COHIBA cigars comparison: 2011 vs. 2022
COHIBA Comparison. Discover the secret factors that make the difference between the 2011 and 2022 COHIBA Robusto cigars and which factors contribute to the different taste. Read this article to learn why each cigar is unique. Also learn how harvest conditions, storage and craftsmanship affect flavor. Learn more about the storage and quality of Cuban cigars and experience a fascinating journey through the world of cigars.
Expected Reading Time: 9 Minutes
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Table of contents
The test: Cohiba Robusto comparison 2011 vs 2022
The box dates are SEP 2011 and SEP 2022, and I tested the cigars in April 2023, so this is a nearly 11.5 year aged cigar and an approximately 8 month young cigar. Here are my impressions.
The next two photos below: left COHIBA BD SEP 11, right with the BD SEP 22 . Note the difference in size and the different anillas (cigar rings).
Cohiba Robusto BD SEP 11
The COHIBA Robusto with BD SEP 11 is an excellent choice and is almost 11.5 years old when tested. The wrapper is silky and has some green fermentation spots. These are very small and barely visible in the photos. The construction is even and the medium brown color gives the cigar an appealing appearance.
Photo below: To check the construction, roll the cigar between your fingers from top to bottom (several times).
A slightly woody taste is perceptible during the cold draw. Lighting is easy and the draw resistance is optimal. The burn is uniform and the strength is 2/5 in the first 5 minutes. The taste is intense but pleasant and remains positive in memory.
The next two photos below: I like to open flat-top cigars with a knife. I just cut off the top part of the cap and remove the cap. The cigar is already cut at the factory. This way all the channels are open and not squashed by the cutters. (Unless your cutting tools are super sharp and don't squeeze).
First and second half
The smoke flavor remains round and rich throughout the smoking process. In the first half unfolds light straw and pepper notes and beautiful cocoa and wood nuances. The flavor increases steadily until the finale. In the second half, the cigar becomes stronger and reaches a strength level of 3/5. The ash is compact from start to finish and burns straight. I am curious how the Cohiba will perform in the comparison from 2022 im.
Photo below: Mostly I light the cigars with the soft flame. That is somehow more dignified and slower for me. I like that.
The circumference of the cigar has shrunk somewhat over the years. This may be a sign of the probably perfect storage of the cigar over the years. The burn edge is thin and the harmonious balance is underlined by a slightly grassy undertone, which is typical of COHIBA cigars. Overall, this cigar is an excellent example of the quality of aged Cuban cigars.
Cohiba Robusto BD SEP 22
Looking at the cigar, I notice that the wrapper is oily and uniform and has a nice medium brown color. On the cold draw, a grassy and acidic note is perceptible, which could indicate an intense flavor. I wonder if I'm right. I like this Cohiba comparison!
The cigar is easy to light, but the draw resistance is too light for me personally. In the first 5 minutes of the smoke, the cigar burns evenly and the strength is already at 3/5. The taste is somewhat biting and the finish is intense and scratchy. The smoke smells spicy and the taste is quite grassy and a bit peppery.
During smoking, the taste remains slightly acidic and somewhat bitter. Already in the first half, the cigar becomes quite bitchy and sharp. Different flavors as with the Cohiba BD SEP 11 I could hardly make out. At most, very woody and very grassy. And of course scratchy and with time it becomes too sharp for me.
Burning is difficult and the cigar goes out quickly. A thick burn edge and an irregular burn require constant straightening with fire. Make also times a Cohiba comparison!
However, this is not a fault of the cigar, but a clear sign that Cuban cigars need maturing time. The COHIBA Robusto, BD SEP 22 is still very young and needs at least five years of aging in the right environment to develop its full glory.
So if you have a COHIBA that is less than 5 years old, leave it in its cigar box. Be patient and give it time to fully develop. With proper storage, you can be sure that this cigar will become a real treat after about five years of aging. That was it, my Cohiba comparison.
Background knowledge on the maturation storage of Cuban cigars
Cigars are a natural product that is influenced by many factors. For example, the harvest conditions, the type of storage and the craftsmanship of the cigar rollers. This means that each cigar, even if it comes from the same brand, can be unique.
The difference between the COHIBA 2011 and 2022 is due to several factors. The tobacco changes over the years, which affects the taste of Cuban cigars. Cuba has too few resources. The tobacco cannot mature as long as in other countries. This is because it has to reach the market quickly. Therefore, fresh Cuban cigars are often very aromatic and harmonious in the first 2-4 months.
