Cuaba Salomon Box of 10s

The Cuaba Salomon Box of 10s: Cuba’s Most Controversial Cigar Shape Finally Gets Its Due

Here’s something that might shock every cigar aficionado reading this: the Cuaba Salomon isn’t just another novelty shape – it’s arguably the most technically challenging cigar Cuba produces, and after smoking through dozens of boxes over the past decade, I’m convinced it represents the absolute pinnacle of what the Vuelta Abajo can offer when everything aligns perfectly.

I’ll be honest with you. When Habanos S.A. first introduced the Cuaba brand back in 1996, I was skeptical. Another brand? Really? But after my first encounter with the cuaba salomon – that distinctive torpedo with its elegant taper and commanding presence – I understood exactly why this cigar demanded its own marque. This isn’t just about marketing; it’s about celebrating a shape that nearly disappeared from Cuban production altogether.

The Iconic Figurado That Almost Vanished

Let me paint you a picture of what makes the salomón so special. We’re talking about an attractive diadema that measures 7¼ inches with a ring gauge that starts at 57 and tapers down to an elegant point. It’s a cigar that demands attention the moment you lay eyes on it. The construction alone tells a story – this is old-school Cuban craftsmanship at its most challenging.

The wrapper on these cuaba salomones showcases that beautiful silky grain that only comes from premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco. It’s smooth to the touch, with an oily sheen that catches the light just right. The veining is minimal, and when you run your fingers along the length, you can feel that supple quality that indicates proper aging and fermentation.

What really sets this cigar apart is how the wrapper handles that dramatic taper. Lesser manufacturers struggle with figurados because maintaining consistent draw and burn becomes exponentially more difficult as you deviate from parejos. But the torcedores creating these gems have mastered the art. The tobacco just embodies earth in its most refined form – you can smell the Cuban soil before you even light up.

Construction and Visual Appeal

Every time I examine a fresh box of cuban cigars cuaba Salomon, I’m struck by the consistency. These aren’t machine-made; every single cigar shows the subtle variations that prove human hands crafted it, yet the quality control remains impeccable. The foot construction is particularly noteworthy – there’s no bunching or loose spots that might cause burn issues later.

The pre-light aroma offers hints of what’s to come: barnyard, leather, and that distinctive Cuban earthiness. But there’s something else – a sweetness that suggests cedar aging and perhaps a touch of cocoa. This complexity in the cold draw tells me the blend is properly married and ready to perform.

One detail that many reviewers miss: look at how the cap is applied on the tapered head. This is where you can really see master craftsmanship. The wrapper leaf has to be stretched and manipulated to create that perfect point without compromising structural integrity. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the skill involved.

The Smoking Experience: A Journey Through Cuban Terroir

First Third: Elegant Introduction

When the cigar starts, you’re immediately greeted with that classic Cuban profile, but there’s a restraint here that surprises many smokers expecting full intensity from the start. The initial draws are mild to medium, offering cedar, cream, and a subtle spice that tingles the palate without overwhelming it.

What I love about this opening act is how smooth the delivery is. There’s no harshness, no rough edges – just clean, pure tobacco flavor that builds gradually. The burn line establishes itself evenly, which is crucial for a figurado of this size. I’ve noticed that properly humidified Salomon cigars will develop a beautiful white ash that holds for nearly two inches.

The retrohale during this phase reveals white pepper and a hint of honey sweetness. It’s sophisticated without being intimidating, making this an excellent choice for both experienced smokers and those ready to step up from milder offerings.

Second Third: The Heart of Cuba

As you progress into the meat of the cigar, the flavor profile shifts dramatically. This is where the Cuaba Salomon reveals its true character. The strength increases to a solid medium-plus, and the complexity explodes across your palate. Earth, leather, coffee, and dark chocolate emerge, supported by that underlying Cuban mineral quality that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.

This middle section is where every serious aficionado falls in love with the Salomon. The flavors are perfectly balanced – nothing dominates, yet everything contributes to a harmonious whole. I often detect notes of roasted nuts, particularly almonds, along with a subtle fruitiness that might be dried figs or dates.

The construction really shines here. Despite the dramatic shape change as you smoke through the body toward the taper, the draw remains consistent and the burn stays even. Temperature management becomes crucial – smoke too fast and you’ll miss the nuanced interplay of flavors.

Final Third: Full Cuban Intensity

The final portion transforms this into one of those medium to full-strength cigars that define the Cuban experience. The nicotine strength builds noticeably, but it’s supported by such rich, complex flavors that it never becomes harsh or unpleasant. This is where the aged tobacco really shows its quality.

Espresso, dark earth, leather, and a touch of black pepper dominate the finish. There’s often a mineral component that I can only describe as tasting like Cuban soil after rain – earthy, rich, and somehow both ancient and vibrant. The retrohale becomes more intense, delivering waves of spice balanced by underlying sweetness.

