Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Siglo V (1995)
Thirty years in a slide-lid cabinet make first puffs of this lonsdale quite cedary, but the intense woodiness es after about a half inch, blossoming into a sweet and nutty smoke. There’s plenty of chestnut, almond and pecan notes still driving this cigar. Sweetness manifests on the palate in the form of vanilla, cinnamon and maraschino cherry. Because of the cigar’s relatively slim ring gauge, the wrapper plays a large part, and this is something to consider, as the Corojo-seed wrappers used in the ’90s have long been retired in favor of more disease-resistant strains. These Siglo V cigars have aged quite gracefully and the time to smoke them is now. —Gregory Mottola
The “A” is the longest traditional size in the cigar world, 9 1/4 inches by 47 ring gauge according to the Cuban standard. It’s a two-hour smoke that reveals layers of flavor, starting dry, getting sweeter, and retaining a balance and elegance that includes notes of cappuccino dusted with baking spices. The finish is nearly as long as the unlit cigar. —David Savona
A magnificent smoke with a beautiful and dark colorado wrapper. After some initial firmness, the cigar draws perfectly and burns consistently, holding its ash for over half an hour. There’s a deep earthiness on the first draw, with notes of leather and black tea that remain throughout the smoke. Smooth and balanced from the start to the final puff. —Gordon Mott
This thin, curiously pressed cigar is surprisingly lively given its unbelievable age—more than 100 years old. From the first puff, it shows pencil lead, walnut shell and a wonderful minerality tempered by a pleasant, earthy edge. The finish has faint hints of molasses and red wine. A balanced and flavorful piece of cigar history. —David Savona
