Beneath the Band: Cohiba Esplendidos

[El Presidente]

This series to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy. Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts. This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away! 

Fair to say the Cohiba Esplendido is the Queen of Churchills? Even when the Cuban Churchill/Julieta No 2 format was fully fleshed out (oh how we long for those heady days), The Esplendido was always something special. The H. Upmann Sir Winston to my mind was the only cigar that could go toe to toe. And yet there are plenty who could not see what all the fuss was about. 

 

Put a Cohiba Esplendido down for those 7 years + (my sweet spot), and you invariably have a medium bodied cigar full of sweet hay, citrus zest, honeyed cream, milk coffee, light cedar. 

 

Let's not discuss price however.  They were never "cheap" but today they are very much a wealthy mans cigar which is unfortunate. Such a blend should be accessible to all. Every true cigar lover deserves to experience this cigar at its best. 

 

You may have guessed I like them. 

 

Cohiba Esplendido ....Let's kick off the discussion 

 

[Nevrknow]

If I had one cigar for the rest of my life, this is the one. Hands down MY epitome of a cigar.

If I could I would trade all of my cigars for these. 

Construction? Who cares. I will perfect draw/stem pull until it smokes. I'll fight to get it to smoke.

When available to me again, I will be picking up more. 😁

[Puros Y Vino]

I've always felt this was Cohiba's true flagship cigar even after smoking many Behikes and CoLas. I was never able to find full boxes of these in Havana so getting them in Petacas or partial boxes sold privately was the only option. 100 point smoke easily and consistently.

[Chibearsv]

It’s the one cigar that always stops me in my tracks from the first draw to the nub. The epitome of a contemplative cigar. I don’t have many remaining, so they get saved for perfect weather and quiet days when I just want to relax. They are a joy for me. Esplendidos deliver in nuance and complexity. I’m with @Nevrknow, these are my one cigar for life choice if I ever win that prize. 😁

[gormag38]

Legendary smoke; there really is no other way to put it. They're top of the line vitola for a top of the line marca; there also isn't the draw issues that many of the CoLa seem to have. I've got 5-10 left that I will be saving for those opportune moments. After that I don't know what I will do. 🤔

[Hammer Smokin']

The best, of the best.

[Lucas Buck]

My favorite cigar since about 2003 when I smoked my first few. It’s crazy to me that I’ve never had one less than stellar. Even fresh they are good. With 3 years great. 5+ years amazing. 10-20 years or more - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the bliss. 

[NYGuido]

I smoked my first one in December. It was young -- maybe 14 months old -- but I immediately went and found more. Absolutely phenomenal.

6 hours ago, El Presidente said:

he H. Upmann Sir Winston to my mind was the only cigar that could go toe to toe.

This is where the rubber meets the road for me. The Sir Winnie is and I dare say always will be my desert island Cuban cigar. I love the Esplendidos, but I am obsessed with the Sir Winston.

[Havanaaddict]

It is strange one all these years smoking and chasing cigars (30 yr) I have only owned (1) box. I don't know really why, I think in the beginning I was al l about the Siglo line. Then I discovered the CORO and never really looked back😍 the was my jam! 

[JohnS]

Frankly, we all want more in our humidor (if we could). 'Nuff said!

[Allroz]

Just purchased my first (partial) box on BR — I’m pumped to fire one up once the weather turns!

[Bada_Bing_NJ]

GLE 11/20  Didn't want it to end 🥲 I can't believe I haven't ripped through the rest of them. 

[joeypots]

Fantastic cigars. When I was starting out with Cuban cigars I smoked through a box way fast. A while on I got a box from Cyprus  and had the wherewithal to let them rest and I smoked through the box slowly. The Esplendidos was probably the cigar that showed me the change in cigars as they age. Any I have now will be smoked mindfully.

[ElLoboLoco]

Never had one, I would say it’s my #1 bucket list cigar. My only hope is Cuba becomes a thriving cigar producing country without a trade embargo. Time will tell. 🙏 I did smoke a fake one once. 😜

[WestCoastSmokin]

4 hours ago, ElLoboLoco said:

Never had one, I would say it’s my #1 bucket list cigar. My only hope is Cuba becomes a thriving cigar producing country without a trade embargo. Time will tell. 🙏 I did smoke a fake one once. 😜

Seriously, I’m starting to want to chase this cigar now that I’m hearing all these great reviews.

[El Presidente]

On 3/6/2026 at 4:58 AM, WestCoastSmokin said:

Seriously, I’m starting to want to chase this cigar now that I’m hearing all these great reviews.

If you get the opportunity, take it. 

[Ken Gargett]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

If you get the opportunity, take it. 

lord knows you tried very hard to steal the box which Jose so kindly gave me!!

[El Presidente]

19 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

lord knows you tried very hard to steal the box which Jose so kindly gave me!!

I have told that shameful story of yours to members here so many times 🙄

Tomorrow I will share the story of Ken's Mac Pro, trout fishing Chile and insurance fraud! 

[Ken Gargett]

9 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I have told that shameful story of yours to members here so many times 🙄

Tomorrow I will share the story of Ken's Mac Pro, trout fishing Chile and insurance fraud 

not if you want me attending, you won't!! 

and what was outrageous was your attempt to steal my box of esplendidos. shame, ayala, shame.