The final inch requires patience and attention. Smoke it slowly, and you’ll be rewarded with flavors that continue evolving right down to the nub. Rush it, and you’ll miss some of the most complex notes this cigar has to offer.

Perfect Pairing Recommendations

After years of experimentation, I’ve found several beverages that complement the Cuaba Salomon beautifully. For whisky lovers, I recommend Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The sherry cask influence in these single malts creates beautiful bridges with the cigar’s earth and leather notes.

Coffee enthusiasts should try pairing with a rich Cuban espresso or Jamaica Blue Mountain. The intensity matches perfectly with the final third, while the inherent sweetness complements the earlier, milder sections.

For rum pairings – and this is Cuba we’re talking about – aged expressions work best. Havana Club 15 Year or Santiago de Cuba 20 Year create spectacular combinations. The rum’s sugar cane sweetness balances the tobacco’s earth and spice beautifully.

Wine drinkers shouldn’t overlook this cigar either. Full-bodied reds like Barolo or Châteauneuf-du-Pape provide enough structure to stand up to the Salomon’s intensity while offering complementary tannins and fruit notes.

Storage and Aging Recommendations

Proper storage is absolutely critical for cuaba salomon cigars. I maintain mine at 65-67% relative humidity and 65-68°F. The figurado shape makes these more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than parejos, so consistency is key. Too much humidity and the tapered section becomes problematic; too little and you risk cracking along the wrapper.

These cigars are excellent fresh, but they really hit their stride with 2-3 years of additional aging. I’ve smoked Salomon cigars with 10+ years on them, and the transformation is remarkable. The earth notes become more refined, the spice mellows, and a honeyed sweetness emerges that’s simply magical.

When storing boxes, rotate them quarterly to ensure even aging. The oils in Cuban tobacco continue developing for decades when properly stored, and the Salomon’s blend seems particularly responsive to extended aging.

Who Should Smoke the Cuaba Salomon?

This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, but it’s not exclusively for experts either. I’d recommend the Cuaba Salomon for intermediate to advanced smokers who appreciate complexity and have the patience for a 90-minute+ smoking experience. The strength builds gradually enough that it won’t overwhelm someone stepping up from medium-bodied cigars.

It’s perfect for special occasions – the impressive size and distinctive shape make it an excellent celebration cigar. I’ve gifted boxes to fellow enthusiasts for milestone birthdays, promotions, and other significant events. The presentation alone makes a statement.

Any aficionado interested in Cuban cigar history should experience the Salomon. This shape represents centuries of tradition, and smoking one connects you directly to that heritage. It’s a living piece of tobacco history.

Value and Availability

The Cuaba Salomon Box of 10s represents solid value in today’s Cuban market. While not inexpensive, the quality justifies the price point. These cigars consistently deliver premium experiences, and the 10-count box format makes them more accessible than some larger presentations.

Availability can be sporadic, as Cuban production priorities shift and tobacco allocations change. When you find authentic boxes, I recommend buying multiples if budget allows. The aging potential alone makes them worthwhile investments.

Authenticity is crucial with Cuban cigars. Purchase only from authorized dealers, and familiarize yourself with current box codes and authentication features. The secondary market unfortunately includes many counterfeits, particularly of premium brands like Cuaba.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to smoke a Cuaba Salomon?

Plan on 90-120 minutes for a proper smoking experience. The large ring gauge and 7¼ inch length require patience. Rushing will heat up the tobacco and compromise the flavor development. This is a cigar for relaxed occasions when you have time to truly appreciate it.

What makes the Salomon shape so special?

The Salomon’s dramatic taper creates a constantly changing smoking experience. As the ring gauge decreases, flavor concentration increases, and the smoking dynamics evolve. It’s also one of the most challenging shapes for torcedores to roll consistently, making each cigar a small masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Are Cuaba cigars only available in figurado shapes?

Yes, Cuaba is unique among Cuban brands in that every size is a figurado. The entire line celebrates these traditional shapes that were once common but nearly disappeared from Cuban production. From the Divinos to the Exclusivos, every Cuaba showcases the art of figurado rolling.

How do I properly cut a Salomon cigar?

Use a sharp straight cut about ¼ inch from the tip. Avoid cutting too much – you want to maintain some of the taper for the authentic smoking experience. A punch cut won’t work well due to the pointed cap, and a V-cut can be tricky with the narrow head. Clean, straight cuts work best.

Can I age Cuaba Salomon cigars long-term?

Absolutely. These cigars age beautifully when properly stored. I’ve enjoyed specimens with 15+ years on them, and they develop incredible complexity. The earth notes become more refined, the spice mellows, and subtle sweetness emerges. Just maintain consistent humidity and temperature, and be patient – great Cuban cigars reward aging.