Cohiba Gran Reserva

[traded]

This was my first CGR. I had purchased a three pack from a Swiss source that I trust as much as I trust Rob.

Pre-light: I was surprised by the typicalness of the wrapper. It wasn’t bad, toothy, or veiny, just nothing special. The cigar smelled fantastic.

Just a reminder, these are made with 2003 tobacco. Rolled in 2008. In my humidor since mid 2010.

Its important to note that I had this cigar the hour after I found out about getting a great new job which is the culmination of 10+ years of university study. This was a truly celebratory cigar for me and the cigar and the emotions of the celebration cannot be teased apart. This is the most special cigar I have ever had.

First 2/3rds

Smooth, balanced, an almost sedating quality. Soothing…calming.

I had tastes of perfectly toasted tobacco with a dried apricot that is so obvious, anyone can taste it in this cigar. I really have the sense of being “in the momentâ€, which is quite hard for me to achieve. Very happy man. I would give the first 2/3rds a 98/100.

Final 1/3rd

Uh oh. The cigar is getting a bit harsh. I am battling this by really really slowing things down. I wonder if this is a permanent flaw or whether some more age will smooth out this final bit. Its still enjoyable, however, not close to the first 2/3rds. It wasn’t a sudden change…a heaviness started that became a bit more charcoaly and biting. I would give the final third 89/100

Overall Impressions: Im a happy happy man. I am happy to be alive and to be able to have moments like this one. Even though the final third disappointed, I don’t regret smoking this one now. It was the right time and place. I will be very curious how things turn out with further age. I plan on smoking the second one when my first child is born (Darwin willing), and my final one when I get tenure. Overall score 93/100.

Sorry i didnt take more pics. I was enjoying the cigar wayyyyy too much.

[mbrody]

Congrats and thanks for the review. I love apricots in a cigar...

[traded]

Its interesting that the only other time I remember such a strong apricot flavor was with a CoRo. I wonder if its a CoRo speciality.

d

[traded]

Congrats on the job! Nice review, thanks for sharing...now the dreaming starts...worth the coin or not compared to regular Siglo VI?

Is it worth the coin? I say yes. I'm only 31, but recently I have seen some friends and family pass away far before their time. This has had a profound effect on me. I do not believe in recklessness, however, given that cigars are our passion, why not experience as much as you can. My atheism also tells me that we have a limited amount of time to live and breath my friends. There is not a dress rehearsal (as someones tag line implies). If you can find it, give it a try on one of your many special occasions.

[El Presidente]

Loved the review!

I haven't had too many disappoint.

When I think of the profile of the Cohiba Gran Reserva I see it as a mix between those first release Siglo VI in 2003 (honey/apricot) with the finest of Sir Winton (shortbread/cream).

[nick17]

great review and congrats on the new job. i would love to get my hands on some of these but they are just to much money :S

[finecigar]

Nice review! Congratulations on your achievements, I bet that was a great moment as still is now. You couldn't have picked a better time for that beauty of a cigar. Not only do I like the cigar review, but the story behind why you chose this cigar at a certain time is what makes it something. Gran Reserva for your grand ten year work that now pays off !

[asmith]

I still remember the 1/3 of my very first Gran Reserva was amazing almost to the point that the cigar really had only one way to go and that was down. But those dried apricots are always a great flavour to find in a cigar. Great review and best of luck with Darwin.

[ZAZ]

Great review and pictures! I'd love to snag me up some of these sticks.

[thechenman]

Nice review and congrats on the new job. 10 years of study...now that's some dedication.