Cohiba Serie M 2023: An In-Depth Review 🥃🔥

History of the Cigar Brand

Origins of the Brand

Cohiba is one of the most iconic names in the cigar world. Initially created in 1966 in Cuba as a private brand for Fidel Castro, it expanded into a premium, non-Cuban version made in the Dominican Republic. The Cohiba Serie M stands out as the first Cohiba ever to be entirely handcrafted in the United States at the El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami, marking a special moment in the brand's storied history.

People Behind the Brand

The Cohiba Serie M 2023 is a collaboration between Cohiba and the El Titan de Bronze factory, a family-owned operation in Little Havana, Miami. Master blender Yuri Guillen and factory owner Sandy Cobas are the visionaries behind this release, crafting small-batch cigars using time-honored, traditional Cuban techniques. This partnership brings a blend of Cuban heritage and American craftsmanship to each cigar.

Different Variants of this Cigar

The Cohiba Serie M is available in two vitolas: the Toro and the Corona Gorda. Both vitolas use the same blend, featuring a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. This blend results in a medium-to-full-bodied cigar with complex, layered flavors.

Critical Factors For New Smokers

Strength, Burn Time & Construction Quality

The Cohiba Serie M 2023 offers a medium-to-full strength profile. While bold, it’s not overpowering, making it a good introduction for new smokers venturing into stronger cigars. Depending on the size, smoking time is between 1 and 1.5 hours, making it a leisurely experience. The construction is superb, featuring a triple cap—a signature of premium cigars—and ensuring an even burn with solid ash retention.

Flavors & Aromas To Look For

For new smokers, the Cohiba Serie M offers a delightful mix of leather, cedar, and subtle sweetness. The retrohale brings out a pleasant peppery spice that balances the sweetness. This cigar delivers a luxurious smoking experience, with each draw offering rich, complex flavors without being too aggressive.

Price Range & Occasions To Smoke

This luxury cigar is priced between $30 and $40 per stick. It's perfect for special occasions like celebrations and anniversaries or to mark personal achievements. Due to its high price point, it's a great cigar to smoke when you want to savor the moment. 🥂

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance the experience, pair this cigar with a medium-bodied bourbon like Buffalo Trace or a rich dark roast coffee. These pairings will complement the cigar's depth of flavor without overshadowing it.

More Experienced Smokers May Find This

Experienced smokers will appreciate the layered complexities of the Cohiba Serie M 2023. The cigar's ability to shift flavors throughout the smoke, from bold spices to softer notes of cream and wood, makes it a rewarding experience. Each stage introduces new nuances as the cigar progresses, showcasing the aged tobaccos and careful craftsmanship.

Pre-Light Review

Appearance

The Cohiba Serie M is a beauty to behold. The flawless Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper has a slight oily sheen that hints at the rich smoking experience to come. The cigar is firm with no soft spots, and the triple cap is perfectly applied—an accurate indicator of top-notch construction.

Aroma

Before lighting, the aroma is earthy and inviting, with notes of cedar, barnyard, and a hint of nuttiness. This pre-light aroma promises the rich flavors that await once lit. 🌿

Cold Draw

The cold draw offers a preview of what’s to come: an earthy foundation with touches of leather and cocoa. The draw is smooth, with the correct resistance, suggesting an even burn throughout the smoke.

Tasting Notes

First Third

The Cohiba Serie M starts strong with a burst of black pepper on the palate, balanced by creamy leather and cedar notes. The sweetness from the Nicaraguan filler is subtle but present, adding a delightful contrast. The retrohale intensifies the pepper, providing a sharp but enjoyable kick. 🌶️

Second Third

As you move into the second third, the pepper fades slightly, allowing more decadent flavors like dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and nuttiness to take over. The smoke remains smooth and creamy, perfectly balancing sweet and savory notes. This section of the cigar is advantageous for experienced smokers who appreciate evolving complexity.

Final Third

In the final third, the strength picks up. Earthy tones and espresso become the dominant flavors, with the sweetness making a subtle comeback. A charred oak note lingers, rounding out the complexity and making the finish both bold and satisfying. The pepper also reappears, closing the cigar with a refined yet powerful finish. 💨

Construction of this Cigar

Wrapper

The wrapper is a stunning Nicaraguan Corojo, known for its spicy and slightly sweet characteristics. Its silky texture and perfect seams add to the cigar's overall visual appeal, and this wrapper contributes significantly to its flavor complexity.

Binder

The Nicaraguan binder provides strength and richness. It is essential in balancing the various flavors and ensuring a smooth burn.

Filler

A blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers creates a rich, complex, and evolving flavor profile. These aged fillers are key to the cigar's bold yet balanced nature.

Ratings and Awards

Cigar Aficionado Ratings

The Cohiba Serie M 2023 has received praise from Cigar Aficionado, with ratings in the mid-90s. Reviewers have highlighted its impeccable construction, complex flavor transitions, and the significance of being a U.S.-made Cohiba.

Other Notable Awards

This cigar has been featured on numerous “Top 10 New Cigars of 2023” lists and continues to garner attention for its unique blend of Cuban tradition and American craftsmanship.

Pairing Suggestions

Bourbon or Scotch

Pair the Cohiba Serie M with Knob Creek 9 Year for a rich, oak-forward experience that complements the cigar’s leather and coffee notes. Alternatively, a smoky Ardbeg Uigeadail scotch will enhance the earthy and peppery tones. 🥃

Wine

A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Shiraz will pair beautifully with the cigar's dark chocolate and nutty flavors, adding more sophistication to the experience. 🍷

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

A strong espresso or black coffee is the ideal non-alcoholic pairing, enhancing the rich, earthy flavors. For something lighter, try sparkling water with a lemon twist to cleanse the palate between draws.

Conclusion

The Cohiba Serie M 2023 is a luxurious cigar that combines Cuban craftsmanship with American innovation. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a fine smoke, this cigar delivers on every level. With its complex flavor profile, impeccable construction, and unique heritage, the Serie M is a must-try for new and experienced smokers. Its blend of leather, spice, chocolate, and oak ensures an evolving experience from start to finish, making it a true masterpiece in the world of premium cigars. 🏆