Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos Review: A Refined, Bold Cuban Experience

• Brand: Cohiba
• Line: Maduro 5
• Size: 4 3/8” x 40 (Secretos)
• Wrapper: Cuban Maduro (Aged 5 Years)
• Binder: Cuban
• Filler: Cuban
• Strength: Medium-Full
• Price: £16.08 per stick.

From the moment I held the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos, I was captivated by its dark, lustrous wrapper and the promise of a rich, full-bodied experience packed into such a compact form. Let’s dive into my review for more details.

Look & Feel: 19/20

The Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos sports a deep, almost jet-black Maduro wrapper, the result of five years of aging. It has a sleek, oily sheen, and the small format feels dense and well-packed. The iconic Cohiba band stands out, with gold accents against the dark wrapper creating an elegant contrast.

The size may be small, but the Secretos’ construction feels like quality in every way. It’s a cigar that feels as luxurious as it looks.

Pre-Light: 18/20

A quick cold draw brought me aromas of dark cocoa, espresso, and a touch of cedar, teasing the palate. The draw is slightly firm but smooth, perfect for a short smoke. There’s a hint of dried fruit and molasses, offering a preview of the complexity ahead.

Burn: 17/20

The burn is mostly even, creating an attractive white ash that holds well given the small ring gauge. The draw, though snug, remains easy, and the cigar produces a generous amount of rich smoke.

Occasionally, the Maduro wrapper requires a minor touch-up, but it’s an expected nuance with darker wrappers. The slower burn is ideal for savoring the cigar’s intricate flavors in this compact format.

Flavor: 19/20

• First Third (0-10 minutes):

The first things I noticed are notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee, underpinned by earthy richness. There’s a creaminess to the profile, complemented by hints of black pepper on the retrohale. The Maduro wrapper brings an immediate, smooth depth that sets the tone for the session.

• Second Third (10-20 minutes):

As I went on, cedar and dark fruit tones emerged, adding a natural sweetness that balances the earthy base. Cocoa and coffee remain but take on a softer, more nuanced presence, while a touch of molasses adds dimension. The strength builds slightly, though the profile remains smooth and medium-full.

• Final Third (20-30 minutes):

The Secretos finishes with a crescendo of flavor: pepper, leather, and cocoa dominate, accented by warm spices and a hint of dark fruit. There’s a satisfying richness that lingers, offering a luxurious, full-bodied end to this small cigar. The retrohale is bold but not overwhelming, making for a flavorful finale.

Overall Experience: 19/20

The Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos brings Cuban complexity to a small, refined format, providing the richness expected from the Cohiba name. Its flavors are bold yet balanced, and the construction is top-tier, making it perfect for a luxurious, shorter smoking experience.

Comparative Analysis

Pairings

This full-bodied, rich cigar pairs beautifully with:

• Aged Cognac: Enhances the chocolate and coffee notes with added warmth.
• Cuban Coffee: Complements the dark, earthy profile for an afternoon treat.
• 18-Year Old Single Malt Scotch: Brings out the pepper and cedar for a balanced pairing.

The Verdict

With a score of 92/100, the Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos proves why Cohiba remains a leader in Cuban cigars. 

This small format offers a luxurious, flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for when time is short but quality is a priority. Its expertly aged Maduro wrapper and intricate profile make it a must-try for aficionados seeking refined, Cuban richness.

All things considered, I firmly recommend trying this beautiful Cohiba piece.

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.