Back in early March of 2022, General Cigar announced a line extension to its Cohiba Serie M blend. The original was released just over a year ago and new for 2022, they added a Corona Gorda to the line-up. One of the beautiful aspects of the Serie M is that it is made right here in the United States by none other than El Titan de Bronze in Miami, FL.
Cohiba Brand Ambassador Sean Williams said:
“Since its debut a year ago, Cohiba Serie M has been a resounding success. We’ve received high praise from cigar media, shop owners and cigar lovers who have called Serie M one of the most exciting Cohiba blends they have ever smoked. Together with Sandy Cobas (owner of El Titán de Bronze) and her team, we’re proud to release the blend in a new size, giving cigar connoisseurs another opportunity to experience the artistry of Serie M.”
The company describes the blend as medium to full bodied brimming with depth and character.
- Wrapper – Nicaraguan Corojo
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí), Dominican Piloto Cubano
The Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper is a first for Cohiba. The company also noted that it includes a double binder and hand selected filler leaf.
The Cohiba Serie M Corona Gorda is expressed in a single (6.5” x 48) vitola and is presented in 10-count boxes. The company will be releasing a total of 5,000 boxes (50,000 cigars) to the market. MSRP has been set at $29.99 per cigar. Yes, you read that right! So what do you get for $30.00? Read on and you will find out.
Pre-Light Examination
To start with, the construction of Cohiba Serie M is beautiful and nothing less than I have come to expect from El Titan de Bronze. It is cloaked in a medium to dark brown wrapper that has a decent oily sheen and some marbling and few veins running through it. The wrapper has a mild toothiness to it as you run your fingers along the barrel. The cigar is firmly packed with no soft spots detected across the multiple samples I examined. The cap is artistically applied using a triple wrap and signature fan finish. A completely closed foot completes the presentation.
Two bands adorn the Cohiba Serie M. The primary band uses a forest green and holographic gold motif along with the traditional “Cohiba” black, white, and red logo across the center. The bottom of the band declares it as the Serie M in holographic gold lettering on the green background. A secondary holographic gold band is placed just below the primary and declares its origin as “Miami, USA”. I have to say, this is a band that certainly pops on a humidor shelf. The rich green and gold colors attract the eye.
Running the Serie M along the nose I picked up notes of cedar along the barrel along with a light mint note. The foot offered a touch of earthiness.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I found to be a but snug, but then again it has a closed foot, so that was not an issue. The cold draw did deliver notes of mild peppery spice on the lips and slight floral sensation.
The samples I received were individually wrapped in cello and included a cedar spill in the cello that ran the length of the cigar. This is a nice touch and took the visual invitation to light the cigar using that cedar spill. Using the soft flame of the lit spill I warmed the foot which took well to the flame and drew in the first puffs of mild pepper and creamy sweetness. An elegant and balanced start to the journey.
For this review I sampled three of these which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press. Follow along as I burn this one to the nub.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers a balanced pepper and creamy sweetness to start
- Lemon like sweetness adds to the pleasure much akin to a limoncello shot
- Floral aromas waft off the foot
- Light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick and mildly jagged burn line
- Rich cedar notes begin to fill in the profile
- Hint of cocoa rounds out the early profile
- The solid ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a centered but flat burn cone
- Dry fruit flavors and nut aroma nuances join the mix
- The jag in the burn has all but evened out
- Mild anise flavor enters midway to added additional depth
- Second ash fall displayed a well formed burn cone
- Growing spice notes in the final
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was a pleasant 1 hour and 40 minutes to the nub
Final Analysis
The Cohiba Serie M Corona Gorda was a rich and pleasant cigar that offered a well balanced array of flavors and aromas throughout the journey. The strength was not in your face but rather grew gradually as you puffed your way through each inch of pleasurable burn. With its enticing nuances throughout the burn, this is one the most refined palate would certainly enjoy. It would also offer a less experienced palate the chance to enjoy such an elegant smoke. Though the first third had a mild jag in the burn and a flat burn once the solid ash fell, the burn evened out well and the second ash fall revealed a well defined burn cone. I know the price point is high on this, but I feel it delivered such a pleasurable experience that I would say grab a box before they are sold out. Maybe split a box with a friend and hold some to age. I rate this a solid 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag in Burn in first half; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone on first drop
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Worthy; (+1) Pleasurable and consistent across multiple samples; (+1) Complex and Balanced
