Cohiba Reserva Seleccion – Coronas Especiales 2002 Cigar
Before the black lacquered boxes, before the immense amount of hype and lavish parties at the Habanos Festival, there was the simple, understated, yet very impressive first ever “Reserva” release by Habanos.
In 2003, Habanos released the Cohiba Reserva Seleccion. It was the first time a cigar had a second band on it that read “Reserva”, and it was the only time a Reserva release was to feature more than one vitola. This very special and unique Reserva edition was released in 2003, although the boxes have a 2002 box date. At the time of release, the tobacco was aged for a minimum of 3 years. Instead of the black lacquered boxes that most of the Reserva (and Gran Reserva) now come in, this Reserva Seleccion comes in a varnished box, similar to the Cohiba Esplendidos.
ABOUT THE CIGAR – Cohiba Reserva Seleccion – Coronas Especiales 2002
BOX DATE: OSU DIC 02
SIZE: 38 x 6 inches.
FACTORY NAME: Laguito No. 2
The Cohiba Reserva Seleccion includes 30 cigars, mixed with 6 different vitolas. Here are the cigars included in the box:
Coronas Especiales (6) 38 x 6
Esplendidos (4) 47 x 7
Media Coronas (6) 38 x 5 5/8
Piramides (8) 52 x 6 1/8
Robustos (6) 50 x 4 7/8
It is always interesting to see where an idea goes throughout history, and the Reserva editions from Habanos have become quite sought after cigars. I thought it would be fun to have a list to see what cigars, brands, and sizes were featured in the Reserva series. Here is a complete list of all the Reserva releases to date. For clarity’s sake, this list does not include the “Gran Reserva” releases, but “Reserva” only. (Cosecha = Harvest)
2003 – COHIBA – Reserva Seleccion. See full list of cigars included above.
2005 – PARTAGAS – Serie D No. 4 – Reserva Cosecha 2000 – Robusto – 50 x 4 7/8
2007 – MONTECRISTO – No. 4 – Reserva Cosecha 2002 – Petit Corona – 42 x 5 1/8
2012 – ROMEO Y JULIETA – Churchill – Reserva Cosecha 2008 – Churchill – 47 x 7
2014 – H. UPMANN – Upmann No. 2 – Reserva Cosecha 2010 – Pyramide – 52 x 6 1/8
2016 – HOYO DE MONTERREY – Epicure No. 2 – Reserva Cosecha 2010 – Robusto – 50 x 4 7/8
2018 – COHIBA – Robusto Reserva – Cosecha 2014 – Robusto – 50 x 4 7/8
2020 – Bolivar – Belicosos Finos – Reserva Cosecha 2016 – Belicosos – 52 x 5 ½
Lately, I have been enjoying skinnier cigars. The Cohiba of choice from the box I chose is the Coronas Especiales.
A brief review based on my experience with the aged puro.
1st Part
The initial puffs were quite full bodied and the taste is rich Cuban tobacco. The most recent cigar I have had in this exact size was the Montecristo Especial No. 2, and the initial flavors were very similar. The flavor is enjoyable and has a familiarity to it. You can taste the age in that all the strength that it offers is smooth and elegant.
2nd Part
After a great start, the continuation of the cigar remains exactly the same as the beginning. Given the fact that I enjoyed the flavors on the first part, I was not disappointed that it did not evolve, however, I was expecting more evolution on the palate.
3rd Part
The final third of this Cohiba Reserva Coronas Especiales grows to become very intense, and strong. It certainly packs a punch. The flavor remains the same, and picks up strength as is typical as you round up to the last parts.
SUMMARY
The expectation for this Cohiba Reserva Coronas Especiales 2002 was quite high. I ha been putting off smoking one for quite a few years now. From that standpoint, it was a little bit of a disappointment. The positive points are the rich flavors, the very appealing size and the ending of the cigar. In my opinion, I believe this cigar is ready to smoke now and ageing too much longer might diminish the pleasant parts of the cigar.
I am curious to see how the other cigars in the Seleccion taste, and also how this same one will taste over the next few years. If any of you have tried, please do comment below to compare notes!
You inspired me to smoke one of my Cohiba Reservas. I smoked the robusto. My palate is not so sophisticated but this still has a strong flavor. I’d love to say it had hints of chocolate and lemon but to me it just tastes like a delicious Cuban cigar. Not overpowering and a little sweet. It pairs well with a Santiago 11 year. Though most everything does. It burns evenly and taste is consistent throughout. I wish I was smoking it in Havana or the Whiskey Cafe in Montreal. I finished the cigar till it looked smaller than the piece I cut off.
Thank you for the comment! Glad to see you cracked the box and tried one for yourself. As for Havana and Whisky Cafe in Montreal, let’s hope soon!
Now we just need to test all the other sizes in the box!
hello, I had a box 8-9 years ago that I have smoked in a 2 years period.To my mind these were the best cohibas of the past-90 era.A dream skoke for me,but this is personal!A mixef of floral-meaty-honey aroma and taste.The robustos came first, with esplendidos, corona media,especiales to follow.The torpedos seemed the least interested for me, but the quality and the exquisite tobacco of all was a delight,I wish I had more!
best
Yannis
Hello Yannis,
very nice to hear from someone who has tried all of them. Personally, i have yet to try. The best Cohiba i have tried are the 2011 LE 1966, as well as Esplendidos and Robustos from the 80s. regular production Piramides Extra are also fun when in tubos.
Salud
Antonio