Cohiba Coronas Especiales Review: Cohiba Elegance in a Box of 25

Brand: Cohiba
Line: Coronas Especiales
Size: 6" x 38 (Laguito No. 2)
Wrapper: Cuban
Binder: Cuban
Filler: Cuban
Strength: Medium to Full
Price: £1,549 (Box of 25)

For me, the Cohiba Coronas Especiales stands out as one of the finest in the Cohiba lineup, celebrated for its elegance, balanced complexity, and precise craftsmanship. 

Look & Feel: 19/20

The Cohiba Coronas Especiales is a beautifully crafted cigar that exemplifies luxury at first glance. Its sleek 6" x 38 size is immediately striking, evoking a sense of refinement that feels distinctly Cohiba. There are minimal veins, and the texture is silky yet slightly oily, suggesting careful fermentation and quality control.

The signature Cohiba band, simple yet iconic, adds a classic touch to the cigar’s appearance.This cigar’s slim, elegant silhouette and flawless presentation make it a pleasure to hold, promising an exquisite experience.

Pre-Light: 18/20

After cutting the cap, the cold draw on the Cohiba Coronas Especiales feels perfectly balanced, offering a seamless pull with just the right resistance for a Lancero. I immediately pick up notes of cedar, earth, and a touch of sweetness, providing a refined glimpse into the complexity ahead. The aroma from the foot is warm and inviting, with subtle hints of fresh hay, nutmeg, and a faint floral undertone.

Burn: 17/20

Once lit, the Coronas Especiales starts with an even burn, releasing a steady, aromatic smoke. The ash holds firm for about an inch, showing a light gray color with minimal flaking. While it’s best to take this Lancero slowly, I find it forgiving and consistent in its burn, which only enhances the overall experience.

Flavor: 19/20

The flavor profile of the Cohiba Coronas Especiales is where this cigar truly shines, delivering layers of complexity and richness that few cigars can rival.

1. First Third (0-20 minutes):
   The cigar embraced me with a burst of creamy cedar and a soft nuttiness, evoking roasted almonds. I found a subtle sweetness present, along with an earthy undertone that provides depth. The smoke is smooth, medium-bodied, and well-rounded, providing an easy yet intriguing start.
2. Second Third (20-40 minutes):
   As the cigar progresses, the profile evolves beautifully. The cedar and nutty notes are joined by a warm, leathery richness, while hints of cocoa and coffee enter the mix. The pepper on the retrohale grows slightly stronger, adding a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overpower the blend.
3. Final Third (40-60 minutes):
   In the final third, the Cohiba Coronas Especiales reaches its peak. The leather and coffee notes deepen, creating a satisfying blend that lingers on the palate. I noticed a pleasant dark chocolate bitterness that rounds out the profile, providing a rich, dessert-like quality that is perfect for ending the experience.

The pepper in the retrohale remains present but has softened, adding a warm, lingering finish to each puff. This last stage is a celebration of the cigar’s Cuban roots—bold, complex, and supremely balanced.

Overall Experience: 19/20

The Cohiba Coronas Especiales is certainly an investment, but it’s one that delivers a premium smoking experience. This cigar exemplifies what a luxury cigar should be, combining rich, layered flavors with impeccable construction and a burn that enhances the profile without detracting from it.

Comparative Analysis

The Cohiba Coronas Especiales stands apart from other Lanceros and Cuban cigars in its price range, offering a flavor complexity and smoothness that is truly exceptional.

Pairings

To fully enjoy the complex profile of the Cohiba Coronas Especiales, consider these pairings:

• 18-Year Macallan Single Malt Scotch: The sherried richness and smooth oak notes of this aged Scotch highlight the cigar’s earthy and leathery undertones, creating a deeply harmonious experience.
• Vintage Champagne: The crisp acidity and subtle sweetness of a vintage Champagne provide a refreshing contrast, bringing out the cigar’s cedar and cocoa notes beautifully.
• Cuban Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of Cuban coffee pairs seamlessly with the cigar’s complexity, enhancing its depth and the richness of the final third.

Final Thoughts

I rated the Cohiba Coronas Especiales with a well-deserved 92/100, reflecting its excellence in flavor, balance, and craftsmanship. Its nuanced complexity and premium construction make it a top-tier choice in my books, capturing the best of Cohiba’s legacy in each elegant draw.

While the Coronas Especiales line is perfect for special occasions, it also works as an ideal choice for a quiet evening when you have the time to savor a longer smoke.