About the Cohiba Siglo 6 Gran Reserva 2003
The Cohiba Siglo 6 Gran Reserva 2003 holds a special place in Habanos history as the very first Gran Reserva the company ever brought to market. Built on the celebrated Canonazo format of the standard Siglo VI, it draws on tobacco from the prized 2003 harvest, grown across the San Juan y Martinez and San Luis zones of the Vuelta Abajo. Every leaf was rested for roughly five years before the cigars were rolled by master torcedores at the legendary El Laguito factory in Havana. An unofficial prerelease surfaced at the XI Festival del Habano in early 2009, with the official worldwide shipment following later that year. Production was strictly limited to 5,000 numbered boxes of 15, which is part of why this vitola remains so sought after among serious collectors.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans into the refinement that defines the Cohiba house, with creamy cedar, gentle toasted nuts, and a soft honeyed sweetness setting the tone. As the cigar moves into the middle, roasted coffee and cocoa step forward, joined by hints of leather and a faint citrus or floral lift that keeps things lively. The final third gathers richness without ever turning harsh, layering dark chocolate over a touch of warm spice. What stands out across all three stages is the balance, with no single note dominating and the smoke evolving subtly from one puff to the next.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cocoa and cedar tones.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, which frames the leather and coffee notes without overwhelming them.
- A cup of freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee for a classic after dinner companion.
Aging and storage
Although these cigars already benefited from years of rest before release, they continue to reward patient storage. Keep them at a steady relative humidity in the high 60s, around 65 to 69 percent, with temperatures near 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, or roughly 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A well seasoned humidor lets the maturation proceed gracefully, softening any remaining edges and deepening the creamy, chocolatey character. Given the rarity and numbered nature of each box, many enthusiasts prefer to age a few while smoking others over time.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the collector and the connoisseur who appreciate Cuban heritage at its most ceremonial. The medium body makes it approachable enough that you do not need decades of experience to enjoy it, yet the complexity and pedigree reward a refined palate that can follow its many shifts. It suits a quiet, unhurried smoke rather than a casual one, ideal for marking an occasion or sharing with someone who understands what a first Gran Reserva represents.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Cohiba Siglo 6 Gran Reserva 2003 so special?
It was the first Gran Reserva ever released by Habanos, built from carefully selected 2003 harvest tobacco aged about five years and rolled at El Laguito, with production capped at 5,000 numbered boxes worldwide.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the medium range, refined and balanced rather than overpowering, which lets its coffee, cocoa, and creamy cedar notes shine through clearly.
What size is the Cohiba Siglo 6 Gran Reserva 2003?
It is a Robusto Extra, also known as the Canonazo, measuring 5.9 inches in length with a 52 ring gauge.
Explore more
Browse all Cohiba Cigars cigars, see our Cohiba Cigars price guide, or try the Cohiba Robustos and Cohiba Siglo VI. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
