AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about forty minutes into the Cohiba Siglo V, when the smoke seems to slow down. It is not a trick of the palate, but a shift in the cigar's internal gravity. The initial rush of creamy cedar and toasted almond gives way to a deeper, more contemplative register—a place where roasted coffee bean and dark honey intermingle with the kind of leather that smells of old libraries and polished saddles. This is the Siglo V finding its voice, and it is a voice that speaks in complete sentences, not exclamations. It is the sound of El Laguito's third-fermentation process, a technique reserved for Cohiba alone, which strips away the rough edges of the tobacco and leaves behind a core of pure, distilled Havana character. The corona gorda format is the ideal vessel for this alchemy; it provides the runway needed for the blend to unfold its narrative without the rush of a shorter vitola or the dilution of a thicker ring gauge.
The opening act is deceptively gentle. A cold draw offers sweet hay and a whisper of citrus peel, a prelude that promises little of the depth to come. Upon ignition, the smoke is immediately refined—a silky cedar note wrapped around a core of earthy, mineral-laden terroir that tastes like the red soil of Vuelta Abajo after a light rain. There is a toasted almond quality, almost marzipan-like, and a faint floral undertone that hovers just above the palate. The strength is a mere suggestion, a medium-bodied invitation that asks you to lean in rather than sit back. It is approachable, but there is a tension beneath the surface, a coiled energy that hints at the complexity waiting in the wings.
By the second third, the Siglo V's architecture becomes apparent. The leather note arrives, not as a harsh tannin, but as a supple, well-worn glove. Roasted coffee bean emerges, dark and slightly bitter, balanced by a spoonful of dark honey that lingers on the retrohale. A subtle cocoa powder dusts the finish, and the double-fermented ligero begins to assert itself—not with a punch, but with a warm, radiant spice that coats the entire palate. This is the hallmark of the blend: power that is felt, not heard. The burn remains razor-sharp, the ash a dense, pale grey pillar that holds for over an inch, a testament to the rollers at El Laguito who have crafted this cigar with an almost obsessive precision.
The final third is a consolidation of all that has come before. The aged cedar returns, but now it is seasoned, darker, more resinous. Dark dried fruit—raisin and fig—emerges, adding a sweet, almost wine-like complexity. The espresso note deepens into a rich, crema-topped shot, and a persistent creaminess binds everything together, creating a finish that seems to last for minutes after the smoke is exhaled. The strength ticks up to a medium-full, but it never loses its composure, never crosses into harshness. This is a cigar that ends the way it began: with grace, intelligence, and a quiet, unshakeable confidence. It is not a cigar for the impatient; it is a cigar for those who understand that the best conversations take time.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Volado — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río |
| Filler | Blend of Vuelta Abajo Volado, Seco, and Ligero leaves; includes fermented third-paso tobacco exclusive to Cohiba — a dou |
| Country of Origin | Cuba — El Laguito factory, Havana |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona Gorda (Siglo V) |
| Size | 6.7 x 43 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $35–$55 per cigar depending on retailer and market (MSRP varies significantly by country due to import duties and gray m |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Cohiba's tobaccos undergo a distinctive third fermentation unique among Habanos S.A. brands; finished cigars benefit mar |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers sweet hay, mild citrus peel, and a whisper of white pepper. Ignition brings immediate creamy cedar and a refined earthiness — classic Havana terroir — layered over toasted almonds and mild floral notes. Strength is restrained and approachable, inviting rather than assertive.
Second Third
Complexity escalates considerably: rich leather emerges alongside roasted coffee bean, dark honey, and a subtle cocoa note on the retrohale. The double-fermented Ligero asserts itself with a warm spice that coats the palate without aggression — the hallmark of El Laguito craftsmanship at its best.
