Cohiba Siglo VI USE March 2008

[demiurgic]

Another straight up review.

Been thinking about this for a while now and wanted to share my thoughts.

There is a honest streak in your reviews (Cohiba Schmohiba, you don't care) that is admirable Prez.

I noticed it on your website's cigar descriptions a while ago, which really pulled my attention to Czar. Not many folks say it like it is.

(Tipping my imaginary hat)

Maybe it's an overload of vices that brings out the honesty?

[Guest rob]

Even though you didn't love the cigar... it's great to hear your thoughts about it. Your descriptions and reviews are excellent as usual. Cheers.

Oh, and great photos once again.

[The Wise Old owl]

» Cohiba Siglo VI March 08

»

»

» So what do we have in this March 07 example.

Thanks for the review... I just ordered a box :-|

You refer in the subject to Mar 08 then as Mar 07... which is it, and what code? Your take on this cigar reminds me of the '05s I have. I keep hoping they will develop into something similar to the earlier ones. The first SIGVI I ever smoked was phenomenal.

[El Presidente]

» Thanks for the review... I just ordered a box :-|

»

» You refer in the subject to Mar 08 then as Mar 07... which is it, and what

» code? Your take on this cigar reminds me of the '05s I have. I keep hoping

» they will develop into something similar to the earlier ones. The first

» SIGVI I ever smoked was phenomenal.

Corrected the typo ;-)

Keep in mind I pick the worst cigars from any box (notice the wrapper tear in the photo). The team picks the best cigars to send. You should notice a difference just in terms of quality alone.

Box code was USE March 08.

[The Wise Old owl]

Again, thanks for the review!

Threadjack... do you plan on starting the "Hot Box" photos up again? :-D

[El Presidente]

» Again, thanks for the review!

»

» Threadjack... do you plan on starting the "Hot Box" photos up again? :-D

Absolutely but will wait until Lise gets back ;-)

[Guibou]

You know what Rob? your review reminds me EXACTLY my first cabinet purchased back in 2003...

And i was so disappointed that i got rid of it...

And now all of you guys are saying that the 03 are remarkable...

Hmm... i'm still a junior at it and i can't just let my toys (nothing sexual :-P ) lying in my humidors...

So, everything to say that most probably your March 08 from H. Upmann (USE) might be remarkable in 2013 ;-) !

Guib:-D u

[jdbrown]

I agree with you Rob. After acquiring a 03 box from PCC vintage I was blown away. As close to perfection as one could hope for. I have decided to lay my 07's down for another for a few more years before sampling.

[aavkk]

Couldnt agree more JD. I have an early 07 box which I tried about 2 months ago and it was almost an identical experience to your review Rob. It seems that this cigar really doesnt reveal itself in any way whatsoever (you were looking for a touch of honey and didnt get it).

This particular cigar seems unique in terms of predicting the aging potential, interesting.

[El Presidente]

Cohiba Siglo VI USE March 08

I have come to the belief that it takes 5 years for a Siglo VI to become a great cigar and this review did not change my mind one iota. I am generalizing slightly here as I can be surprised by young Siglo VI (had some of late 07 which were remarkable) but in the main I stand behind the 5 year old claim.

So what do we have in this March 08 example.

The wrapper was classic Colorado Cohiba. Lacking a little of the sheen I like to see but construction was near flawless. Aroma at cold is quality tobacco and hay. Serrated the cap and found the draw to require the slightest of pulls. For me it is perfect as such a draw really enhances the flavours by producing a cooler burn. There is only the slightest taste of quality tobacco on the lips.

Fired up the foot and took the initial draws. So smooth, so clean (tobacco and slight cream). Medium body…maybe slightly under. There is no pepper spice through the nose. I didn’t rush this cigar, just let it find its own stride at its own pace. Enjoying the cigar with a freshly brewed black coffee. Nice match in that the cream of the cigar goes well.

Well into the first third. While it is a good, balanced cigar there is a lack of depth of flavour and complexity (it is young). Young Siglo IV I have had recently demonstrate a certain mongrel and a sweetness that is completely absent in this Siglo VI. The aroma of the smoke is nothing special. The ash refuses to stay on. Still it is a pleasant cigar with nice tobacco and cream notes. By the halfway point I am a little bored. As a positive there is absolutely no sign of aggressive youth.

The final third builds into true medium body and a touch of coffee (unconvincing) and dry wood joins the cream and tobacco. I get the feeling that this Cohiba Siglo VI is simply going through the motions. I hate going through the motions.

All in all not a bad cigar. Certainly not a great cigar or the best young Siglo VI I have had. I would have liked it to show me some hints of Cohiba honey and if it had done so I would be far more comfortable to call for this batch to be laid down. Unfortunately I can’t. Yes it is obscenely young. Yes it drew perfectly. Yes it was pleasant. Still, I like a cigar to show me some semblance of a future…a cigar which gives me something to hang my hat on…to put my faith in. I tried a second from the same box with much the same experience.

86/100 4/6 Smokerings.