Cohiba Esplendidos

[Rushman]

Blog Post

Cohiba Esplendidos - Mid 2011 box

Initial impressions: Construction is very nice, almost satiny, oily like a well worn paper bag. Pre-light, the draw is a bit easier (not loose mind you) than I would like. Aroma at cold is a creamy cocoa and hay.

Opening: This is a fairly young cigar, from a mid 2011 box. As such, and based on my last several Esplendidos, I am honestly not expecting a whole lot out of this cigar. Draw after lighting is still a bit easy. The creaminess is right there from the start, and the finish and mouth feel lasts very long. Almost like a creamy espresso taste.

First third: When Esplendidos are on, they are really good – when not, they vary from mediocre to bad. This one, while its way too early to call it a victory, is tasting very good. Still very creamy and espresso notes, but a hint of nuttiness has crept in. Draw firmed up a touch to spot on mid way through the first third.

Second third: Pretty dead on medium at this point, still very creamy with a long finish and oily mouth feel. A nutty almost raisin bread taste is creeping in as well. Overall, a nice combination of flavors.

Final third: Still medium not much more. The creaminess is still there, but not as long on the finish. The nutty, raisin bread and dried fruit notes are there, and create a nice sensation with the slight creaminess that remains.

Conclusions: While far from the best Esplendidos I have smoked, its head and shoulders above those I have smoked in the past 1-2 years. A nice smoking experience this evening.

[Chunks96ss]

Nice review, this is near the top of my list of cigars I want to try

[winelover]

The wrapper looks gorgeous. Thanks for the review - makes me tempted to pick up a single.

I've always wondered why people buy boxes of Esplendidos given the high price, known inconsistencies and relative mediocrity of the cigar if it is not "on". Personally I'd much rather a BCG, Lusi or even an HUSW which are all great smokes and if they are not "on" at least they have not burned a huge hole in your pocket.

[Ginseng]

I'm always glad to hear that a classic occasionally hits. Now if only the Hoyo DC had come back, even a little.

Wilkey

[ramon_cojones]

I've a box of these and have smoked about 8 or so last year and it is my favorite bigger cigar. It's somewhat of a love or hate stick and unlike most in the cohiba lineup yet still underscores some of the same elements. I tend to not smoke bigger cigars during our "california winters" because I find I enjoy churchills and dcs more in the summer time so I will revisit my 09 box that has been spot on every single time in a few months. As with nearly all larger cigars they do need more time so I suspect your boy will come into its own in another couple of years.

[Rushman]

The wrapper looks gorgeous. Thanks for the review - makes me tempted to pick up a single.

I've always wondered why people buy boxes of Esplendidos given the high price, known inconsistencies and relative mediocrity of the cigar if it is not "on". Personally I'd much rather a BCG, Lusi or even an HUSW which are all great smokes and if they are not "on" at least they have not burned a huge hole in your pocket.

True. Harsh realities of being a retailer. I need em on my shelf even if that means risking getting an "off" box.

Unlike most shops in PDC, I have smoked out of every box on the shelves, new, old, bad, good or great. At least I can honestly give my opinion to clients based on personal experience.

I wouldn't have purchased them for my personal humidor believe me.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631759,-87.070697

[Rushman]

I'm always glad to hear that a classic occasionally hits. Now if only the Hoyo DC had come back, even a little.

Wilkey

Ouch, that hurts. The Hoyo DC was my first Cuban ever and I have such fond memories of what it was.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631759,-87.070697

[ramon_cojones]

Yes people this is a horrible cigar nobody buy, grossly overpriced!!!!

[rcarlson]

I'm always glad to hear that a classic occasionally hits. Now if only the Hoyo DC had come back, even a little.

Wilkey

Just got a box of Hoyo DC (Oct. 2010). I've smoked about a half dozen. Every one of them as beautiful and everything I remember from prior years. You may need to wade back into the pool on these. I understand they have rebounded.

[rcarlson]

Espys are truly a *****-Goddess. I feel like a battered spouse, always coming back with the promise that they've changed. Always disappointed to find they haven't. But it was my first CC and most memorable cigar experience to date. Oh, someone please tell me they are reliable!

[melies]

Yes people this is a horrible cigar nobody buy, grossly overpriced!!!!

I have smoked beautiful Esplendidos, yes they are expensive, but you could argue that of every cigar! I still have some 2003's that are smoking incredible today (it was a really great box!) They are good boxes and bad boxes, Just let Rob choose you one.

[Ginseng]

Just got a box of Hoyo DC (Oct. 2010). I've smoked about a half dozen. Every one of them as beautiful and everything I remember from prior years. You may need to wade back into the pool on these. I understand they have rebounded.

Thank you for that comment. It will go on "the list."

Wilkey

[Rushman]

Thank you for that comment. It will go on "the list."

Wilkey

X2

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.632002,-87.071067

[bassman]

Your Esplendidos are less than a year old. Give them a couple years. My 08s were quite unremarkable when fresh, but have turned into wonderful cigars.

[Yoruba Hacker]

Espys are truly a *****-Goddess. I feel like a battered spouse, always coming back with the promise that they've changed. Always disappointed to find they haven't. But it was my first CC and most memorable cigar experience to date. Oh, someone please tell me they are reliable!

Understand. Two of my greatest cigar experiences were 90's Esplendidos. In fact those experiences are likely most responsible for me jumping into the Cuban cigar thing with both feet as I have.

But that said, I've not had anything remotely near those experiences for the past 10+ years. Once bitten, twice shy. Multiples bitten, pretty much "Never again."

I'm essentially there with these and the Monte 2's. The vast preponderance of experiences have been "huh?"

It will take an earthquake to get me to sign up for these again. Oh well. <shrug>

[finecigar]

Great review on a great cigar man! I think I will have one tomorrow night just bc of this post lol

[mk05]

YH - ill be smoking a '96 espy in yo face tomorrow night then. Bahahahaha.

Bring those Ts!

[JohnLeupp]

I've a box of these and have smoked about 8 or so last year and it is my favorite bigger cigar. It's somewhat of a love or hate stick and unlike most in the cohiba lineup yet still underscores some of the same elements. I tend to not smoke bigger cigars during our "california winters" because I find I enjoy churchills and dcs more in the summer time so I will revisit my 09 box that has been spot on every single time in a few months. As with nearly all larger cigars they do need more time so I suspect your boy will come into its own in another couple of years.

I prefer the SLR DC or the Punch DC to the Hoyo. The Hoyo DC is a nice stick but it less complex and a little lighter in terms of flavor, and for some reason have struggled to keep the Hoyo lit. Sure looks great though, and I definitely would not turn one down if offered.

[TMS36]

04-07 Espys are smoking wonderfully right now. As for the return of the Hoyo DC:

ENE10

[Rushman]

I prefer the SLR DC or the Punch DC to the Hoyo. The Hoyo DC is a nice stick but it less complex and a little lighter in terms of flavor, and for some reason have struggled to keep the Hoyo lit. Sure looks great though, and I definitely would not turn one down if offered.

Even though they are lighter in strength they are full flavored. I smoke alot of stronger cigars but the HdM Epi 2 is still my #2 or 3 Robusto and the HdM DC is right up there too. I have a 50 cab of 08 SLR DC which is smoking beautifully but I'd still put it down in favor of an "on" HdM DC.

[Oouder]

Very nice review. I have not had one of these in quite some time. I had a run of bad luck with them in the early 2000's. Since then I have stuck with CORO and Sig VI. I will have to add a pack of them on my next order.