Cohiba Red Dot

The first thing to know is that this has nothing to do with Cuban Cohiba beyond the name, which General Cigar owns in the US. Judged as its own cigar, the Red Dot is a well-made, medium-bodied Dominican with a Cameroon wrapper: cedar and toasted nut, a light sweetness, and a gentle spice that never gets loud. It is smooth to the point of being polite. The problem has always been price — it costs like a special-occasion cigar and smokes like a very good everyday one. It goes on sale often enough that patience is rewarded, and at a discount it is easy to recommend. The Robusto is the standard size; the Corona Minor is the same blend for a shorter sitting.

A gift cigar for someone who will recognise the name, or a mellow evening smoke when you find it on sale.