Description
A Robusto That Almost Didn’t Happen
I still remember the buzz in 2014 when word got out the journey that brought me here this release. The Cohiba Robusto Supremo wasn’t just another Edición Limitada – it was Cohiba’s way of saying “we can do a chunky Robusto better than anyone else.” And honestly? They weren’t wrong. This is a 2014 limited release that never got the attention it deserved, probably because collectors were going crazy over some of the other releases that year. But I’ve been sitting on a box for years now, and every time I light one up, I think the journey that brought me here all the people who slept on this cigar. You’re about to discover why this particular vitola stands out in Cohiba’s lineup, what makes it different from their regular production Robustos, and – most importantly – whether it’s worth hunting down almost a decade later.
What Makes the Robusto Supremo Different
Cohiba doesn’t do Edición Limitada releases every year, and when they do, there’s usually a good reason. The Robusto Supremo from 2014 sits in this interesting space between their classic Robusto and the heftier Siglo VI. Thing is, Cohiba already had plenty of Robustos in their lineup – the standard Robusto, the Robusto Reserva, even the Behike 52 if you want to get fancy about it.
So why another one? The Robusto Supremo was designed as a thicker, more substantial smoke – a real sit-down-for-90-minutes kind of cigar. What sets these limited edition keeping them properly stored apart is the extra year of aging the tobacco gets before rolling, plus they only use leaves from specific tobacco plantations in the Vuelta Abajo region. Not just any Vuelta Abajo tobacco, mind you – we’re talking about the primo stuff that gets earmarked for these special releases.
The wrapper on these is darker than your typical Cohiba, which had some people scratching their heads back in 2014. I remember one guy at my local lounge insisting they’d gotten the bands wrong and these were actually Bolivars. That colorado maduro wrapper comes from extended fermentation, and it telegraphs exactly what you’re in for: a richer, more full-bodied experience than standard production Cohibas. If you’re used to the lighter, more elegant profile of regular line Cohibas, the Robusto Supremo is going to surprise you – in a good way.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Supremo (Edición Limitada 2014) |
| Length | 5.4 inches / 137 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo, Colorado Maduro) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Ligero, Seco, and Volado blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
How This Cigar Actually Smokes
The cold draw gives you cocoa and dried fruit – not what I expected the first time I tried one, honestly. Most Cohibas hit you with that grassy, floral note right away, but the Robusto Supremo has something earthier going on. Once you toast the foot and get it going, the first third opens up with creamy cedar and a touch of white pepper. Not aggressive pepper – more like that gentle tingle you get from good Tellicherry peppercorns.
About fifteen minutes in, leather notes start creeping in. This is where the cigar shows its breeding. That wrapper’s doing serious work here, and the construction is typically flawless – I’ve never had one tunnel or need a relight, knock on wood. The burn line stays razor-sharp, and the ash holds for a solid inch and a before you need to tap it off before you need to tap it off. Actually, scratch that – I had one ash hold for almost two inches during a poker game last month, but I think that was showing off.
The second third is where things get interesting. The pepper mellows out and you start getting these waves of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. There’s also this underlying nuttiness – almond, maybe hazelnut? – that weaves through everything. The smoke output is generous without being excessive. Some of those newer learning to appreciate Cuban tobacco releases pump out clouds like a fog machine, but the Robusto Supremo keeps it classy.
Final third brings a bit more strength, which is exactly what you want. The flavors concentrate and you get hints of dried orange peel and baking spices. Cinnamon, definitely. Maybe a touch of clove? The retrohale in this section is spectacular – rich tobacco sweetness with just enough spice to keep it interesting. I’ve smoked these down to a nub more times than I probably should admit, burning my fingers because I didn’t want it to end.
One thing worth mentioning: these have aged beautifully. The 2014 release information suggested letting them rest, and they were right. I tried one fresh in 2015 and it was good but a bit tight. Now, with almost a decade on them? They’re hitting their stride. The flavors have married together and smoothed out in all the right ways.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 | Medium-Full | 75-90 minutes | Seasoned smokers wanting complexity with age |
| Cohiba Robusto | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Classic Cohiba experience, lighter body |
| Partagás the robust Serie E offering D No. 4 | Full | 60-75 minutes | Those wanting more punch and earthiness |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with everything from learning to appreciate Cuban tobacco coffee to single malt scotch, and here’s what works best: a nice aged rum. Specifically, something like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. The rum’s natural sweetness plays beautifully against the cigar’s chocolate and coffee notes without overwhelming them.
