Cigar Review: Cohiba Red Dot
The Cohiba Red Dot is the first and standard offering by the Dominican-based and General Cigars headed Cohiba brand. Utilizing top shelf leaves and fine fermentation processes, it’s considered one of the company’s most luxurious lines. The Red Dot is rolled in the Dominican Republic and Famous Smoke Shop, based out of Pennsylvania, generously sent in samples for this review.
Blend Specifics
Vitola: Corona 5”x42
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Indonesian Jember
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Appearance and Construction
The Cohiba Red dot has a light brown, almost tan coloured wrapper that also has a slight green tint. Minimal veins, tight though visible seams. An almost velvety feel with a slight tooth, and a slightly mottled appearance. Dense, even packing and this corona sports a decently applied triple cap.
Smoke and Flavor Characteristics
Cold Aromas: The wrapper shows wet manure, a little grass / hay and a buttery nut. The foot presents cedar / sweet wood and hay. The cold draw opens to a day wood with a bit of pine and a faint fresh mint. It also has a fairly easy and open draw.
First Third: The first notes are a dry and sweet grain cereal, some black pepper, cedar, a refreshing mint wash and a bit of manure-earth. The aroma is thick with cedar and a touch of leather. Near razor sharp burn, and the ash formation is tight, white, with distinct rings. A very spicy start. The spice calmed a bit. The ash was tapped at one inch due to the small ring gauge of this cigar. The body is medium to full, the flavor is medium to full as well, while the strength is just shy of medium to full.
Second Third: The second third is still brimming with spice. The fresh mint is still hanging around, as well as the cedar, but there’s also a deeper leather note that’s come in. the sweet cereal is here and there in faint accentuations. The aroma is still pleasantly pungent. The spice has come down way down and the cigar has eased into a mellow burn and profile. The profile is till holding at medium to full in body, medium to full in flavor and medium to medium to full in strength.
Final Third: The final third is still teaming with flavor and an increased level of balance. The spice is still present and lasts long on the finish but isn’t quite as overwhelming as it was earlier in the session. The cedar and leather with a slight sweetness are still the main components of this smoke. Performance has been great throughout and even up to this point. Removing the band happens pretty easily as the band is held with self-adhesive glue. The cigar ends up as it started and as it has been throughout, with the body at medium to full, the flavor at medium to full and the strength just shy of medium to full.
Final Thoughts
The Cohiba Red Dot is what one would come to expect of an ultra premium offering from large company. Thoroughly consistent, fine grade leaves and fermentation process, and consistent flavor profile and construction. At times it can feel a bit one-dimensional but with all the spice packed into this little vitola, it stays fairly interesting. This cigar makes for a good breakfast or after lunch smoke, in this vitola.
Smoking time was 1 hour and 20 minutes.