My smoking preferences are generally toward the corona size range and fuller flavored smokes like Bolivar and Partagas. Recently, I have begun trying some of the bigger ring gauges and suspect that they may require different approaches to smoking and storage.
I recently tried my first Cohiba Siglo VI, a 2-year old from a cabinet of 10 (LLN ABR04). This was kept at about 63F to 65Fwith 65%RH beads for 9 weeks after receipt. The cigars came from a reputable source and I drank cold water during the smoke while sitting in the shade on a warm, sunny afternoon with a light breeze.
A manly-looking cigar with artistic construction. There were no apparent soft or hard spots along the length of the cigar but firm and resilient throughout. A couple of very tiny light spots were the only detraction in appearance. The pre-light scent seemed to be straight forward tobacco. The cap clipped easily to about one-half inch diameter opening with a double blade guillotine. Lighting was not difficult with a cheapo butane lighter. The draw was a bit too firm, which resulted in a thinner volume of smoke than expected and fatigued me by the end. The burn was generally even and self-correcting. Oils could be seen glistening in the sunlight at the burn line. The ash was well-behaved. The flavors seemed dull or muted and difficult to distinguish. There was a sense of grassiness throughout that reminded me of timothy (a kind of sweet smelling alfalfa) prior to mowing. Occassionally there were vague hints of vanilla and coffee but virtually no flavor progression in either variety or intensity. While the smoke and flavors were not unpleasant, they were not exciting either. I let this go with about 1.5-inch left and it was never harsh or bitter. About 90 minutes of smoking and perhaps medium in nicotine intensity.
I am left wondering if there is a "sick" or "vacuum" period for the Siglo VI which I am in the midst of. Has anyone else found a "dull" period for the Siglo VI?
Other recent reviewers of this same box code (at about the same age) have extolled the virtues of this cigar. Based on this one example, I cannot agree and at $16 each I consider this expensive for such little taste. I certainly do not want to write this one off based solely on one cigar. My plan has been to lay these down until 5 years from the box date. However, if these are not "sick" I may want to clear these out of the humidor to allow more room for something else.
I seem to recall a piece written by Min Ron Nee who opined that the thicker cigars are more "diluted" with volado leaves than the thinner gauged cigars and consequently their flavors may begin to"expire" at about 5 to 7 years age, particularly if they have bean-ish flavors. He was using the Cohiba Robusto and Montecristo No. 2 as examples. Is it relevant to compare the CoRo and the Siglo VI as to aging characteristics?
The prevailing wisdom (typical general guidance from the FOGs) on aging here at CP seems to be about 3 years age for thinner smokes and 5 years age for thicker smokes. However, since the Siglo VI is a fairly recent release (early 2003?) there seems to be little information available on its aging characteristics.
Any feedback, particularly from the serious Cohiba lovers, is welcomed.
antaean
I recently tried my first Cohiba Siglo VI, a 2-year old from a cabinet of 10 (LLN ABR04). This was kept at about 63F to 65Fwith 65%RH beads for 9 weeks after receipt. The cigars came from a reputable source and I drank cold water during the smoke while sitting in the shade on a warm, sunny afternoon with a light breeze.
A manly-looking cigar with artistic construction. There were no apparent soft or hard spots along the length of the cigar but firm and resilient throughout. A couple of very tiny light spots were the only detraction in appearance. The pre-light scent seemed to be straight forward tobacco. The cap clipped easily to about one-half inch diameter opening with a double blade guillotine. Lighting was not difficult with a cheapo butane lighter. The draw was a bit too firm, which resulted in a thinner volume of smoke than expected and fatigued me by the end. The burn was generally even and self-correcting. Oils could be seen glistening in the sunlight at the burn line. The ash was well-behaved. The flavors seemed dull or muted and difficult to distinguish. There was a sense of grassiness throughout that reminded me of timothy (a kind of sweet smelling alfalfa) prior to mowing. Occassionally there were vague hints of vanilla and coffee but virtually no flavor progression in either variety or intensity. While the smoke and flavors were not unpleasant, they were not exciting either. I let this go with about 1.5-inch left and it was never harsh or bitter. About 90 minutes of smoking and perhaps medium in nicotine intensity.
I am left wondering if there is a "sick" or "vacuum" period for the Siglo VI which I am in the midst of. Has anyone else found a "dull" period for the Siglo VI?
Other recent reviewers of this same box code (at about the same age) have extolled the virtues of this cigar. Based on this one example, I cannot agree and at $16 each I consider this expensive for such little taste. I certainly do not want to write this one off based solely on one cigar. My plan has been to lay these down until 5 years from the box date. However, if these are not "sick" I may want to clear these out of the humidor to allow more room for something else.
I seem to recall a piece written by Min Ron Nee who opined that the thicker cigars are more "diluted" with volado leaves than the thinner gauged cigars and consequently their flavors may begin to"expire" at about 5 to 7 years age, particularly if they have bean-ish flavors. He was using the Cohiba Robusto and Montecristo No. 2 as examples. Is it relevant to compare the CoRo and the Siglo VI as to aging characteristics?
The prevailing wisdom (typical general guidance from the FOGs) on aging here at CP seems to be about 3 years age for thinner smokes and 5 years age for thicker smokes. However, since the Siglo VI is a fairly recent release (early 2003?) there seems to be little information available on its aging characteristics.
Any feedback, particularly from the serious Cohiba lovers, is welcomed.
antaean
