Unveiling Luxury: The Sophistication of Cohiba Royale!

Cohiba—one of the most premier brands in General Cigar’s portfolio—has been making waves especially in the luxury cigar arena. Known for lines such as Red Dot and Cohiba Black, Cohiba has redefined what constitutes luxury or ultra-premium within its portfolio. This evolution can be traced back to the introduction of the Macassar in 2016, priced at $25 per cigar at the time. Since then, they have brought us the luxury Connecticut, the Spectre, and the elaborate Cohiba Spectre CS19. In keeping with this luxury theme, in 2020 came the Cohiba Royale.

“Cohiba Royale was created with the cigar connoisseur in mind,” says Brand Ambassador, Sean Williams. The Royale features a Nicaraguan sun-grown wrapper from the Jalapa valley, a Dominican Piloto Cubano binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. Each leaf within the blend has been aged for five to six years prior to being rolled. According to Sean Williams, “All of the tobaccos that comprise Cohiba Royale are hand-selected and deeply aged, representing the best of the best tobacco growing regions in the world. The result is a cigar that is as bold as it is refined, befitting of the Cohiba name.”

Cohiba Royale Toro Royale Breakdown:

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Jalapa)

Binder: Dominican Piloto Cubano

Filler: Honduras (Jamastran) | Nicaragua (Jalapa & Estelí)

This cigar is truly unique in the Cohiba line, being the first-ever rolled in Honduras, and stands apart as one of the few not coming from the Dominican Republic.

Appearance:

The Cohiba Royale immediately exudes luxury with its black and faux carbon fiber box, featuring a domed lid adorned with a faux silver carbon fiber strip displaying the Cohiba name. ROYALE is etched in a thin, glimmering chrome font. Opening the box, the luxury vibe continues with the cigars arranged in an attractive arch format. The dark brown cigars have an eye-catching band that matches the box's colors, complete with a metallic, holographic red border. This presentation achieves a definite wow factor before the cigar is even lit.

The individual cigars have a dark brown oily wrapper with quite a bit of tooth, a somewhat bumpy surface, and visible veins. The seams are tight and invisible, and the cap seamlessly blends into the body of the cigar. They are firm from foot to cap, with just the slightest amount of give, embodying a classic, luxury feel.

The pre-light aroma from the foot is sweet and earthy, with a touch of pepper. The pre-light draw, nearly perfect, shares the same notes with an interesting grape-like finish.

Smoking Experience:

The first few puffs deliver straight black pepper and damp earth, with the retrohale being all black pepper. This cigar definitely clears out the nasal passages during the initial retrohales! Moving along, a bittersweet chocolate note appears, balancing the pepper slightly, yet it remains bold and spicy and we’re not complaining! The Royale starts at the higher end of medium-full in body, with strength in the medium range. The burn and draw are excellent, and the smoke output is thick and heavy.

As the cigar progresses, the pepper subsides, with earth and bittersweet chocolate moving forward. Leather enters the profile, adding complexity. Despite the boldness, it's not unpleasant at all, and the bite from the pepper keep your senses open to the next puff. This blend definitely achieves its goal of boldness.

Further along, the pepper on the retrohale tames, taking on a profile of red pepper with a hint of baker's spice. The notes on the tongue remain pepper, earth, and bittersweet chocolate, maintaining a consistent profile. Amazingly, the strength stays in the well-mannered medium range. The black pepper resurges in the final inch, with leather pushing to the front, complemented by subtle chocolate and earth notes. A cigar for the true Connoisseur or for that looking to just go for it and treat themselves to the ultimate in luxury. 

Would I Smoke This Cigar Again?

Yes, and truth be told I’ve enjoyed this cigar a lot in the past few years. The Cohiba Royale is a testament to the brand's dedication to luxury and quality. Its complex flavor profile, excellent construction, and luxurious presentation make it an unforgettable experience. For those who appreciate a bold and refined cigar, the Cohiba Royale is an absolute must-try, offering a smoking experience that is both sophisticated and invigorating. 

Why not come in and experience one with us today? I just may have to light up another since finishing this review!