Cohiba Siglo VI's: when are they "ready"

[Caesar]

Question for the experts and veterans: I have a cabinet box of Siglo VI's which are very young (November 2008). The first one was that outstanding Cohiba flavor you crave. I have had another 2 or 3, and though they were good, they are nothing like the first. The last one I had was dry boxed 24 hours, and it was better than the one immediately before that. How long before these will be truly ready?

[Ginseng]

Hmm. I have two boxes of 2004 that are pretty good right now, and I recently sampled 2007 that were just delightful. I'd consider them worth smoking now but likely to get better. Which would make them damned good in a few years.

Wilkey

[Ken Gargett]

Hmm. I have two boxes of 2004 that are pretty good right now, and I recently sampled 2007 that were just delightful. I'd consider them worth smoking now but likely to get better. Which would make them damned good in a few years.

Wilkey

i agree with wilkey. for me, one of those fabulous cigars that smoke well right off the bat but in a few years, they can really sing. if you can hold off, i'd be inclined to split the remaining 20 or so into two even groups. smoke one of the groups over the next two years - one every couple of months - and leave the other group out of reach till at least 2013 or 2014 (and then hive a few more of for the decade.

all much easier said than done.

[Ginseng]

i agree with wilkey. for me, one of those fabulous cigars that smoke well right off the bat but in a few years, they can really sing. if you can hold off, i'd be inclined to split the remaining 20 or so into two even groups. smoke one of the groups over the next two years - one every couple of months - and leave the other group out of reach till at least 2013 or 2014 (and then hive a few more of for the decade.

all much easier said than done.

Indeed. This vitola is just so poised and satisfying. Work hard and dig more out of it or sit back and let the delightful, poised flavors wash over you. For me, this is one of those cigars that leaves you looking forward to the next almost before the nub has grown cold.

Wilkey

[Caesar]

i agree with wilkey. for me, one of those fabulous cigars that smoke well right off the bat but in a few years, they can really sing. if you can hold off, i'd be inclined to split the remaining 20 or so into two even groups. smoke one of the groups over the next two years - one every couple of months - and leave the other group out of reach till at least 2013 or 2014 (and then hive a few more of for the decade.

all much easier said than done.

Ken, this is a great suggestion. However, 2013 and 2014 will be extremely difficult!

[Ken Gargett]

Ken, this is a great suggestion. However, 2013 and 2014 will be extremely difficult!

so 2019 not looking promising then?

[PigFish]

There are hundreds of reasons not to smoke a cigar, but there is only one good reason to smoke one; because you want to. I could argue that the original release Siglo 6's are not yet ready to smoke. I could write a book about it and include a bunch of highbrow bullshit to go along with it! Are they smoking well now? If yes smoke them or choose another good cigar that is ready to smoke. A cigar can always be replaced but a day can never be relived.

Smoking a cigar before its prime is an experience. Leaving a good cigar unsmoked is a sin!

[Ginseng]

Ray,

Well said. But is there ever a reason to not smoke a cigar?

Very true about living each day and relishing it, especially through the smoke of a fine Havana.

Wilkey

[PigFish]

Ray,

Well said. But is there ever a reason to not smoke a cigar?

Very true about living each day and relishing it, especially through the smoke of a fine Havana.

Wilkey

Like I said Wilkey there are hundreds of reasons for 'one' not to smoke a cigar; to each his own. For me, I can only think of one.... Because I don't have one on me! I keep a cigar inventory like most of us do. I age cigars only as the result of having more cigars than I can or am willing to smoke in one day!!! -Piggy

[Ken Gargett]

Like I said Wilkey there are hundreds of reasons for 'one' not to smoke a cigar; to each his own. For me, I can only think of one.... Because I don't have one on me! I keep a cigar inventory like most of us do. I age cigars only as the result of having more cigars than I can or am willing to smoke in one day!!! -Piggy

understand the sentiment but the more i compare young and old cigars, the more i enjoy those with some age. that is very much a rule of thumb and many exceptions, of course.

but for me, i have tried to build up a stock to enable a number of boxes to age (i can control myself, rob is more difficult) so i can enoy the older cigars. i have not been able to build up such a length of time as to see many tip over the cliff, at least i believe so.

and when the fundamentalist fun police slam shut yet one more avenue of pleasure, i hope i have enough to enjoy for at least a few years.

[DocRKS]

In response to the original question here - I find whenever my decision is to reach for a Siglo VI - it's ready!!!!

[Ginseng]

Carpe Cohiba!

Wilkey

[PigFish]

I too enjoy aged cigars Ken but I am very flippant about the push to age cigars. I like any good cigar regardless of age. My emphasis is on good cigars not aged cigars.

I am not defined by the median age of the cigars that I smoke. I mean this crap about cigars needing 3 decades to be fully appreciated is just bullshit. Cigar enthusiasts like any other group have originated their own share of highbrow whackos, or golden tongued gurus if you prefer, that need a reason to show you that that they deserve the front seat of the bus. This hierarchy is largely based on cigar age and I don’t buy into it. Furthermore I tend to resent it.

I am fortunate enough to have an ample selection of cigars to smoke from. As a matter closely related to this discussion I will decline all reference to the median age of the cigars that I smoke. Why, because it does not matter? The price or age of the cigars that I enjoy does not change my social tier. Did I say already I resent the people that think it does? -LOL I mix up all ages of cigars in my rotation and guess what; a lot of these current vintage cigars are every bit as good if not better than the ones with age. It just depends on the cigar. Will the golden tongue Gods admit this? No way. That makes them full of shit… not objectivity.

