Cohiba Lancero

It is overcast and drizzly today, which is an absolute rarity here in the desert. I decided it would be a good opportunity to smoke another rarity–the Cohiba Lancero (or CoLa). There isn’t much to be said about the Cohiba brand that hasn’t already been said, so I’ll skip that part. What I will say is that I’ve never had one, and I’m really looking forward to this–I hope I did’t get a plugged one!

Statistics

CotM: April 2013







Chosen by: YUNOtiger

YUNOtiger





Shape: Parejo







Size: 7.5 x 38

7.5





Country of Origin: Cuba







Wrapper: Cuban Vuelta Abajo







Binder: Cuban



Cuban





Filler: Cuban







Color: Colorado-Claro



Colorado-Claro





Strength: Full







Price Paid: $26.16







Smoke Date: August 6, 2013

August 6, 2013





Box Date: Unknown

Unknown





Age: 11 weeks

Accessories Used

Sterling Silver “Pope John Paul II” bottle opener, Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter (Silver & Carbon Fiber), Diamond Long Reach Matches, Handmade English walnut ashtray made by wedgewoodrings.

Pairing

Four Peaks Kilt Lifter Scottish Style Ale, served in a pub glass. I wanted to have some rum with this stick (“rum and CoLa”–get it?) but I was all out. Besides, this type of weather calls from something a little less “sunny”, and Scottish style ale seemed perfect for this Scottish style weather. This turned out to be an excellent pairing. They both shared notes of creaminess, and sweetness, with the grassy notes of the CoLa playing against the fruity notes of the Kilt Lifter.

Appearance/Nose

The wrapper was light brown, with dark brown flecks. There are no visible flaws. It felt silky smooth to the touch. There was a tiny pigtail atop the triple cap. The band–well it’s a Cohiba band! I love the iconic yellow and black band (with square white dots). The nose was relatively mild with scents of barnyard and tea, with some pepper at the foot.

Construction

The construction looked top notch from the start. The Cuban triple-cap and pigtail were there. The wrapper was flawless and the seams were barely visible. There were no soft or hard spots along the entire length of this beauty. I’ve heard that lanceros in general have a tendency to get plugged, and Cohibas also have a reputation of getting plugged, so I was a little apprehensive about the combo, but there were no plugs to be found. Smooth the whole way though. The ash was dark gray and black, holding on for about an inch at a time, which is excellent for a 38 ring gauge.

Cold Draw

The cold draw was medium-tight. Definitely did not seem plugged! The flavors were hay, wheat germ, and sugarcane.

Smoking

First third

The first couple of puffs were not what I was expecting: very grassy. The draw remained medium-tight.

Shortly after, it opened up and kept the grassiness, but with notes of grain and earth. The CoLa’s finish was extremely long, with a sweet stickiness that didn’t quit.

About a half inch in, it developed a toasty note, like roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. The burn line was perfect, and the smoke production was about medium.

The stick developed a thick creaminess in the smoke about an inch in. Rich, creamy smoke with notes of grass and honey, with a strong honey finish continued through the first third.

Second third

By the second third, smoke was billowing in huge creamy clouds with each puff. so thick, so creamy. The retrohale was grassy and peppery.

I was overwhelmed by the smoothness and richness of this cigar. I noticed that my lips were leaving a very dark wet mark on the end of the stick (looking back at the photos, this was happening right from the start)–that’s new for me. It must be a very absorbent or delicate wrapper.

There were no major transformations in this third; there was just sweet, grassy, creamy goodness. I managed to get some pretty major (inch and a half) ash on it, which is a testament to the amazing construction of this stick.

Final third

The final third was more of the same, which was absolutely fine with me. Cream, grass, and a big helping of clover honey on the finish, which lasted for years.

The burn remained razor-sharp, and the smoke volume continued to be immense (with very little smoke production between puffs).

The band was frustrating to get off in one piece, and I had to perform “band surgery” with an exacto knife in order to get it off without tearing it. Perhaps this is a measure to deter counterfeiting. It took so long to remove it, that the stick went out on me. Thankfully, an immediate delight got it going again without ruining the flavors.

The ash fell off immediately with about a third of an inch after the relight. I enjoyed this stick so much, I had no choice but to nub it. The creamy, honeyed grassiness continued down to the nub without ever burning hot.

Notes

Draw: Medium-tight

Medium-tight





Body: Mild

Mild





Primary Flavors: Grass, sweet cream, honey

Grass, sweet cream, honey





Smoke Output: Full

Full





Smoke Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Overall

This was a much milder smoke than I was expecting, but man was it good. This is a truly amazing stick. I don’t think I’ve had a more “perfect” cigar. However, due to its price and *ahem* “restricted status”, I doubt that I will be seeing another one any time soon, which is a shame. If you can get your hands on one, I highly recommend it–but save it for a special occasion. This is the best smoke I’ve ever had.

Rating