Cohiba Siglo VI Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by Joe Gellman on 13th August 2003

Fire, the wheel, gunpowder, moveable type, the steam engine, and the computer. What does this have to do with my tasting note on the new Cohiba Siglo VI? They are all milestones in civilization.

I waited interminably for my Siglo VI to arrive in the mail. I am glad that I did not hold my breath, since it has not come, yet. On the other hand, I was favored with one at a recent Herf at Kelly Kimura's home, where Mitchell, recently landed from across the Pond, handed me my first Siglo VI. Mo said "Go on, light up."

Not being shy when offered a gift, I gingerly "felt up" the cigar, eyed it carefully, sniffed at it, felt about the body a few more times, and then placed the cigar into that patulous gap just below my nose; I had just tasted the new world of cigars! There was a gentle sweetness with a slight acidulous undertone, at first, and I could not wait to light up. Well, truth be told, I forgot to cut the head. I'd make a horrible moile.

A brief description of this newest Wonder from Cuba. It is 5 7/8 X 52. Wow! The deep, rich, maduro color, was enlivened by hints of oils on the wrapper. The corona leaf matured well in the sun, and seemed rich in sugars, and you could see little sap markings all over. The cigar was firm to the touch with no soft spots noted. There was a lushness to the smooth wrapper without any veins or blemishes. The foot was evenly cut, and the cap perfectly placed. Looking down at the base of the cigar I could see the swirls of evenly rolled tobacco.

I carefully cut the barest top of the cap off, not wanting to give up a scintilla of a puff. While Mo looked on, I searched for the correct lighter. I did not want to bruise the cigar when first lit, and opted for a simple wood match. No Blazer or Gas lighter, this time.

The first mild, slightly sweet, almost woody, fresh taste, passed my lips, making me believe this was a winner for Cohiba. The cigar had a perfect draw throughout the next hour. I nursed the cigar, trying to sense all the nuances the designers of the VI had in store for any lucky smoker who chanced upon their newest addition. The ash was of a medium gray and quite solid. The burn was surgically even. The smoke cool.

Throughout my delightful experience with this cigar, there were constant notes of a light sweetness, young leather, wood, a hint of spice (I almost hesitate to refer to it as tasting of cardamom), and a promise of fruit. I have to classify this cigar as full bodied yet, because it is very young, I would say that in a little time it will be a giant among all Cubans.

While the VI is an utter delight to smoke, I suggest it be given time to allow the various tobaccos to unify or meld, in order to bring out what is destined to be one of the greatest tasting cigars Cuba has produced in more than two dozen years, other than those made in limited numbers or for special events (I specifically refer to the Partagas 155 which, in my opinion, is one of the top 5 Cubans ever made).

I waited a few weeks before I wrote this tasting because I was told by a friend that he had ordered a few and would like to smoke one with me. On August 3, 2003, a year and a day after me friend moved to Los Angeles from Chicago, we were on the patio of his Wilshire Boulevard Penthouse, sipping a freshly made cup of espresso, Siglo VI in hand.

I am glad to say that the cigar had the exact notes as the one gifted by Mitchell. My good friend, Rami Ron (whom I met in Havana, several years ago on a trip there with Mitchell), received his cigars from a Mediterranean retailer just a few days earlier. The cigars were part of a special Sample Pack which is no longer available (Rami is a devout customer of CGARSLTD).

Happily, I could not add anything to my earlier tasting notes, other than to advise all readers to grab onto as many boxes of the Siglo VI's as they can. I truly believe this cigar will be in such demand that they will be at a premium in the very near future. Buy a few boxes, at least, one to smoke over the next few months, two to save for a special occasion.