Some cigars need time to find prime. I think almost all cigars benefit from aging but I don’t think that a group of cigar gurus (I am not implying any members here) are in any position to infer that one that smokes and enjoys fresh cigars is somehow wasting his cigars or is a second class citizen because he is not smoking a cigar with at least 10 years of age.

I like your idea about saving cigars for the future. It is a good plan for building an inventory; it is sage advice. What I was stating to the gentleman who started the thread is this; if he likes his cigars there is no shame in smoking them now. If for any reason he is buying into the bullshit that he his wasting his cigars because he is enjoying them now he should reconsider his thought process because not all of us agree that his cigars are going to waste.

So what was the original question? How long before they are truly ready? What I was saying is “bad question, no one knows but you. Have faith in your own judgment. There are no golden-tongued gurus. Smoke your cigars when you want one… That is when they are ready!”

I think Roman might have said it rather well. They are ready when he wants one. Perfect answer! Cheers, Piggy

[Colt45]

So what was the original question? How long before they are truly ready? What I was saying is “bad question, no one knows but you. Have faith in your own judgment. There are no golden-tongued gurus. Smoke your cigars when you want one… That is when they are ready!”

Piggy, in the main I agree with much of what you've said. As member Mel has said many times over the past few years, "they're

your cigars, do whatever you want with them". In a way Caesar has partially answered his own question - first out of the box, very

good - after that not so much. It stands to reason that a little time will help. How much is certainly subjective, and he should follow

his own tastes and use his own judgement.

But there is no harm in seeking advice from members who might have more experience with this cigar (count me out - I've had a

few and didn't care for them). I sometimes look at it like wine. Subjectively, you can drink a first growth bordeaux or grand cru

burgundy immediately upon release. Objectively, it would be hard to say that these would not be better enjoyed after allowing them

time to mature. How long can depend on many factors.

In the end, it's all a matter of personal preference. Intelligence as guided by experience.

[PigFish]

Piggy, in the main I agree with much of what you've said. As member Mel has said many times over the past few years, "they're

your cigars, do whatever you want with them". In a way Caesar has partially answered his own question - first out of the box, very

good - after that not so much. It stands to reason that a little time will help. How much is certainly subjective, and he should follow

his own tastes and use his own judgement.

But there is no harm in seeking advice from members who might have more experience with this cigar (count me out - I've had a

few and didn't care for them). I sometimes look at it like wine. Subjectively, you can drink a first growth bordeaux or grand cru

burgundy immediately upon release. Objectively, it would be hard to say that these would not be better enjoyed after allowing them

time to mature. How long can depend on many factors.

In the end, it's all a matter of personal preference. Intelligence as guided by experience.

Agreed my friend... agreed. The fact is that I am still smoking original release S-6's. Frankly they are no better today then the day they left Gibraltar. MHO

The fact that he has noticed changes means nothing really. Each cigar is individiual... no help there. The cigars are not getting better, well they could be getting worse if you are a believer is sick periods; again no help. If he waits forever they may get better again, worse, or not change at all; again, no help. The point that I am making is that he likes them now and he needs to trust himself as the expert. Now if he said these cigar are dead today, I would say let them rest; what's the harm?

I love to give advice but I prefer to empower! I am not criticizing any given advice. I am saying trust yourself and don't cheat yourself for greener pastures.

Amigo I almost checked out last year. I had a major heart attack. I got lucky that day and no matter what I did it was not my time. All those coveted cigars of mine would have made a wonderful funeral pyre. The fact that they would be smoked by my dear friends is consoling to me but not exactly what I had in mind for them!!! -LOL Planning for the future is a grand ideal. Cigars are not gold, they are not high yeald insturments... they are food items! Enjoy them while you can.

I enjoy the discussion however! Cheers Mate, Piggy

[patman24]

Piggy,

I feel exactly the same way with my '03 Siglo VI! I had one amazing stick, which had a year on it. Other than that one, the rest were just bland. I tried 2 this year, still bland. So I have decided to put them away for its 10 year anniversary.

I also feel the same way about cigars as being food items. Consume them while we last!

[Colt45]

I enjoy the discussion however!

Exactly

I'm glad you're still with us

[PigFish]

Exactly

I'm glad you're still with us

Me too Amigo!

I have always enjoyed conversations that we have engaged in together. I looked at your photo. Are you into horses or stuck with them as a result of marriage, like me? -LOL There are some of us out here who really know what "barnyard" smell really means.

[Colt45]

I looked at your photo. Are you into horses or stuck with them as a result of marriage, like me? -LOL There are some of us out here who really know what "barnyard" smell really means.

Yeah mate, my wife's horse of fifteen years or so - I used to ride him from time to time as well. He lived with us behind the house

for a few years - that's where the pic was taken.

Unfortunately, he became very sick and we had to have him euthanized in December '07. It was one of the most miserable days of my

life. But, as it often is with these kind of things, he is gone but not forgotten

And yes, I too know that true barnyard smell

[PigFish]

Sorry to hear that. We put down one in 2002... very, very sad indeed.

Here is one to brighten your spirits. We took a couple of our "wee ones" to the beach recently. These are our two miniature mares; MoMo and LuLu.