This is the second time that I can remember General Cigar Company trying to create a more “value-priced” entry in the non-Cuban Cohiba brand. In 2017 there was Cohiba Blue, a Honduran-heavy blend that also included some Nicaraguan and Dominican leaf. And more recently (2025) the Cohiba Rubicon was released. It uses six different tobaccos from five different countries, including an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, U.S. Broadleaf binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They are rolled at the HATSA factory in Honduras and retail for around $10.
There’s nothing wrong with the Cohiba Rubicon’s appearance, although if it were the price of other entries for the brand, I might take issue with the weird discoloration near the foot, and the seam near the head that didn’t quite lay flat. These kinds of minor cosmetic defects (or semi-sloppy rolling) are much more acceptable at this price point. The wrapper leaf was the color of milk chocolate, had a nice oiliness, and just a little tooth under my fingers. It had a classic Habano leaf aroma of wet earth, along with a touch of grass and cedar. The foot of the cigar was much more grassy, with earth and wood notes coming in behind. The cold draw had a mellow sweetness, almost a citrus note, as well as a little red pepper and earth.
When fired up, the Cohiba Rubicon had a nice balance of earth, cedar, cocoa powder, and pepper spice, all riding on a medium-plus body. The multi-country blend really did lead to a higher level of complexity. Honestly, this might be the best General Cohiba blend I’ve had…granted, I haven’t had the Spectre or Weller releases, but for them to put out a blend with this level of flavor and complexity for what is the lowest price point in the Cohiba catalog is a little astounding and very welcome. I hope it becomes the norm for the brand.
