Cohiba Novedosos LCDH

Living the LCDH Experience: My Take on Cohiba Novedosos

I’m about twenty minutes into this Cohiba Novedosos right now, and I’ve gotta tell you – this isn’t what I expected when I picked it up from the lcdh shop in Havana last month. The ash is holding beautifully (about an inch and a half so far), but there’s something almost… restrained about this stick that’s got me scratching my head a bit.

Let me back up. I’ve been smoking Cohibas since ’98, back when you could still find decent fakes that were honestly better than some legitimate brands. This Novedosos is one of those La Casa del Habano exclusives that you either love or completely don’t get. After two decades of chasing rare releases and limited editions, I’m leaning toward the latter, though I’m hoping it’ll prove me wrong as I work through it.

First Light and Initial Impressions

Right off the bat – and this might ruffle some feathers – I think Cohiba’s gotten a bit too precious with some of their recent releases. Don’t get me wrong, the construction on this Novedosos is flawless. Perfect draw, even burn, that classic Cohiba band that still gives me a little thrill after all these years. But there’s something almost clinical about it.

The pre-light aroma had that distinctive Cohiba earthiness, maybe a hint of barnyard (the good kind, not the “this cigar’s been stored wrong” kind). When I torched it with my trusty Xikar – same lighter I’ve used for probably eight years now – the first few puffs were surprisingly mellow. Almost too mellow for what I was expecting from an lcdh exclusive.

Here’s the thing about smoking in real-time while writing this: the cigar keeps evolving, and what I thought was restraint is starting to show more complexity. There’s a creamy sweetness developing that reminds me of really good vanilla custard. Not artificial vanilla – the real deal you get from a proper Cuban flan.

The Flavor Journey (My Way)

Forget the typical “first third, second third, final third” breakdown. That’s not how I smoke, and honestly, that’s not how most cigars actually develop anyway. This Novedosos is more like reading a book where the author keeps dropping subtle hints before the big reveal.

The first chapter (let’s call it the first 30 minutes) was all about subtlety. Cream, light leather, maybe some cedar. I was actually getting a little bored – and for a cigar that runs about $35-40 depending on your lcdh location, boring is not what you want.

But then something clicked around the halfway point. It’s like the tobacco finally woke up from a nap. Suddenly there’s this rich, almost chocolatey depth that wasn’t there before. Not sweet chocolate – more like really good dark cocoa powder mixed with espresso grounds. And there’s still that underlying creaminess holding everything together.

I’m pairing this with a glass of Flor de Caña 18 (neat, obviously), and the combination is actually working better than I thought it would. The rum’s bringing out some honey notes in the cigar that I might’ve missed otherwise. Though honestly, I think this would be even better with a really good Cuban coffee – maybe a Cubita or Serrano if you can find it.

The final act (we’re talking the last inch or so) is where this cigar either makes it or breaks it for you. It’s getting more intense, but in a refined way. There’s some pepper showing up, but it’s not harsh. More like white pepper than black. And there’s this lingering finish that tastes like… I don’t know how else to describe it… like expensive leather that’s been sitting in a humidor for years.

What I’d Actually Pair This With

Okay, so I mentioned the Flor de Caña, but let me give you some real-world pairing advice based on what I’ve actually tried, not just what sounds good in theory.

For spirits, this cigar plays surprisingly well with Highland single malts. I had one with a Macallan 18 a few nights ago (yeah, I know, showing off), and the combination was sublime. The sherry notes in the scotch brought out some fruit flavors in the tobacco that I didn’t even know were there. If you’re looking for something more accessible, try it with Glenfiddich 15 – the Solera aging process creates some interesting interactions with the Cohiba’s complexity.

Coffee-wise, skip the fancy stuff and go with a simple Cuban espresso. I’ve tried this with everything from Blue Mountain to Kona, but there’s something about that basic, strong Cuban coffee that just works. Maybe it’s the terroir thing – same island, same climate. Or maybe I’m just romanticizing it.

