Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Siglo IV (1994)
You often hear that Cohibas used to be much stronger. Perhaps that’s so, as Cuba’s tobacco varietals have changed over the years—and we’ve certainly had some old Cohibas that refused to let go of their power. But something beautifully transformative happened with these Cohiba Siglo IVs. Thirty years has turned a once brawny smoke with something to prove into a sweet, sophisticated cigar of chocolate and nuts, although that’s putting it a bit simply. It’s quite complex, showing rich tones of chocolate ganache studded with crushed hazelnut for an Italian praline effect. A touch of espresso and anisette biscotti was subtle but undeniable in the background halfway through. The cigar smoked slowly in three solid ashes. —Gregory Mottola
Dark and chunky, this distinctive Dominican pirámide is made in a unique shape created by the Fuente family—the head is round, the rest is pressed. It’s bold and leathery, with opulent notes of chocolate and almond. Big, flavorful and delicious with a finish that goes on and on. —David Savona
This well-aged Cuban came from a 50-count cabinet. At the time, Hoyo Epicures were still unbanded. The cigar is relatively slim, covered in a fine, silky wrapper. It starts out dry with prominent notes of earth and minerals. As it warms it takes on notes of salted, roasted nuts, but it stays a bit austere. —David Savona
It’s amazing how much oil the dark wrapper of this Cuban petit corona has retained, though the cigar is milder than it looks, starting herbal and woody before a floral note moves to a peach tea quality. Sweet cinnamon and graham cracker notes eventually manifest. Mellow but past its prime. —Gregory Mottola
