cohiba esplendido

[Ken Gargett]

Thought I had consigned my few remaining sticks of these to deep storage but turns out, one or two snuck through to the 'home' stock. Had one to celebrate Christmas 08. It was from a box that was ever so kindly given to me in Havana by Jose and hugely appreciated (it was actually the very moment that Rob and Jose met and Rob showed his appreciation by puffing his way through as many as he could before we left – somehow, I got a few home).

The box code was FIM ENE05.

I know that some members have struggled with this smoke but I must say that almost all my experiences have been excellent ones. You get lucky with some cigars and I was hoping for more of the same.

Perfect construction, an beautiful enticing brown wrapper, all looked ideal. A slight sheen. Cold, the draw was quite firm and the aromas were muted florals. It sang right from the opening. Florals, spices, dry herbs, rum and raisin notes Gloriously complex. As we moved through it, all the subtleties were revealed. All the while offering a delicate and enticing fragrance. Notwithstanding its size, a truly elegant cigar. As we moved towards the end of the first third, honey emerged and right through the cigar, the flavours of honey grew and grew. Quite extraordinary. With it, hints of old teak and fragrant leather (reminiscent of Len Evans' description of some old wines having the character of an old lady's handbag). And the honey went on and on. Two hours of sheer joy.

If I scored it 95, I'd be shortchanging it.

If nothing else, it has convinced me that I need more of these in the humidor so they can be given a little time. It might be only 3 years old but what a star. And I suspect it can only get better.

[Ken Gargett]

PS - I paired it with the angostura '1824' rum and that was ideal (rob, that is the older version of the one you tried the other day - i actually finished this bottle but found i have another so remember to mention it to me next time).

[shrink]

Sounds like you hit the sweet spot Ken. Good for you. Coincidentally, I had a Siglo VI (sourced from Rob) last week with the same '05 boxdate. It was unexpectedly strong, and satisfying in a slightly masochistic way, but I had to put it out by the last third because it became bitter. Not much complexity, either. The rest are being banished to the dungeon.

[Ken Gargett]

Sounds like you hit the sweet spot Ken. Good for you. Coincidentally, I had a Siglo VI (sourced from Rob) last week with the same '05 boxdate. It was unexpectedly strong, and satisfying in a slightly masochistic way, but I had to put it out by the last third because it became bitter. Not much complexity, either. The rest are being banished to the dungeon.

shrink, had a lone sig vi on new year's eve but no idea of code - thoroughly enjoyed it, even if the tasting facilities may not have been at their absolute peak at the time. now you mentioned, i do recall turfing the last inch or two - i expect to go to the wire wth a ig vi - for exactly the same reason, though i do remember really enjoyinjg it earlier - lots of coffee and cream.

the sig would certainly have a had a few years on it but i have no idea on the specifics.

[anacostiakat]

I have always been hesitant with these due to their cost. However the ones I have had have been excellent. They all have been from the same bunch and I still have some left from GKI DIC04.

My intent is to leave the remaining ones alone for as long as I can.

[Ken Gargett]

I have always been hesitant with these due to their cost. However the ones I have had have been excellent. They all have been from the same bunch and I still have some left from GKI DIC04.

My intent is to leave the remaining ones alone for as long as I can.

it is a tough one. on one hand, it was such a great smoke that, to a degree, money is not so relevant. on the other, you do hear reports that they often don't measure up and with so many good smokes around, i'd feel lss than happy if i paid that sort of money and they were average or worse. for me, they can be so good that they are worth the punt.

[CIGARHead]

Sounds like a stunner, Ken. I too have had good luck with the Esplendido. Most recently, I smoked two. One from MEL 08 that was amazing. Honey, coffee and cream.

A month or so back I smoked an 03 from the Seleccion Reservas that was just mind blowing. One of the smoothest cigars I've smoked. Tons of honeyed tea, then cream and coffee. Then cocoa. I may smoke another tomorrow!

[Mel]

I have some nice 01 and 07 Espy's that I do enjoy but not sure they are all that especially factoring the pricing. On average I will prefer the Robusto, Corona Esp., Sig. III, V and VI.

[Guest hawaiibill]

Thanks Ken, nice review. Sadly I am one who has "struggled" with this cigar. For whatever reason (luck, off year or box code) I have never had a great Esplendido experience.

I have some nice 01 and 07 Espy's that I do enjoy but not sure they are all that especially factoring the pricing. On average I will prefer the Robusto, Corona Esp., Sig. III, V and VI.

Agreed. I have smoked a few Esplendido's that that while good, were not worth it considering the asking price. IMHO the CORO, Sig IV & Corona Esp are much better cigars. They offer better flavors, more complexity AND cost less. I am also a big fan of the Sig VI and while not as complex as other Cohiba's there is just SOMETHING about the flavor profile I really enjoy.

[dragon]

Excellent review Ken, and I agree with you 100% on the Esplendido being an outstanding cigar. I would say some of the best regular production cigars I've ever had were 6 or 7 cardboard 3-packs of Esplendidos I got from Rob a few years ago, I believe they are either KNA JUN04 or perhaps 05's. I still have about a dozen of them left and I would put those particular ones up against ANY Havana cigar, any size or marque.

[OLS]

This cigar ALWAYS had the money stigma attached for me, just couldn't

buy them at 500 a box when there were so many other cigars I wanted

at a ratio of 3 boxes to one against Cohiba. But one day a mistake in

billing caused me to suddenly have 5oo bucks in credit, and I jumped all

over a box of 25. These were early 06s and then to keep my hands off

of them, I picked up 15 08s. MAN are they rich and STRONG. Just

outstanding cigars. I think that everyone ought to pick up at least a 3-pack

to save back for the future. One thing I can promise you is you will be

rewarded down the line.