Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios TEB AGO 07

[Colt45]

Thanks for the candid review - and that goes to all members who have taken the time to review

the maduros. I've not tried one, I've never had much intention of trying any, and now I know I'll

never purchase any.

Maybe an extra special band will make them better - the '07 success!

[zuma]

Thanx for the review Dave... and sorry about your disappointing experience. In contrast, the Genios that I've got (from the initial release) are quite good... however, there are better smokes to spend money on than the whole maduro line.

[El Presidente]

Thank you........ to you and Leo

I am a real fan of the Genios but mine are from the orginal release and there may be some variability. form what you are describing it is a 2 year nap. The finishing bitterness is disturbing but you appear to have the right combination of flavours....just not singing in tune.

[toasterhead]

Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios

TEB AGO 07

Summary for the impatient: My honest opinion: I was disappointed by this cigar. Smoking it wasn’t a horrible experience but it was far from inspiring. Overall score 83-85.

Today’s weather was a metaphor for this cigar; all over the place. There is a saying in Colorado, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around and it will change in twenty minutes.” We had fall, winter and spring today in the span of eight hours with overcast skies, gale force winds, a snow/sleet mixture, followed by a beautiful 55 degree, near windless evening. I took the opportunity to get out on the porch for the review.

Leo, my herfing buddy, was glad to get out and stand guard during the proceedings. I thought a Deshutes Black Butte Porter would make a nice companion drink. We watched the passing clouds and the golfers making their rounds. At one point Leo had to police the area.

The Genios had been resting at 61-63 degrees/65% humidity for two months and had been dry boxed for two days. The wrapper was veiny with one stem palpable near the foot. The color was like dark chocolate, very alluring. The smell was a heavenly mixture of sweet earth, leather and barnyard (in a good way) with no discernable ammonia. There was also a hint of spice which I find hard to place but reminded me of Chinese food. So far, so good.

I serrated and lifted the cap and the draw was a little loose compared to some cigars, and I tried throughout the smoke to sip lightly without drawing too hard. The taste at cold was like the smell, with a sweet and sour quality and tea overtones (Chinese again). At this point I was getting excited for something special.

I slowly toasted the foot and the initial aroma was intoxicating. I just knew I was in for a great smoke (wrong). The initial flavors were bizarre, with a tarry undertone along with spice and pepper, which didn’t match the sweet aroma. This state of affairs finally eased up during the middle third of the cigar, when some sweeter coffee/cream/chocolate made an appearance. There was a little pepper through the nose and a clean, woody habanos aftertaste. I think I got a hint at what this cigar might become.

Heading into the final third there was a building bitterness which was tolerable at first but which became unbearable, along with a very unpleasant sour flavor. I feel like the cigar just went dumb. I couldn’t take it to the nub and gave up. Even Leo got bored and scratched at the door to go in early.

The burn was ok, but I had to touch up one side four or five times. The body was medium and the strength was medium to full; I was slightly buzzed.

I had tried one of these about a month ago (without taking notes) and my impression was “tasty, good cigar, but what is all the fuss about?” Today confirmed that initial impression. I plan to let these sleep for a good long time.

Discuss.....

Dave