If you’re more of a whiskey person, go for a smooth bourbon rather than a peaty scotch. Woodford Reserve or Eagle Rare work great – they’ve got enough vanilla and caramel to complement the cigar without competing. I know some guys swear by cognac with Cohibas, and while I won’t argue against a nice XO, I find it a bit too delicate for the Robusto Supremo’s fuller body.
Coffee works surprisingly well too, especially in the morning. A proper espresso or a strong cortadito mirrors those roasted notes in the second third. And if you’re feeling fancy, a vintage port – something with at least 10 years on it – is absolutely killer with this cigar. The tawny ports especially, with their nutty, oxidative character.
Best occasion? This is a special event cigar. Not your daily smoke – more like celebrating a promotion, a wedding, or just a really good Saturday afternoon when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing to do. The 90-minute smoking time means you need to commit to it.
Is the Cohiba Robusto Supremo still available since it was a 2014 limited release?
They pop up here and there, but you’re hunting at this point. The edición limitada releases are produced in limited quantities, so once they’re gone from primary sources, you’re looking at collectors selling from their personal stashes. I’d grab them when you see them – these aren’t getting more available with time, that’s for sure. Some retailers still have boxes tucked away, but expect to do some searching.
How does this compare to the regular Cohiba Robusto?
Night and day difference, honestly. The regular Robusto is elegant and medium-bodied – classic Cohiba profile with that grassy, floral character. The Robusto Supremo is fuller, richer, and more complex thanks to the extra aging and that darker wrapper. If the regular Robusto is a tennis player in whites, the Supremo is a heavyweight boxer. Both are excellent, just completely different experiences.
Should I smoke these now or age them longer?
They’re smoking phenomenally right now if you’ve got properly stored ones from 2014. That said, I don’t think they’ve peaked yet – Cuban cigars from that vintage with this pedigree can age for decades. If you’ve got a box, smoke one now to see where they are, then tuck the rest away for another few years. Just make sure your humidor is dialed in at 65-67% humidity. I’m keeping mine around 65% and they’re perfect.
What’s the strength level really like? I’ve heard mixed things.
It’s solidly medium to full. Not a nicotine bomb like some Bolivars or Partagás, but definitely not a morning cigar unless you’ve got a strong coffee and breakfast in you. I’d call it a 7 out of 10 on the strength scale – enough to let you know it’s there, but not enough to knock you sideways. The body is full though, which some people confuse with strength. Lots of flavor without being overpowering.
Are there any issues with Cuban cigars from that vintage from 2014?
2014 was actually a pretty solid year for Cuban tobacco, so no major quality concerns. The bigger issue is storage history – if these weren’t kept properly over the last nine years, you’re going to have problems. Always buy from reputable sources who can verify storage conditions. I’ve had zero construction issues with properly stored Robusto Supremos, but I’ve heard horror stories from people who bought sketchy boxes online. Be smart about where you source them.
What makes the Edición Limitada versions special compared to regular releases?
Three main things: the tobacco gets an extra year of aging before rolling, they use a darker wrapper from extended fermentation, and the tobacco selection is more exclusive – only the best leaves from specific plantations. Plus the production numbers are limited, so there’s a collectibility factor. But honestly, the real difference is in the smoking experience – these limited edition releases tend to be richer and more complex than their regular production cousins. Whether that’s worth it depends on your taste and budget, but I’m a believer.
Can beginners smoke this cigar or is it too advanced?
I wouldn’t recommend it as someone’s first Cuban cigar – the strength and complexity might be overwhelming. But if you’ve been smoking keeping them properly stored for six months and you’ve tried a few different brands, go for it. Just make sure you’ve eaten beforehand and maybe have some sugar handy in case the nicotine hits harder than expected. Everyone’s tolerance is different. My buddy Carlos gave one to his nephew who’d been smoking for a year and the kid loved it, so your mileage may vary.
Final Thoughts on a Forgotten Gem
The Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 never got the fanfare it deserved. Maybe the timing was off, or maybe there were just too many releases that year competing for attention. But sitting here almost a decade later, I can tell you this is one of the better Edición Limitada cigars Cohiba has put out in the last fifteen years. The aging has done wonders, the construction is impeccable, and the flavor profile hits that sweet spot between complexity and accessibility.
If you come across a box or even a few singles, don’t sleep on them like everyone did in 2014. These deserve a spot in any serious Cuban cigar collection. Light one up on a weekend afternoon with something good to drink, and you’ll understand why some of us have been quietly hoarding these while everyone else chases the latest releases.
