’re just starting, it might be tempting to jump straight into trying a Cuban cigar. Trust me, I know the reputation they have. They’re like the fancy cars everyone wants to drive. But starting with something too strong can be overwhelming. Instead, try a smoother option like a Dominican cigar. You can find brands with gentler flavors that won’t knock your socks off right away. Something with a light, gentle taste will ease you in.
Words of Caution
If you’re thinking of trying cigars for the first time, be careful not to choose one that’s too intense. I’ve made that mistake myself; it’s easy to underestimate their strength. Cubans are known to pack a powerful punch, and that dizzy feeling isn’t fun. Start with a smaller size or a sampler pack of milder cigars. They’re a good way to test the waters without jumping straight into the deep end. Remember, enjoying cigars is about relaxing, not overwhelming your senses.
The Middle of Smoking: A Unique Cohiba Experience
After about 20 minutes of enjoying this Cuban cigar, I noticed something surprising. The flavors shifted and became much richer than the usual Cuban taste. I could suddenly pick out strong chocolate and coffee notes, which was a pleasant surprise for my palate. It’s a sign my taste has improved from just tasting hay to really appreciating the blend of flavors. This is one of the sweetest Cohibas I’ve ever tried, far superior to the ones I remember from years ago.
I must say, this Cohiba is a fantastic cigar. Even if it has the basic Cuban flavors, it serves its purpose well—providing a moment to just sit back and relax. The experience was truly different and enjoyable, and I’m thrilled to explore more of these flavors. Though I generally prefer other brands, like Alec Bradley, this was a refreshing change and a delight to smoke.
Growing Flavor Recognition
I’ve been enjoying my cigar today and noticing some new flavors. With this particular Cuban, it’s not just the usual earthy notes. I’m picking up on more interesting tastes like chocolate and coffee, making it one of the sweetest Cubans I’ve ever tried. It feels like my taste buds are learning to notice more than just the basic flavors now.
When I first started out, a lot of cigars tasted almost the same, but this one is different. It’s incredibly smooth, even compared to some other well-known Cuban brands I’ve had before. I used to make the mistake of jumping right into strong Cubans without working my way up. Those cigars hit pretty hard, but after spending more time with various cigars, I’m appreciating the more subtle flavors.
For anyone considering trying a Cuban cigar, my advice is to ease into it. Start with something milder before tackling these flavorful, strong sticks. It’s exciting to discover how each puff brings something new when you take the time to enjoy them properly.
Perfect Drinks to Enjoy with Your Cigar
Pairing a drink with a cigar can elevate the experience. While enjoying the Cohiba, I found that an icy water was refreshing, especially since it was a warm day. However, for those cooler days or just to mix it up, here are some other drinks that could complement a robust cigar:
- Coffee: A rich and strong coffee can match the powerful flavors of a Cuban stick. The chocolaty and coffee notes in the cigar can bring out similar flavors in a good brew, making it an excellent partner.
- Whiskey or Scotch: These are classic pairings. The smoky and earthy tones in both the drinks and the cigar can enhance each other. Choose a smooth whiskey to avoid overwhelming your palate.
- Rum: Another great choice since it’s from the same region as many cigars. It can add a sweet touch that balances well with the earthy flavors of the smoke.
When selecting a drink, consider the weather and your taste preferences. Enjoy the process and find what works best for your taste buds.
Wrapping It Up and My Final Thoughts
Today’s cigar was the Cohiba Siglo II, a well-loved and renowned choice, often compared to a luxury item like a Rolex. Everyone seems to want to try a Cohiba at least once. My past experiences with Cubans have left me thinking they usually share similar flavors, often earthy and rich. This one, though, stands out with its smoothness.
This cigar hits hard, typical for a Cuban, but it’s shockingly smooth at the same time. It’s a real treat to smoke on a hot day while relaxing outside. I find that its chocolaty coffee notes are surprisingly strong and sweet. I didn’t pick up these flavors before, which probably means my taste buds have become more experienced.
It’s important to remember that this stick is powerful. For anyone trying cigars for the first time, it might be better to start with something a bit softer, like a Dominican cigar, instead of diving straight into a Cuban. I learned that lesson the hard way during my younger, more adventurous days.
As much as I enjoyed this Cohiba, it’s not my usual go-to choice, though I can appreciate why it’s so revered in the cigar world. Relaxing with it has been a delightful experience, and it does its job well. Thanks again to the generous individual who sent it; it truly was a pleasure to smoke it.
