Over the past couple years, I have been looking to expand my regular cigar smoking rotation and thought to start with vitolas of different sizes.
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Usually I reach for a robusto or cigars with a ringe gauge of 50 or larger, but figured I should start with a premium selection and work my way through them. The Cohiba Robusto has been one of my favourites for many years. So I decided to explore the Cohiba Siglo Linea further, especially since I have always enjoyed a Siglo VI.
Cohiba Siglo IV: Smoother and less bitter
After many enjoyable Cohiba Siglos, I found myself returning to the Siglo IV and eventually purchasing some boxes for my collection to age and smoke regularly.
The differentiator was they were less bitter and harsh even when fresh and overall smoother than the rest of the Linea, which led me to the conclusion they required the least amount of age to be enjoyed fully. After this journey of discovery, I am happy to enjoy another and share a review of the Cohiba Siglo IV.
Cohiba Siglo IV: Open and earthy flavours
- Size: 46 x 143 (Corona Gordas)
- Vitola: Grand Corona
- Package: Cab of 25 SLB
- Factory & Date Code: LGR JUN 19
- Storage: 62% Relative Humidity & 65 Degrees
- Retail Price: $50-60 CAD
- Smoking Time: 50 minutes
- Pairing: Weller Antique 107 (Bourbon – retail price $55)
Pre-light
This cigar had a minor crack on the foot, but otherwise construction looked very balanced when examining it out of the box. I decided to go with a straight cut, which I find is ideal for a 46 ring gauge. Before lighting a cigar, I will always take a cold draw to evaluate to potential draw. The cold draw was open and earthy flavours were evident.
I decided to pair this Cohiba Siglo IV with one of my favourite bourbons – Old Weller Antique 107. OWA offers flavours of burnt caramel, subtle peppery spice and a low heat burn to finish making it an ideal pairing for a medium strength cigar.
First third
From the first few puffs, I was able to taste the classic Cohiba profile of buttercream. Overall, to start, the flavours were mild and had hints of pepper and licorice. Some minor burn issues were experienced, requiring two touch ups to even the burn.
Second third
The cigar really opened up here, gaining strength and flavour. A bit of harshness was present, showing the young age of the cigar. At this point I was picking up earthy and woody flavours, just as I was from the cold draw, with a sweet finish, allowing it to pair well with the bourbon. Burn issues were no longer there and the Cohiba Siglo IV was well balanced, providing lots of smoke.
Final third
The momentum continued and the draw was full of smoke with a perfect burn. Silky creamy Cohiba flavours brought out the final stage of enjoyment, providing a medium strength. The ash on the final third held very well, with a tighter and slower burn.
Summary
Once again the Cohiba Siglo IV lived up to my high expectations. Although the first third needed some help with the burn, the cigar opened up. An excellent burn delivered an enjoyable smoking experience.
Rating: 5 categories – 20 points/category for a total score out of 100
- Construction 20/20
- Draw 18/20
- Burn 17/20
- Flavour 19/20
- Complexity 17/20
- TOTAL RATING 91/100
Emad’s passion for cigars started in 2008 as a celebration of a success in sales. After each win, Emad would light up a cigar to bask in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest.
His journey with cigars started with New World Cigars, primarily Nicaraguan and Dominican. After many trips to Cuba and an opportunity to discover the range of Habanos offerings, Emad found his taste had evolved and that Cuban cigars were the ideal blends for his palate.
Amongst his international travels, he explored various tobacconists and cigar lounges in Europe and Asia. In 2016, Emad and a couple friends opened a luxury cigar boutique and he become a tobacconist himself to share his passion and vision with the cigar community in the Greater Toronto Area.
Shortly afterwards, in 2017, he became a Habanos Specialist to gain a valuable certification and a level of in-depth Cuban cigar knowledge to be shared.
Emad is an active member of international cigar communities and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others, while continuing to learn, embracing new cigar experiences on his journey.