Food pairings? This is where I might lose some of you, but hear me out. This cigar is fantastic after a really good paella. I had one at this little place in Madrid (completely off-topic, but their seafood paella is incredible), and the combination of saffron and seafood flavors lingering on your palate creates this amazing contrast with the earthy, creamy notes of the Novedosos.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Smoke This

If you’re new to cigars, skip this one. Not because it’s too strong – it’s actually pretty approachable strength-wise – but because you’ll be paying premium prices for subtleties you probably won’t appreciate yet. Start with a Montecristo No. 2 or a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. Come back to this in a few years.

This is really for the intermediate to advanced smoker who appreciates nuance over power. If you’re the type who loves Padron Anniversary series or Davidoff Millennium blends, you’ll probably get this cigar. If you typically reach for Liga Privada or Acid cigars, this might bore you to tears.

It’s also perfect for those special occasions where you want something unmistakably Cuban but not overwhelmingly so. Business dinners, celebrations where you’re smoking around non-smokers, that sort of thing. The smoke output is moderate, and the aroma is pleasant without being aggressive.

The LCDH Factor and What It Really Means

Here’s something most people don’t think about: not all lcdh shops are created equal. I’ve bought this same cigar from locations in Havana, London, and Dubai, and there were subtle differences in each batch. The Havana ones (obviously) seemed the most dialed-in, but the London shop had been storing theirs at slightly lower humidity, which actually improved the draw characteristics.

The lcdh exclusivity is both a blessing and a curse. Yes, you’re getting something special that you can’t find at your local tobacco shop. But you’re also paying a premium for that exclusivity, and sometimes I wonder if the tobacco inside really justifies the markup. With the Novedosos, I think it does – barely – but it’s a close call.

Storage and Handling Notes

These cigars are finicky about humidity. I keep mine at 65% RH, maybe 66% max. Any higher and they get too soft, which kills that perfect draw. I learned this the hard way after storing a box at 70% for a few months. They were smokeable, but not the same cigar.

Also, let them rest. If you buy these and smoke one immediately, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Give them at least a month in your humidor to settle down from shipping. I’ve got a box that’s been resting for about six months now, and they’re noticeably better than when I first got them.

One more thing – and this is just my opinion – but I think these smoke better in cooler weather. I had one during a heat wave last summer, and it just didn’t have the same depth. Maybe it’s the ambient temperature affecting the burn rate, or maybe I’m overthinking it. But save these for fall and winter smoking if you can.

The Controversial Take

Alright, here’s where I might lose some of you: I don’t think this cigar lives up to the Cohiba reputation. There, I said it. It’s good – don’t get me wrong – but for the price point and the brand prestige, I expected more.

I’ve had $15 Partagas Serie D No. 4s that delivered more satisfaction than this $35+ stick. The Novedosos feels like Cohiba playing it safe, creating something that’s technically excellent but lacks soul. It’s the cigar equivalent of a perfectly executed but uninspired dish at an expensive restaurant.

That said, I’ll probably buy another box. Because even a slightly disappointing Cohiba is still a damn good cigar, and there are worse ways to spend your money.

Quick FAQ Based on Real Questions I Get

Q: Are these worth hunting down at different LCDH locations?

A: Honestly? Not really. If your local lcdh has them, great. But I wouldn’t plan a trip around finding these specifically.

Q: How do they compare to regular production Cohibas?

A: They’re more refined than a Robusto, less intense than a Esplendido. Think of them as the middle child of the Cohiba family.

Q: Should I age these or smoke them fresh?

A: Age them. At least six months, preferably a year. They’re good fresh, but they’re much better with some rest time.

Q: What’s the smoking time?

A: Plan for about 90 minutes, maybe two hours if you’re really taking your time. Don’t rush these – that’s missing the point entirely.

Bottom line: the Cohiba Novedosos is a solid lcdh exclusive that delivers on technical excellence but might leave you wanting more personality. It’s the kind of cigar that grows on you over time, but probably won’t blow you away on first smoke. Worth trying if you’re a Cohiba completist or just curious about what the fuss is about.