Just like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 5402SA, when it comes to cigars, Cohiba is a name that needs very little introduction. Savvy watchlifestylers already know that Cohiba stands for the highest quality in fine cigar making and the flagship brand of Habanos from Cuba.
Created in 1966 for Fidel Castro and handmade at the world famous 'El Laguito' factory, these cigars were originally only seen outside of the island when presented as gifts to heads of state or dignitaries throughout the world. Additionally, Cohiba is a brand with a very limited production of cigars per year making it even more exclusive.
The Cohiba name has its origins from the the ancient 'Taino' language word that was used to refer to bunches of tobacco leaves. 'Taino' is the language used by the Taino Indians that populated the islands of the Caribbean before the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s.
The leaves used in Cohiba cigars are the best of the best and they come from the renowned and prestigious Cuban region of Vuelta Abajo. As you may recall from our other posts, the best tobacco leaves in the world come from this region of Cuba. Additionally, Cohiba cigars are rolled in a very unique way that includes two types of filler leaves that are called 'seco' —dry— and 'ligero' —light. These leaves undergo a special fermentation in barrels that makes them extremely smooth and like no other cigar filler.
The Cohiba Maduro 5 Mágicos is a spicy full bodied cigar whose wrapper leaves have been aged for five years before being rolled into this magical 'Habano'. This Cohiba unlike other 'vitolas' —cigar types and varieties— from the brand, is quite strong and meant only for experienced cigar smokers. The Cohiba Maduro 5 are available in three different sizes: Genios —5.5" x 52—, Secretos—4.3" x 40— and Mágicos —4.5" x 52.
The Mágicos measuring 4.5" in length and with a 52 ring gauge are no joke nor a cigar recommended for the faint of heart. Just like that vintage Royal Oak advertisement that we featured here that says: 'It Takes More than Money to Wear the Royal Oak', the same applies to this cigar. 'It takes more than money to smoke one'. Once you light up this amazing 'puro', you better be ready to take on some spicy peppery notes combined with hints of leather, dark chocolate and caramel.
The flavor profile remains even through almost the whole cigar. Towards the last third, it becomes increasingly spicy and hard to smoke. The burning time on this cigar is approximately 40-45 minutes and it will go out at least a couple of times. The ash holds up very well but the draw is quite uneven for such an expensive and highly ranked cigar. Once you get close to the ring, we recommend you let it burn out as it gets intensely hot and extremely peppery.
If you consider yourself a real cigar aficionado and watchlifestyler, this is a cigar that you need to try at least once in your lifetime. Not doing it would be almost as sad as leaving this world without having loved at least once.
