Cohiba Piramides Extra ULA DIC 13. WRC

[JohnS]

Cohiba Piramides Extra ULA DIC 13 Weekend Review Competition

'Cohiba', is named after the taino word for 'tobacco'. Produced from select plantations in the Vuelta Abejo region of Pinar del Rio Province, Cohiba is known, among other things, for going through a third fermentation in barrels. Cohiba cigars were only available for Cuban Government officials and diplomatic gifts from its formal inception in 1966 until the brand was commercialised in 1982. It is the only brand among the seven global brands (H.Upmann, Partagas, Montecristo, Jose L. Piedra, Hoyo de Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta and Cohiba) that has been released post-revolution. Cohiba cigars come at a premium price.

The Cohiba Piramides Extra was initially offered as a Limited Edition release in 2001 (or 2002 when it finally was distributed to world markets). It was re-introduced as a Limited Edition in 2006. In 2012 it became a regular production cigar in the Cohiba 'Classic' line. These cigars are noted for the medium to full strength (in comparison, the 'Siglo' series is medium-strengthed). This cigar was increased in size in contrast to the two previous Limited Editions, from the standard piramide specifications, 52 ring gauge by 156 mm to a slightly bigger 54 ring gauge by 160 mm.

As I progress in my preferences and knowledge of this great hobby that we all share, I've found that I am favouring smaller ring gauges and smaller sized cigars for my 'go to' cigars. However, when it comes to the Cohiba Piramides Extra, I don't mind its size as a 'change of pace' or 'special occasion' cigar. I've been pleased to say that the ones I've had of this box code have been quite consistent construction-wise and for smoking. This one that I had this weekend was no different, with classic Cohiba flavours eminating from its beginning unto its end.

The cold draw oozed a refined barnyard aroma, with a draw that was a little tighter than I liked. Still, it was a highly enjoyable cigar. After I v-cut the end, I was able to savour the grass, honey and cream flavours that Cohiba is known for. The middle third saw the cream come more to the fore, whilst the last third had the toasted tobacco dominate. Despite the draw, I was able to get decent quantities of smoke and flavour per puff and I didn't need to correct the burn at any point, nor re-light. Thankfully, my next Piramides Extra from the box, the next day, had a perfect draw and was every bit as enjoyable as this cigar I've reviewed here.

In conclusion, I'm very happy with how these are for their age at a little over 24 months old. I've given a few away from this box as gifts, but I have a few that I plan to revisit in 2016 and 2017. I'm very much looking forward to it!

[Phinz]

Nice review! Love the Piramides Extra, and it's certainly near the top of my personal "cigars of 2015" list. Now, if only I had some left...

[Optic101]

Nice review John !

[Martin3203]

Nice review, this is one of my favorites!

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[irratebass]

Nice review....thanks for sharing

[ElPuro]

Nice review! One question: Is the stick 12 or 24 months old? The box code indicates 24, but review indicates 12.

In any event, looming forward to getting my hands on some of these (when finances permit).

[JohnS]

Nice review! One question: Is the stick 12 or 24 months old? The box code indicates 24, but review indicates 12.

In any event, looming forward to getting my hands on some of these (when finances permit).

Thanks for that. I've amended the review to correctly state 24 months old. The confusion, on my behalf, came from the fact that I picked these up from our host in January or February 2015 and that must have been what I was focusing on when I concluded the review.

[cigarbigboy]

smoked my second this weekend. wonderful cigar all the way around.

[ayepatz]

Nice one mate. Only ever had one of these, a few years ago. Will definitely have to revisit!

[TheMonk]

Nice review, thanks!

[westg]

Great review John

[Randolph]

Thats a small snip John. Do you normally cut your Piramides so little? I normally take off about 7mm

[JohnS]

Thats a small snip John. Do you normally cut your Piramides so little? I normally take off about 7mm

I use a v-cut on piramides cigars. Try it, it's different.

[khamy]

Thank you John,

the bit of background really makes smoking my next Cohiba that bit more interesting.

Keep them coming.

[dflan82]

Another great review John...Thanks! I've got one in my humidor that I'll light up one of these days...

[ElAbogado]

Great review! I like you tend to favor smaller and shorter cigars for my go-to's, due to time restrictions and me being a slow smoker. The size of these has always kept me away from them as I simply don't smoke cigars that big very often. Sounds very pleasant though, and I love the robusto, so I may need to give the a shot in the future.