By Federico Broedner
CJ Contributor
Welcome to Caribbean Cigar, a new CJ feature dedicated to the world of fine cigars.
1966 was the year Cohiba debuted as a commercial brand.
This limited edition, the Cohiba 1966, was created as an homage to Cohiba, the flagship brand of Habanos.
Having an old-school Cohiba blend, its tobacco has been aged for two additional years, demonstrating a Maduro tone that brings a certain sweetness to your lips.
It begins very smoothly, with very pleasant toasty and earthy flavours in its first third. The cigar burns well (though not great), producing a unique grey ash showing the outstanding construction of its body.
I really expected this cigar to have classic Cohiba strength; instead, it is more like a Partagas or a Ramon Allones in terms of power.
In its second third, the strengthn increases to medium-to-full, giving incredible hints of spices, coffee and pepper, all together making it a singular smoke.
The last third is very woody, reaching a certain level of aggressiveness.
The Cohiba 1966 is a unique smoking experience. I would advise pairing it with Macallan 18-Year that, with its dried fruit and woody flavours, will match perfectly as a great digestif.
Cigar: Cohiba 1966 Limited Edition 2011
Format: Canonazo/Sublime
Measures: 166mm length and 52 ring gauge
Federico Broedner is one of the world’s leading cigar experts, a former finalist in the Habanosommelier contest in Havana, and the owner of Freddie’s Cigars and Wine Lounge in Tel Aviv, Israel.