Cohiba Red Dot Review

Some cigar names just carry weight. Say “Cohiba,” and even non-smokers perk up. The Cuban Cohiba might be out of reach for most of us, but the Cohiba Red Dot, the first Dominican-made Cohiba released in the U.S. back in the ’90s, has carved out its own place. That little red dot on the band isn’t just decoration; it’s a statement: this is the non-Cuban Cohiba, built with Dominican tobacco, a Cameroon wrapper, and its own identity.

And here’s where my inner history buff comes out. The Red Dot was born when General Cigar wanted to give American smokers a Cohiba they could actually get their hands on. Cuban Cohibas were off-limits thanks to the embargo, so this Dominican version became the flagship. While some purists still compare it to the Cuban original, I think the Red Dot has earned its own reputation: refined, consistent, and instantly recognizable.

With that backstory in mind, I lit up the Robusto (5" x 49) to see what the Red Dot delivers, and how it stacks up against the hype.

The Breakdown

• Profile: Medium

• Wrapper: Cameroon (triple fermented)

• Binder: Indonesian Jember

• Filler: Dominican (Piloto Cubano)

• Factory: General Cigar Dominicana (Dominican Republic)

• Sizes Available: Robusto, Churchill, Toro, Corona, Lonsdale

• Notable Feature: Cameroon wrapper that’s triple fermented for a cleaner, smoother ride

• Flavor Highlights: Cedar, cream, nuts, leather, roasted coffee, sweet spice

• Price Point: Around $18–$22 per single (Robusto)

Appearance & First Impressions

The Cameroon wrapper is the first thing you notice, toothy to the touch, chocolate-brown, with a soft sheen under the light. Cameroon leaf is known for being thin and delicate, so I was half-expecting a split, but this one held tight.

On the cold draw, I picked up cedar, dried fig, and just a pinch of black pepper. It felt like a proper handshake before lighting up.

First Third – Sweet & Creamy Start

From the first puff, the Red Dot shows you what it’s about: balance. Flavors open with cedar and sweet cream, layered with hints of cinnamon and that subtle spice Cameroon is famous for. The draw was wide open, the smoke output generous, and everything felt smooth and easygoing. Big win so far.

Second Third – Balanced and Steady

This is where the cigar finds its stride. The cedar is still front and center, but roasted nuts and soft leather creep in. The creaminess builds, smoothing everything together into a steady, mellow profile.

This middle stretch is the “sweet spot.” It’s not trying to wow you with fireworks, but it’s dependable. I paired it with a cup of black coffee, and the two played nicely. I could just as easily see it working with a lighter bourbon in the evening.

Final Third – A Richer Finish

In the last stretch, the Cohiba Red Dot leans more into earth, roasted coffee, and toasted wood. The cream fades into the background, leaving a more robust core. Pepper picks up slightly, and there’s a subtle raisin sweetness that keeps the finish from getting too dry.

I will also note that the temperature of the smoke did heat up a bit towards the end, but it was nothing unexpected or unpleasant in any way.

Construction and Performance

The Robusto burned with the kind of effortlessness you only notice when a cigar is made right. The burn line stayed sharp, the ash held firm, and the draw was spot-on. Cameroon wrappers are notoriously fragile, but this one never gave me any trouble.

Price & Value of Cohiba Red Dot Cigars

Here's where things get real: at around $20 a stick, the Red Dot sits firmly in the premium range. That puts it up against some heavy hitters, Padrón, Liga Privada, or even certain boutique Nicaraguan blends that can deliver bolder flavors for less money.

Is it worth it? Depends on what you’re after. If you want raw strength or layered complexity, you might feel shortchanged. But if you want refinement, consistency, and the prestige of Cohiba Cigars, the Red Dot earns its keep. I don’t see it as an everyday cigar, but I do see it as one worth keeping in the humidor for when you want something classic and familiar.

Final Verdict: Cohiba Red Dot Robusto

The Cohiba Red Dot Robusto isn’t a powerhouse, and honestly, I don’t think it’s meant to be. For me, it’s the cigar I’d light up on a Saturday morning with coffee, or later with a light pour of bourbon when I want to just enjoy a steady, refined smoke.

What stood out most was the balance: creamy cedar at its core, sweetness and spice weaving in, and a finish that rounds things out without ever turning harsh. Do I wish the price was lower? Sure. But the Red Dot has its place, a reliable, steady Cohiba experience that feels classic every time you light one up.

Other reviewers often land anywhere from the low 80s to the low 90s on this cigar. My 7.8 lines up with that range, sitting squarely in the middle, which feels right for a cigar that’s consistent, refined, and steady, but not necessarily a showstopper.

Who's This Cigar For?

If you’re newer to cigars and want to experience a recognizable name that’s smooth and approachable, the Red Dot is a solid introduction. For seasoned smokers, it’s less about chasing complexity and more about appreciating consistency. When I reach for the Red Dot, it’s not because I want to be challenged, it’s because I want a cigar I can trust to deliver a smooth, steady experience.

Ratings Breakdown

(Equivalent to about an 85/100 on the traditional cigar scale.)

A smooth, balanced cigar that delivers exactly what it promises. Pricey, yes, but if you want a Cohiba you can count on, this is it.

Buy Cohiba Red Dot Cigars

If you’ve been curious about the Red Dot, the Robusto is the best way to get the full picture, smooth, balanced, and showing off that signature Cameroon wrapper. From there, you can branch out into the Toro or Churchill when you want to stretch the experience.

For me, it’s not my everyday smoke, but when I want something steady, familiar, and refined, the Red Dot earns its spot in the humidor. That’s why it’s stayed a staple for decades.

Ready to light up a classic? Buy Cohiba Red Dot Robusto at After Action Cigars and see why this refined smoke has earned its place in humidors for decades.