Photo below: In this photo, the covers of both vintages look oily. This is deceptive. The Cohiba with the BD SEP 11 (left) clearly does not feel oily, but silky. The wrapper of the cigar with the BD SEP 22, on the other hand, was oily.
Ripening storage
After that begins the maturation of the tobacco. The cigar needs rest and not too high humidity in the humidor. At a humidity of 72% and more, the Cuban tobacco may mature faster and become musty. Ideal is 69%. And the temperature? Very few cigar lovers have a cellar with 18 degrees Celsius, but store their cigars in the living room. But let's not make a science of it. Just make sure to store Cuban cigars in a separate humidor. In the summer, you can leave the lid open a little and watch the temperature.
Cuban cigars are best stored together with the box. If you buy individual specimens, place them either in an aluminum tubo or in a plastic bag (e.g. freezer bag). This will help the cigar develop and mature well in the microclimate. As I said, it is best to put the whole box in the humidor.
The quality of the harvest also influences the taste of the cigar. This can result in cigars from different years having slightly different flavor profiles.
I hope you enjoyed my latest article and found the information it contained interesting. I am very excited to hear your views and look forward to reading your comment 🤗
Resources on the topic
A wide range of Cohiba Cigars you can buy in the store of zigarren-online.ch
Want to take your cigar reviews to the next level? Then download the free Zigarren.Zone tasting tool down.
Helpful Cigar Tips: From "retronasal", "R+ technique", about "umami" to the difference of cigars storage between Non Cuba and Cuba.
Hi Vasilij Thank you for your message my Cohiba Robusto both have the BD Sept 2020.
What exactly do you mean by sick phase I've never heard? The cigar develops neither draw nor smoke despite metal drill as a draw aid LGAdi
Your cohibas are now in the middle of the sick phase, so they may pull poorly. They desperately need the resting or aging time now. Tobacco changes over the years, which affects the flavor of Cuban cigars. Cuba has too few resources. The tobacco cannot mature as long as in other countries. This is because it has to reach the market quickly. Therefore, fresh Cuban cigars are often very aromatic and harmonious in the first 2-4 months.
Ripening storage:
After that begins the maturation of the tobacco. The cigar needs rest and not too high humidity in the humidor. At a humidity of 72% and more, the Cuban tobacco may mature faster and become musty. Ideal is 69%. And the temperature? Very few cigar lovers have a cellar with 18 degrees Celsius, but store their cigars in the living room. But let's not make a science of it. Just make sure to store Cuban cigars in a separate humidor. In the summer, you can leave the lid open a little and watch the temperature.
Cuban cigars are best stored together with the box. If you buy individual specimens, place them either in an aluminum tubo or in a plastic bag (e.g. freezer bag). This will help the cigar develop and mature well in the microclimate. As I said, it is best to put the whole box in the humidor.
The quality of the harvest also influences the taste of the cigar. This can result in cigars from different years having slightly different flavor profiles.
Hello Vasilij Thank you ? for your detailed answer LGAdi ??
Ahoy Adi, please, you're welcome.
Hi Vasilij thank you for your exciting comparison of Cohiba vintages ? I had just recently an extremely young Cohiba Siglo 6 with BD Nov.2022 which was already very nice but it had still lacked some sophistication that I know and appreciate in older BD.
I have 2 boxes Cohiba Robusto which are consistently to be described as too or as clogged can there still be saved what or were the before my purchase possibly once not well (too dry) stored if they are so too / leak / tight. They are now with me for 6 months in original boxes at about 68% actually well stored LGAdi
Hello Adi, poorly pulling Cuban cigars are usually an indication that they are either stored too moist (which is obviously not the case with you), or that the tobacco of the cigar is currently "working" and is in the "sick" phase. Let's stay with the Cohiba Robusto. A maturation period of about four to five years is to be aimed at (calculated from boxing date, the stamp on the back of the box with month and year). The fact that the Cohibas are always clogged from both boxes could indicate the sick phase, or that your hygrometer is defective and there is much higher humidity in the humidor. What is the boxing date of the two boxes? LG, Vasilij
What amazes me most is the shrinkage process.
That haptics, taste and aroma has changed in 11 years in the tobacco does not surprise me. Except for the rolling technology, everything has changed in this time. Partly positive as negative, and not only in tobacco.
Nevertheless, an interesting report. Compliment!
Hoi Roli, gell, that's interesting that it has shrunk... But in my opinion they have not shrunk, because otherwise the circumference would also have had to become smaller. Maybe they were just cut too much at the foot in this batch from 2011.