Cohiba Genios 2018 (NTYRW)

[dobbs]

okay, this is my first ever review, so go easy on me. first ever original post, so consider this a new leaf turned...

got this in a sampler last year and have put off trying it because i am not really a maduro fan. aroma was slightly barnyard with a little sweetness, and i could swear the cold draw had a bit of grape on the flavor, which was surprising.

initial few draws were not at all cohiba-like, got a bunch of bitter and spice. fortunately that died down fairly quick and was replaced with smooth spice, and sweet overtones. an inch in and there was a slight grassiness underneath reminiscent of cohiba, but maybe it was just the power of suggestion.

(sorry for the blurry pic)

developed strong cocoa flavor on the finish, not a ton of evolution through the cigar, but a good smoke for sure. in all honesty, it reminded me of many non-cuban cigars i've smoked, but out-classed them all.

can't see myself buying a box, but i'm interested in the partagas maduro, just to compare. for a score, and to my taste, i'd give it an 88. someone more attuned to these flavors would likely give it better, but ces't la vie.

*edit - forgot to mention a slight minty/menthol-ness on the finish near the end which ramped up in intensity to the nub. interesting and good and really increased the complexity on this.*

-dobbs