Cohiba Secretos ETP FEB 17 (FWRC)

[Head83]

This was ROTT from my OLH as part of the shutdown. Our hosts have been holding them for almost 2 years for me so I was excited to try them. I figured a little college football and whiskey would be the best way to enjoy this since I’m not able to do much after having surgery on my foot to remove a rock from a motorcycle accident a few years back.  I decided to pair it with a Michters 10 yr bourbon that has been excellent with strong hints of oak and caramel. 

Cold Draw. Decent Draw, little tight but with chocolate and sweet leather.  

 

Initial-dark chocolate with slight peanut after taste notes. Medium bodied with creamy mouthfeel

 

1st Third - The chocolate Maduro is really coming on strong and pairs well with this bourbon. It’s almost like enjoying a candy bar. There is a slight ammonia taste on the aftertaste, most likely from the shock of transportation all the way to Utah. The draw is a little tight but nothing bad, just wish it was a little easier. The burn is great so far

 

2nd third - moving into the second, the ash just fell off. It’s a nice and bright grey that are a sign of a good CC. The chocolate flavor is coming on even more vibrant. This is an interesting change from most other CCs due to the lack of Maduro wrappers. The flavor is not as full as most NC but very smooth and silky.  The peanut aftertaste has left and been replaced by the sweet leather I got at cold draw. The slight ammonia had also gone away which is nice. 

 

Final Third - it seems like the ash falls perfectly at each third. Not much transition, just a strengthening of the the chocolate yummyness.  The leathery notes are also building towards the very end. The burn has been perfect which is surprising being ROTT. 

 

Final thoughts. Overall, I am happy with this purchase. Much better than the Partagas Maduros I have had before.  The flavor is just over mid but not as powerful as most NC Maduro. I’d give it a 89 currently but only because of the slight ammonia I got early on. That will level out after a little time in the Humi.  The Michters 10yr was a great pairing with the chocolate and caramel flavors melding in my mouth. Total smoke time was 45 mins

[Dynamo320]

Never had a Secretos, but do love Michters, great bourbon. 

[Head83]

30 minutes ago, Dynamo320 said:

Never had a Secretos, but do love Michters, great bourbon. 

Only ever had the 10yr and toasted barrel. Both of awesome bourbons if you can find them at MSRP.  Caramel and chocolate combo was extremely enjoyable.