A different take on Cohiba

Cigar Reviewed: Cohiba Nicaragua

Smoked at: Apple Valley, MN

The Cohiba Nicaragua N54 was a really interesting smoke for me. It’s definitely not what most people think of when they hear “Cohiba,” but that’s not a bad thing at all. It leans more into that bold Nicaraguan profile, and honestly, I enjoyed it for what it is rather than comparing it too much to traditional Cohibas.

First Third:

Right off the light, I got a nice hit of pepper and earth. There’s a little bit of sweetness in the background that keeps it from being too sharp. I also picked up some cedar and a kind of toasted bread note. The retrohale had a bit of a kick, but nothing overwhelming—just enough to keep things interesting.

Second Third:

This is where it really started to come together. The pepper backed off a bit and let some richer flavors come through. I was getting more espresso and dark chocolate here, along with a slight nuttiness that added some depth. Everything felt pretty well balanced, and the burn/draw were solid.

Final Third:

The strength picked up a little in the last third, and the spice came back into play. I got more of a charred wood and leathery profile, with some lingering cocoa still hanging on. It stayed smooth to the end and didn’t turn harsh, which I always appreciate.

Overall, I’d say this is a solid cigar that offers something a little different from the Cohiba name. If you go in expecting a traditional Cohiba, it might throw you off—but if you take it for what it is, it’s a really enjoyable smoke.