Cohiba Reserva Seleccion Esplendidos

[dulaney22]

Late this afternoon I decided to reach for one of the Reserva Seleccion sticks I picked up in a sampler earlier this year. Since I had yet to experience an Esplendidos, my decision was easily made.

The wrapper exhibited a hue of red, with very little oil. Pre-light, there really was no noticeable aroma. Feel was very firm to the touch. Clipping the head revealed a perfect draw and, after an effortless light, I was immediately hit with a fairly strong and tangy grassy taste, with an almost harsh leather undertone. I must say that the first few puffs on this cigar imparted a touch of anxiety, as I was not too pleased with the initial display of flavor. Fortunately, each pull swapped a less-desirable taste for the creamy bean flavors I had anticipated.

About an inch in, creamy notes were decidedly vanilla in flavor and, by the beginning of the second third, there was an underlying dark aroma that quickly developed into a superb cocoa display. At times, I would waiver in concluding if it were cocoa or caramel I was tasting . . . what a dilemma, huh?

Entering the second half, I noticed the resurgence of the grassy notes, but this time they were pleasing and a nice accompaniment to the development of a slight spice that would build in strength for the remaining third. This arrangement of flavors balanced nicely with the robust vanilla bean that topped off this wonderful smoke.

I have one more of these and I am already looking forward to its death. I don't know how these compare to regular release Esplendidos, but I will certainly be in the market for a few now. Anyway, this particular cigar was one of the smoothest, most balanced I have enjoyed. The burn was razor sharp and, aside from some harsher notes at the start, I was well pleased with the full, rich display of this modern legend.

One oddity of note . . . I noticed some red spots on the wrapper that looked like fine specks of spice had been scattered on it. I didn't pay it much attention, but later noticed that these spots retained their color on the ash. Take a look at the bottom right picture and you should be able to see what I'm referencing. I have no clue as to what it is.

[jaylax5]

Very nice review. The picture layout is cool too. Is the red from the brick you were laying the cigar on? If not, then I am stumped.

[dulaney22]

No, it wasn't from the brick. When I first noticed, I wiped around the spots, but it was something already set in the wrapper. What I found odd was that it was still present on the ash. The ash never touched the brick. I would just set it down like that for the pic, holding it the remainder of the smoke.

[jaylax5]

No, it wasn't from the brick. When I first noticed, I wiped around the spots, but it was something already set in the wrapper. What I found odd was that it was still present on the ash. The ash never touched the brick. I would just set it down like that for the pic, holding it the remainder of the smoke.

Interesting. I will take a look at my boxes of CSR's to see if there are any red spots. Did it effect the taste or burn, in your opinion?

[Colt45]

Very nice review!

[dulaney22]

Interesting. I will take a look at my boxes of CSR's to see if there are any red spots. Did it effect the taste or burn, in your opinion?

To my knowledge, it did not.

[El Presidente]

Thanks for the great review!

I am a big fan of the Seleccion Reserva particularly the Esplendido which I have found to be consistently great and a step above (for some reason) general boxes of Esplendido.

When I travel overseas I normaly take a box of Seleccion Reserva with me as it covers all the sizes I need and also makes for a lovely cigar to share with a mate.

[habanohal]

I had 2 2002 boxes. I smoked through the 30 cigars in about 6 months time. I loved every size and am hopein in the future to secure another box( had to sell the other