In June of 2025, Cohiba announced their latest release of the renowned Spectre cigar. The 2025 edition is hand crafted at at General Cigar Dominicana in the Dominican Republic. The company went all out with the packaging of this gem. The company went with a an upscale cylindrical wooden box that opens to unveil 10 individually sealed metal tubes. Each tube has a built-in humidification system to ensure optimal cigar condition. The box’s core functions as a travel humidor.
Sean Williams, Cohiba Brand Ambassador, stated:
“Spectre has always been about pushing the limits of what’s possible. Rare tobaccos, flawless construction and packaging that is in a league of its own. This year, we’ve taken it even further. The blend is unlike anything we’ve done before, and the box is truly next level. This year’s Spectre is for those who appreciate the smoking experience as much as the cigar.”
The 2025 Cohiba Spectre has a blend described as:
- Wrapper – 7-year-aged Havana Connecticut 2017
- Binder – Mexican San Andrés
- Filler – Criollo ’98 from Mao Dominican Republic, San Andrés, Vuelta Abajo
The Criollo ’98 is the first-ever Criollo ’98 grown in Mao Dominican Republic, making it one of the most distinctive blends in Cohiba’s portfolio.
The 2025 Spectre is expressed in a single Toro (6 x 52) vitola. With extremely limited availability, each cigar is priced at $149.99 with a collector’s box of 10 available for $1,499.99. The company started shipments to authorized Cohiba retailers on June 16, 2025.
Now I will say this, before I start the review. Not many cigars match the complex and pleasurable journey the Spectre offers. This is most certainly an ultra-premium cigar. I know, I always gripe about the price of cigars rising and the Spectre certainly falls into the “What!?” price category – at least on the surface. But if you are a Cohiba fan, especially the Cuban Cohiba’s with their insane cost, this is a bargain for those smokers. It offers pristine construction and burn qualities and flavor complexity. Of course, if you get the whole box, you will have a well-engineered and artfully created travel humidor. With that said let’s go on a Cohiba Spectre journey.
For this review, I sampled three of the 2025 Cohiba Spectre cigars that were provided by the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
To get this review started, we take a look at the 2025 Spectre. It is beautifully constructed with a toothy, dark reddish-brown wrapper that glistens with natural oils and exhibits a decent amount of marbling. There is just one thin noticeable vein in the otherwise attractive wrapper. The bunching is firm with a very slight give along the barrel. A triple cap completes the construction.
The cigar is adorned with two bands, The primary band is silver, red, and black. It declares this as the Spectre with the year 2025 written in roman numerals on the top and bottom. A large, thick paper black sleeve covers the cigar from the bottom of the primary band down to the foot. The name COHIBA is boldly printed in a steel blue color cross the sleeve.
Now here is my first ding on the 2025 Spectre. That is glued on too tight. It does not pull off easy. I tried different removal methods on various samples but always had a problem getting it off. One sample actually tore the wrapper because the overuse of glue spread to the wrapper. I am sorry, but there is no excuse for this when the cigar costs $150.00.
Running the cigar along the nose, I did not discern much aroma along the barrel, but the foot exuded rich savory spice and raison or possibly red current notes.
As always, I straight cut the cap just above the shoulder of the cigar drew in a pleasing savory spice note that evolves on the tongue as black pepper evolved on the lips. The draw was perfect. In fact, this is one cigar I spent some additional time cold puffing. It is just one of those cigars. Besides, they cost a lot of dough so why not maximize the journey and enjoyment – right? After a minute or so, salty butter notes began to join the mix. I know what some of you may be thinking, come on Jimmie, all this from a cold draw? Well, those of you that enjoy a good cold draw, know what I am talking about when I say this is a terrific cold drawing cigar.
Cigar Review Notes
The introductory puffs of the 2025 Cohiba Spectre awaken the palate with deep, fertile earth and subtle cedar—an inviting start to the experience. The draw leans toward medium, slightly firmer than some may prefer, yet it still delivers a satisfying volume of smoke to begin the journey.
Early on, a delicate sweetness begins to emerge—plum-like notes weaving into the blend as the profile develops. Passing the foot of the cigar beneath my nose, I catch the distinct aroma of sweet butter crackers, a comforting and nostalgic scent. The ash forms beautifully, stacking dimes atop a medium-thick and razor-sharp char line.
About an inch in, the flavors begin to harmonize. A gentle spice note joins the profile, pulling everything together in a balanced way. My first retrohale is exceptionally smooth, intensifying the spice while introducing a luxurious dark chocolate richness. Rotating the cigar, I notice the wrapper glistening with oils just above the burn line—a sign of quality craftsmanship.
For context, this is my first cigar of the day, and I’m enjoying it while listening to Chuck Berry and other classics from the ’50s. As I type, the ash drops cleanly in a solid inch-and-a-half chunk, revealing a well-centered and neatly formed burn cone.
Now into the second third, post-ash-drop, the cigar surprises with a burst of citrus that elevates the salivation on the palate. I’ve always preferred a moist palate—one that helps the flavors bloom and coat more fully. The aroma shifts toward a sweet nuttiness, easily one of the most pleasurable scents a cigar can offer, in my opinion.
Dominant notes through the second third include citrus rind, warm spice, and roasted nut. Eventually, the rind fades, giving way to a deeper mix of sweet fruit and dark chocolate. There’s also a new toasted oak note riding along in the aroma. As the burn deepens into the second third, a smooth, velvet-like creaminess evolves, followed by a resurgence of chocolate and the emergence of a sweet berry nuance.
Jerry Lee Lewis now plays in the background. I always appreciated his piano—got people moving, even those like me who couldn’t dance. The ash falls again in a tidy chunk, still showcasing a centered, well-constructed burn.
As the final third unfolds, a cinnamon spice carries the cigar gracefully to its conclusion. The smoke remains cool all the way to the end—a testament to the blend’s balance and the cigar’s overall construction. A truly rewarding and memorable smoking experience.
Final Analysis
The 2025 Cohiba Spectre delivers a refined and evolving flavor experience, marked by standout transitions—from earthy and cedar-laced beginnings to plum sweetness, spice, chocolate, citrus, and a velvety cream finish. The construction is exemplary: an even burn, solid ash, and glistening wrapper oils all speak to skilled craftsmanship. Retrohales are smooth and deeply flavorful, while the aroma shifts through butter cracker, sweet nut, and toasted oak, adding layers of sensory pleasure.
That said, this cigar is a strong contender for those who value subtle evolution and nuanced layering over a solid medium strength. It’s a luxurious, contemplative smoke—best enjoyed when you have time to appreciate every transition. Whether it earns its top-shelf price tag may depend on your palate, personal preferences, and wallet but there’s no denying this is a cigar crafted with intention and finesse. If you can afford the cost, it is worth checking it out.
Point Deductions: (-1) Outer sleeve too hard to remove; (-1) Wrapper tear on sleeve removal
Bonus Points: (+1) Pristine Burn; (+1) Large oiling on the wrapper during the burn: (+1) Extremely complex in flavor and aroma; (+1) Positive experience is the same through multiple samples