Final Third
The final third consolidates into a sumptuous, lingering finish of aged cedar, dark dried fruit (raisin, fig), espresso, and a persistent creaminess. Strength ticks upward slightly to medium-full territory but never crosses into harshness. The finish is extraordinarily long — a true hallmark of the Siglo V over shorter Linea 1492 vitolas.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically exemplary given El Laguito's strict quality controls — the burn is even and slow, the draw offers just enough resistance to feel precise, and the ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns for 1–1.5 inches. Minor touch-ups are occasionally needed, as with all Habanos, but structural issues are rare in this vitola.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum — Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively, a well-aged Cognac such as Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO, which mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and creamy wood character
Wine
A mature Rioja Gran Reserva (Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay) or a lightly oaked white Burgundy (Meursault Premier Cru) — the latter pairing surprisingly well with the Siglo V's floral and creamy registers
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a lightly sweetened single-origin Ethiopian pour-over — the coffee's natural berry and citrus notes create a beautiful counterpoint to the cigar's earthier, creamier profile
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a dedicated humidor, a shelf of rare and aged cigars, but finds himself reaching for the same reliable favorites. He is a seasoned smoker, perhaps twenty years in, who has moved past the need for strength and now seeks intellectual engagement from his smoke. He is about to close a significant deal, or perhaps he has just finished a long and difficult project. He wants a cigar that will match the gravity of the moment without demanding his full attention—something that will allow him to think, to reflect, and to savor the silence. He already enjoys the elegance of a Davidoff or the refined power of a Padron, but he is looking for something with a distinctly Cuban soul. The Siglo V will give him that: a 90-minute meditation on balance and complexity, a smoke that rewards patience and offers a finish that will linger in his memory long after the ash is tapped.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Siglo V is not just a cigar; it is a masterclass in restraint and complexity, a benchmark for the entire Havana canon. It is an intellectual indulgence that demands your time and rewards your attention with a flawless, evolving narrative. If you can afford the price of admission, this is a non-negotiable experience for any serious aficionado.
Similar Cigars
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Siglo V a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. This means it offers a noticeable but approachable nicotine presence that builds gradually. You will feel a warm, comforting sensation on the palate and a mild physical effect, but it never becomes overwhelming or harsh, even in the final third where it ticks up slightly to medium-full.
What does Cohiba Siglo V taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. It opens with creamy cedar, toasted almonds, and a faint floral note. The second third introduces rich leather, roasted coffee bean, dark honey, and a subtle cocoa on the retrohale. The final third consolidates into aged cedar, dark dried fruits like raisin and fig, espresso, and a persistent, creamy finish.
How long does Cohiba Siglo V take to smoke?
Given its Corona Gorda vitola and dimensions of 6.7 x 43, you should set aside a solid 90 to 100 minutes. This is a cigar to be smoked at a measured, contemplative pace. Rushing it will cause the delicate flavors to become muddy and the smoke to turn harsh, so plan for a dedicated session.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Siglo V?
An aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum like Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva is a classic choice, as its own dried fruit and caramel notes will mirror and amplify the cigar's creamy wood and dark fruit character. Alternatively, a well-aged Cognac such as Hennessy XO will complement the cigar's refined, elegant profile without overpowering it.
Is Cohiba Siglo V good for beginners?
While the strength is manageable at Medium, this is not a recommended starting point. The price point of $35–$55 per cigar makes it a significant investment for a palate that is still developing. More importantly, the Siglo V's complexity is best appreciated by a smoker who has already learned to identify individual flavor notes and can savor a slow, 90-minute smoking session. A beginner would be better served by exploring more approachable Cuban marcas first.
Where can I buy Cohiba Siglo V?
As a premium, high-demand Cuban cigar, the Siglo V is best purchased from authorized Habanos specialists. This includes La Casa del Habano franchises, which are the official retail outlets, or other highly reputable, established online cigar merchants that guarantee authenticity. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as counterfeits are common with this brand.
What is the price of Cohiba Siglo V?
The price is typically between $35 and $55 per cigar, but this varies significantly by country due to import duties and gray market fluctuations. In some markets with heavy taxation, you may pay even more. It is a premium product, and the price reflects the prestige of the brand, the quality of the construction, and the unique triple-fermentation process.
Is Cohiba Siglo V worth aging?
Absolutely. While it is excellent fresh, the Siglo V is a prime candidate for aging. The tobaccos undergo a distinctive third fermentation unique among Habanos S.A. brands, which means they are already well-integrated. However, further aging in a stable humidor will allow the flavors to marry even more, softening the remaining edges and deepening the creamy, dried fruit notes. A few years of rest will transform it from a great cigar into a truly transcendent one.
What wrapper does Cohiba Siglo V use?
It uses a Cuban Volado leaf from the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, Cuba. This is a shade-grown wrapper with a Colorado color, giving it a medium-dark caramel to reddish-brown hue and a silky sheen with subtle tooth. This wrapper is chosen for its aromatic qualities and its ability to burn slowly and evenly, contributing to the cigar's refined character.
Where is Cohiba Siglo V made?
It is made in Cuba at the El Laguito factory in Havana. This is the prestige factory established in 1966 exclusively for Cohiba production. The cigars are hand-rolled by top-grade rollers, and the strict quality controls there are a key reason for the Siglo V's exemplary construction and consistent performance.