Posts Tagged cohiba cigars

CigarPhoto in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

CigarPhoto is coming back from a well deserved vacation in pleasantly warm Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Although we have stayed in one of the chain hotels (Iberostar), a trip to Playa del Carmen was added to the itinerary to visit two cigar shops – La 5ta Habano (shop owned by fellow Friends Of Habanos member) and La Casa del Habano. The purpose of that visit wasn’t so much about stocking up but more about going to the store, buying a cuban cigar (legally), ordering mojito with Havana Club Anejo 7 rum and … relaxing.


I was able to accomplish exactly that at the La Casa del Habano. Between mojito sips, I was able to take few photographs and scope out price tags – scary, as expected. I was quoted $850 for a box of Trinidad Fundadores !!! Everything across the board was super overpriced and if I lived in Mexico, I wouldn’t be smoking cuban cigars unless I was paying wholesale. On the way back I stopped at the La 5ta Habano. Great, but very small, shop. Rush Blakely (the owner) has expanded his selection to include non-cubans as well. Refreshing strategy, considering every other Joe will be most likely looking for the forbidden Cohiba.


It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Caribbean region without seeing fakes cuban cigars. Your “standard” glass-top selection was readily available on the main drag. Casa Partagás was selling Siglo VI tubes for $50 each ! Iberostar hotel had a dedicated cigar lounge with decent cigar selection. Unfortunately, once again, way overpriced. I skipped their stock but couldn’t say no to unlimited and free amount of Havana Club Anejo 7 rum. Bliss ! Airport’s Duty Free wasn’t any different. I had to double check with their customer service if prices were in Mex$ or USD$. A box of Cohiba for 900 USD$ tapped it all.


Bottom line, bring your own ! If you smoke cuban cigars exclusively, bring them down as well unless you are willing to pay $25 for Monte #2.



La Casa del Habano

5ta Avenida con Calle 26 No. 301, L-2 Colonia
Xaman-Ha, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México.
Phone: 52 (984) 803 3001
Email: cservice@lacasadelhabanoplayadelcarmen.com
www.lacasadelhabanoplayadelcarmen.com

La 5ta Habanos (owner: Rush Blakely)
Corner of 5th avenue (Quinta) and Constituyentes
Phone: 9841111873

 

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Cohiba lanceros

It is time for another ‘forbidden fruit. This week we are photographing and reviewing the one and only – Cohiba lanceros. This Laguito No.1, wrapped in leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, was initially an exclusive to Cuban regime and used as a diplomatic gift to other Heads of States. The cigar was officially named around 1969 and became commercially available around 1984. Currently it is available in a box of 25 / 50 and a pack of 3 / 5. Obviously there are special releases like Commemorative Humidors and count in those will vary. Two samples smoked for this reviewed came from JUN2001 release and were wrapped in a Standard Band C vs current Band D. Main differences: non-embossed paper / dot rows / La Habana vs. Habana / orange-ish vs. yellow finish (depicted below).


Visually, just like the Cohiba Siglo VI, was not that spectacular. Nothing like Cohiba Behike. Decent construction with clearly visible seams & veins. I did not feel any hard or soft spots upon further inspection. After clipping the cap and lighting the cigar, I was introduced to a relatively tight draw which continued to improve throughout the smoke. In flavor department, the Cohiba lanceros was full of grassy and floral notes as well as hints of woodiness and nuttiness. Definitely a noticeable creamy finish to the smoke. The ash was fairly long considering lancero format, yet a bit “dirty” / dark grey. There was a decent amount of smoke output, especially after draw opened up.


Overall, good experience. I continue to enjoy properly rolled lanceros with good burn and good draw. Personally I wouldn’t purchase a box but I would definitely add few to occasional rotation.


Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Length: 7.6″
Ring: 38

Construction > Good
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes



Please consider the following post:
* Cohiba Behike
* Cohiba Siglo VI

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Cohiba Siglo VI

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It is time for another ‘forbidden fruit.’ This time we are smoking Cohiba Siglo VI. Many will call this specimen ‘The Cuban’ cigar that every smoker should enjoy at least once in his/her life. High expectation, right ?


Visually, nothing spectacular. Decent construction with clearly visible seams & veins. Cohiba Siglo VI’s noticeably toothy wrapper was relatively thin and one could easily feel bumps and soft spots underneath. After clipping the cap, noticeably tight draw to the point where I kept rolling the cigar in my fingers to manually introduce a better air flow. I have struggled with this for at least 25min and if it wasn’t for the review, I would have pitched it. I’m glad my patience runs high when I smoke cigars. Second third opened up and flavors started pouring in one after another. Grassy sweetness, delicate spice, coffee, earth, paired up with thick and rich smoke. Definitely an eye opener. Construction wise, same as above. Average wavy beginning and then major u-turn. Almost perfect burn with ~2″ dark grey ash with tons of smoke.


This was definitely a roller-coaster, similar to Montecristo Sublimes LE 2008. I hate to make general statements but I’m faced with the same issue when it comes to cuban cigars – inconsistency. When you get a good one, it is one special smoke but unfortunately that percentage within a box is low. When I pick a cuban sample out of a box, I hope for good burn and good draw. With non-cubans, those two most of the time are given and I hope for enjoyable flavors. In the end, Cohiba Siglo VI’s beginning was forgettable but the middle and end put this cigar on the map and back in my rotation. Try it for yourself.


Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Length: 6″
Ring: 52

Construction > OK
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Mixed
Recommend > Yes
Buy > 5pack

Please consider the following post:
* Cohiba Behike 54
* Cohiba Genios

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