Cohiba Esplendidos Review: A Journey Through Luxury and Flavor

Brand: Cohiba

Line: Esplendidos

Size: 7" (178 mm) x 47 ring gauge

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Filler: Cuban

Strength: Medium to Full

Price: $1,399 (Box of 15)

The Cohiba Esplendidos has long been one of my favorite cigars, offering an unmatched blend of Cuban excellence and rich flavor. Ready to explore its brilliance? Let’s get started.

Look & Feel: 18/20

The Cohiba Esplendidos stands out with its immaculate construction, showcasing a smooth, silky wrapper with a subtle sheen. The cigar feels firm to the touch, hinting at its expertly rolled Cuban tobacco. Its traditional brown hue and iconic Cohiba band make it instantly recognizable, embodying the brand’s prestigious image.

Pre-Light: 17/20

Before lighting, I found that the aroma of the Cohiba Esplendidos is rich and inviting, filled with hints of earth, leather, and subtle spice. The pre-light draw offers a perfect resistance, teasing you with earthy, cedar, and grassy notes that promise a complex smoking experience.

Burn: 16/20

The burn on the Cohiba Esplendidos is generally even, and I truly appreciated a consistent, thin burn line that complements the cigar’s fine construction. It produces a solid ash that holds impressively well, enhancing the sense of quality craftsmanship.

Flavor: 19/20

The flavors unfolded gradually, providing me with layers of richness that captivated the palate without overpowering it. Its medium to full-bodied strength allow both experienced and casual smokers to enjoy the journey.

• First third (10-20 minutes): The initial draws presented me with a burst of rich and smooth flavors, dominated by earthy notes with a hint of cedar and coffee. The smoke is creamy and well-balanced, setting the stage for a refined experience.
• Second third (20-40 minutes): As I reached the middle, the flavors deepened with more complexity. Leather and spices began to emerge, with a gentle sweetness that rounds out the profile. There’s a perfect balance between strength and smoothness, delivering a full-bodied, yet approachable, experience.
• Final third (40-60 minutes): The last part of the cigar revealed a bold crescendo of flavor, with more pronounced leather, earth, and spice tones. It finished strong, leaving a lasting impression on the palate without overwhelming it, making this a memorable smoke for me from start to finish.

The gradual build in intensity ensures a well-rounded smoking session, with the final third being the perfect culmination of all the elements.

Overall Experience: 19/20

The Cohiba Esplendidos delivers an outstanding experience for any cigar enthusiast, offering a journey of balanced flavors, expert craftsmanship, and pure Cuban tradition. From the first light to the final puff, the cigar provides a harmonious blend of strength and sophistication that exemplifies why Cohiba remains at the top of the cigar world.

Comparative Analysis

This comparative table highlights the key features of some of the most sought-after cigars, focusing on size, price, strength, flavor profiles, construction quality, and overall value.

When selecting a cigar, I always consider the balance between flavor and construction, and this comparison makes it easier to see how each option stacks up.

Pairings

To fully savor the Cohiba Esplendidos, explore these three perfect pairings:

• Single Malt Scotch: A well-aged single malt scotch with notes of oak, dried fruit, and spice pairs beautifully with the earthy and leathery flavors of the cigar, enhancing the richness and complexity of both.

• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of high-quality dark chocolate creates a perfect contrast with the cigar’s smooth, creamy smoke, bringing out its subtle spice and coffee notes for a balanced, indulgent experience.

• Espresso: The bold and rich flavors of a freshly brewed espresso complement the cigar’s full-bodied profile, amplifying its earthy and peppery tones while providing a satisfying finish to the smoke.

Last Impressions

The Cohiba Esplendidos earns a remarkable 94/100 in my book. Its luxurious blend of earthy, leathery, and spicy flavors, combined with flawless construction, makes it an extraordinary cigar experience. 

While the high price point may be a consideration for some, the quality more than justifies the cost, offering a truly indulgent smoke for special moments. For seasoned smokers or those seeking to explore premium Cuban cigars, the Esplendidos offers an unforgettable journey. 

It’s not an everyday cigar due to its price, but it's the ideal choice for celebrating life’s finest moments. So, if you're ready to indulge in something truly exceptional, in my opinion, this cigar is a perfect pick. Light one up, sit back, and enjoy the full splendor it delivers.

James Peasley

James started out in the cigar industry in 2009, working for the leading cigar specialist in the UK for nearly a decade, slowly crafting his deep knowledge of cigars and developing a very refined palate. There's not many Cuban cigars he hasn't tasted, including Limited Edition Habanos and pre-embargo Davidoffs, as well as a large section of the New World offerings. When away from his desk he's usually found out walking in the countryside, or following other hot pursuits.