Cohiba Riviera

Cohiba Riviera marks a bold and historic departure for the iconic brand, delivering an intensely flavorful, full-bodied experience. Blended under the expert guidance of Master Blender Daniel Nunez and produced in Nicaragua by General Cigar Company, this release represents a mastery of multinational tobacco integration. It is specifically crafted for seasoned aficionados who demand heavy strength and profound complexity, stepping away from the brand's classic Dominican roots to embrace the robust terroir of Central America and Mexico.

The tasting notes of this dark, box-pressed beauty are immediately commanding. Wrapped in a stunning, toothy Mexican San Andres leaf, the initial puffs deliver heavy notes of dark wood and cream, closely followed by a sharp, invigorating hit of black pepper. The Honduran Connecticut binder secures an intricate filler blend from four distinct regions: Honduran Jamastran, Honduran La Entrada, Nicaraguan Condega, and Nicaraguan Esteli. This precise arrangement of heavy ligero leaves provides a slow, cool burn that intensifies as it transitions, keeping the palate deeply engaged down to the final third.

This blend is incredibly sought-after because it holds a unique distinction: it is the very first and only box-pressed cigar released by the brand. The sharp, squared-off edges not only provide a comfortable mouthfeel but also condense the tobaccos to create a highly concentrated draw. To ensure the rich oils of the San Andres wrapper remain completely intact, we ship every box directly from our aging room. Our factory-fresh model and strict 70/70 climate control guarantee that these powerful smokes arrive at your door in flawless condition.

More Blend Details

Origin: Nicaragua

Factory: General Cigar Company

Available Sizes: Robusto (5 x 52), Perfecto (6 x 60), Toro (6 1/2 x 52) 

Packaging: Boxes of 10, Boxes of 20 

Ratings: Cigar Aficionado awarded Cohiba Riviera with multiple 88+ point ratings. 

Pairing & Recommendations

To stand up to the full-bodied strength and peppery tasting notes of this blend, we recommend pairing it with a heavy, peat-forward Islay Scotch or a dark, robust porter. The creamy undertones of the Mexican San Andres wrapper interact beautifully with the malt and smoke of these beverages, balancing out the sharp Honduran and Nicaraguan spices. This is undeniably a late-evening, after-dinner smoke, best enjoyed when you have the time to sit back and handle a heavy nicotine profile.

Because of the sharp box-pressed vitola, a straight cut with a very sharp double-guillotine cutter is the best approach to ensure an even draw without crushing the head. When lighting, hold your torch lighter a few inches away from the foot, allowing the dense Mexican wrapper to toast slowly and evenly without charring. Draw steadily but avoid puffing too frequently; keeping the temperature cool is essential for preventing the heavy ligero fillers from turning bitter as you approach the nub.