Cohiba Esplendidos

[IceChant]

I'll open saying this one was from the best cigars I call "developing while smoking" I had.

I'm not big Cohiba lover, for me Bolivar and Partagas cover most of my taste profile liking but I like the verity.

I was gifted two Esplendidos, the first is the review I posted now (after 3 days in my humidor), the next one I'll wait a month before smoking.

Size: Churchill (Julieta No. 2)

Measurement: 7"X47 (178mmx18.65mm)

Box Code: Unknown

Humidor's Environment: 64% - 67%

Smoking Place & Conditions: Outside, slow wind around 14C.

Contraction: Small crack near the foot with one vein in the first third part.

Time Smoking: 01:50 hours.

Ash: Stable but won't hold for long.

Burn: Great.

Body: Started mild, went to medium, the last third was close to full.

Taste: Started Medium, from the end of the first third was full.

Prelight taste: Mild ceder.

Opening: Mild ceder with floral notes and sweetness.

First Third: Mild ceder, the floral taste is stronger with its sweetness, maybe touches of vanilla, notes of white pepper.

Second Third: In this third the tastes start to change, moka taste join replacing most of the floral taste, the white pepper is stronger, still ceder notes.

Last Third: This third is deeper in taste and stronger, moka, earthiness, the white pepper notes and leather touches.

Conclusion: Good interesting cigar, that kept me interested looking for new tastes and development.

Judging by the value Vs. price, doesn't do good to this cigar in my mind, I know there are cheaper cigars I like better, that are more complex and thier taste profile in more to my like all the way through.

It was worth try not having to pay for it made it better but I can't see myself buy it, maybe once a year or two not more than that.

Note: when I say moka I mean taste of coffee made in Italian mokapot)

[Ginseng]

Thank you for the review! Espléndidos seem to have been inconsistent in recent years or so I've read. Shame if true. This flagship should achieve the same consistent greatness as the Upmann Sir Winston.

Wilkey

[IceChant]

Now I feel lucky, I been gifted good production. I'll try to find out what the box code is.

[bolivr]

Great review thank you! There are not many reviews for this cigar on the FoH and since there is a strong following of the Upman Sir Winston I had been wondering about the venerable Esplendido. Its special to me: many years ago this cigar made me confirm my undying devotion to Habanos !

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review. I'm also one who likes, but does not love the esplendido.

[Ken Gargett]

Thanks for the review. I'm also one who likes, but does not love the esplendido.

you have to love a good one though. they are one of the greats. i've seen a little variation though not as much as some and i have been fortunate that most of mine have been on the good side.

rob will recall that a good friend of ours very kindly gave me a box in havana and it has been a stunning box, even if rob has tried to claim it every chance.

[Colt45]

you have to love a good one though. they are one of the greats.

Very true, KG. But I think the value consideration is valid. As an example, given the choice between the esplendido or the upmann sir winston,

I'll take the upmann. Factor in the price differential, and it's a no-brainer. But that's just me.

[Ken Gargett]

Very true, KG. But I think the value consideration is valid. As an example, given the choice between the esplendido or the upmann sir winston,

I'll take the upmann. Factor in the price differential, and it's a no-brainer. But that's just me.

no disagrement at all and it revives the rating/scoring stuff we looked at (which i never took further).