Proper Backyard Cigar

Cigar Reviewed: Cohiba Rubicon

You cut and light the cigar — the foot toasts evenly, no rush. On the cold draw you already catch a faint hazelnut sweetness with a whisper of dry cocoa powder.

First Third

The first puffs are creamy and medium-bodied. The smoke has a soft texture — not heavy or biting, but velvety. You pick up toasted nuts, a hint of graham cracker, and that cocoa note deepens into something more like milk chocolate. There’s a light herbal spice on the retrohale — not peppery heat, more like dried oregano or thyme. It feels warming rather than sharp.

Middle

As you settle in, the smoke thickens — it gets richer, and the draw stays smooth. Now the nutty base shifts darker, closer to roasted hazelnuts or walnuts. The cocoa grows bolder, edging toward dark chocolate. You might notice earth and leather sneaking in, grounding the sweeter tones. The herbal spice strengthens a little, giving balance without overwhelming. Strength rises to medium-full — enough to remind you this is a Cohiba, but still refined.

Final Third

By the last stretch, the smoke has a slow, rolling heaviness. The chocolate is now bittersweet, like cacao nibs, and there’s a brown sugar note blending with oak and espresso. The herbal spice morphs into a gentle black pepper on the retrohale, but it’s not aggressive. Each draw leaves a lingering, luxurious finish — cocoa, nuts, and wood intertwining.

The Afterglow

When you set it down, your palate carries a mix of roasted nuts, coffee, and a faint herbal sweetness. The strength leaves you satisfied but not overwhelmed — a cigar that demands attention yet rewards you with balance. Perfect with a neat bourbon, aged rum, or even a dark roast coffee if you’re smoking earlier in the day.

Gigante