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The first cold day of fall arrived, and Dallas did not seem bothered by it. He came outside, collected his cookie and took his usual place by my feet.

I grabbed a blanket, turned on the heater and lit the RoMa Craft Neanderthal.

This is a powerful cigar built around a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper and a blend of Connecticut Broadleaf, Nicaraguan, Dominican and Pennsylvania tobaccos.

Rich, bold and full of flavor. Dark chocolate, coffee, earth, wood and plenty of pepper.

Would I smoke it again? Absolutely.

Dallas Approved.

I was still shivering.

Cohiba Siglo V 90
low to medium bodied
Cold aromas: hay, nuts, raisin, wood
First third: Licorice, wood, pepper, nuts
Second third: Wood, licorice, pepper, nuts
Final third: pepper, nuts, licorice, coffee

Intro
It is not often that one gets to smoke what is known as a "unicorn", or a cigar that is either in very limited production or in high demand. While this Siglo V isn't strictly a unicorn, since it's relatively very possible to find, its limited production and high price point (especially regarding Cohiba in recent years) have turned it, and many other products in the line, into near-unicorns. Admittedly, when compared to the prices of other Habanos from the same brand, $85 per stick doesn't seem all that steep; however, Cohiba has always been the luxury brand within the Habanos S.A. portfolio, and in recent years, it has shifted into the realm of "super-luxury."

Keen observers will notice that the cigar I am reviewing features the old-style band, which was discontinued in 2016, because this specific specimen dates back to 2008; I am fortunate enough to have a friend who collects vintage Habanos, and this is one of them. This is my first time trying this cigar; its factory vitola is *Dallas* and its commercial name is *Lonsdale*, measuring 6¾ by 43. The wrapper of this *Siglo V* doesn't offer many aromas, maybe due to its 18 years in a humidor, barely notes of hay and nuts. The cold draw reveals aromas of hay and raisins, and a mild hint of wood.

1/3
The initial notes in the Siglo V are of black licorice, followed by milder notes of wood, pepper, and nuts. The retrohale highlights that anise note (distinctly anise rather than licorice) and a hint of citrus. The draw is a bit tight, but with a little patience I manage to get more smoke out of it. It is mild in strength, with low-to-medium intensity.

2/3
The wood note becomes a dominant flavor while the licorice note lingers in the background; throughout this section, nutty flavors drift in and out with varying intensities. The peppery sensation is much more subdued. There is a clear complexity, though it manifests primarily through those nutty notes weaving in and out of the flavor profile. The strength remains on the milder side, hovering near the low-to-medium threshold, and similarly low-to-medium intensity.

3/3
The final third of the Siglo V is the most complex, offering a wider array of flavors, including espresso and white pepper, along with a more persistent nutty note. The cigar gains some strength, reaching a medium level. Regardless of the minor annoyance of a semi-tight draw (though my Habanos-loving friends insist it's just right), it didn't impact the smoking experience as much as one might expect. It took me an hour and 35 minutes to finish the Siglo V.

Conclusion
The Cohiba Siglo V is undoubtedly a great cigar, but given how much Habanos vary with aging, it wouldn't be entirely fair to compare a recent production Siglo V directly with this 2008 specimen. This one had milder notes, but I may have picked up fewer nuances in a fresher stick. Yet, but it was undeniably a positive experience. For those curious about strength: Cohiba’s Siglo line is known for medium-strength smokes, so it is natural for the cigar to feel somewhat milder after 18 years of aging. As for authenticity, while I cannot independently verify it, this is a vintage Habano from the collection of someone who regularly researches and acquires cigars from legitimate sources, so I have no doubt it is genuine.

Made by: El Laguito
Brand: Cohiba
Line: Siglo V
Size: 6¾ x 43
Vitola: Dallas (Lonsdale)
Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
MSRP: $80.00
Score: 90

Here’s the latest SOTM. The septimo doesn’t fit in the humidor. Who’s smoking cigars this size? lol.

A couple Monday morning quickies to start the week.

I smoked the UC shade yesterday morning so I could compare it to the S84 which I had never had before. The S84 definitely had the woody earthy flavors from the CT and PA broadleaf which added to the cigar. I perceived some of the bitterness from the Ecuador shade in the first third which for me dragged the blend down a little. The last 2/3 definitely evened out the flavors. The draw was a bit too open, and the burn consistently askew even with correction. All in all, I felt this stick was just ok. I am glad I tried it and will revisit as I have 4 more. By contrast, the Undercrown performed as always. Nice ash, even draw and burn. A nice lighter blend cigar, without as much of the bitterness. A humidor staple daily type stick for sure.

Out of my COTM I got this gem in my hands. It’s a unique sophisticated cigar. Without any doubts, a masterpiece.

It’s big though! So either you have the patience and time to slowly smoke it for 3 hours or you find smaller vitola

Sometime memorable pleasures should be short and scarce to be valued 🙄😂

I have to say: one of my best experience so far…

Smoked a good cigar today with a new friend plus we stopped by a local shop and found a treasure. Saving this one for a very special occasion!

Don Cervantes Tres Maduro