Description
The Robusto That Changed Everything
Look, I’ve smoked a lot of Cohibas in my time. Too many to count, honestly. But the Robustos Supremos? This is the one that made me stop mid-conversation at my local lounge and just… pay attention. Real talk: if you’ve only tried the regular Cohiba Robustos, you’re missing something special here. The Supremos takes everything you love about that classic vitola and cranks it up – more tobacco, more complexity, and yeah, more presence. This isn’t just another Robusto in the Cohiba lineup. It’s what happens when the blenders at El Laguito decide to flex a bit.
Here’s the thing – when Cohiba introduced the Robustos Supremos as part of their Linea Clasica expansion, some aficionados rolled their eyes. “Another Robusto? Really?” But they got it wrong. I’ll be honest with you: the first time I tried one was at a cigar dinner in 2014, and I remember thinking the extra length and ring gauge might just be marketing. Took about twenty minutes into that smoke for me to realize this was its own beast entirely.
What Makes the Robustos Supremos Stand Out
Cohiba doesn’t need much introduction – we all know it’s the flagship brand of Habanos S.A., originally created for Fidel Castro himself back in 1966. But what you might not know is that every Cohiba uses tobacco that goes through an extra fermentation process. Yeah, that’s right – while most premium Habanos tobaccos get fermented twice, Cohiba’s get a third round. And you can taste it.
The Robustos Supremos sits in that sweet spot between the standard Robusto and the bigger Esplendidos. It’s got enough length to develop a proper flavor journey, but it doesn’t demand two hours of your afternoon. Thing is, this makes it perfect for experienced smokers who know what they want and newcomers who are ready to step up from milder offerings. I’m probably biased here, but I think it’s actually a better introduction to the Cohiba profile than the smaller vitolas – you get the full expression of that legendary blend without rushing through it.
The wrapper on these? Oh man. That Vuelta Abajo leaf has this oily sheen that catches the light just right. When you run your fingers along it – and I always do before lighting up – there’s this subtle texture, almost like fine leather that’s been broken in perfectly. The construction is what you’d expect from Cohiba: immaculate. I’ve never had one that didn’t burn razor-straight, and the ash holds on for days. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robustos Supremos |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long-filler blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you light one of these up. The cold draw – before you even toast the foot – gives you this preview of what’s coming. There’s a creamy sweetness, hints of cocoa, maybe some hay. Not overpowering, just… inviting.
First third hits different than you’d expect from a Cohiba. Where some of the other vitolas can be almost delicate at the start, the Supremos comes out strong. Not harsh – never harsh – but confident. You get this immediate wave of cedar and leather, with this underlying creaminess that keeps it from being aggressive. The pepper is there, but it’s refined. Sophisticated. Like the difference between fresh-cracked black pepper and some carefully aged spice blend your chef friend won’t shut up about. And I know this sounds dramatic, but that first inch always reminds me of walking into this tobacco shop in Old Havana – that exact aroma of aged tobacco and Spanish cedar.
Here’s where it gets interesting, though. The second third is where the Supremos really separates itself from the standard Robusto. The flavor opens up – and I mean really opens up. That creamy base is still there, but now you’re getting layers. Coffee starts coming through, not that bitter espresso note some full-bodied cigars have, but more like a well-made café con leche. There’s earth, there’s wood, there’s this subtle sweetness that might be honey or might be dried fruit. Hard to pin down exactly, and that’s part of the magic. The strength builds gradually – you notice it more in the nicotine hit than any harshness in the flavor. If you’re not used to full-strength cigars, this is where you want to slow down, maybe have some food or a sweet drink nearby.
Final third? Look, this is where lesser cigars fall apart or get bitter. Not the Supremos. The strength is definitely full at this point – no joke, I’ve seen experienced smokers get lightheaded if they’re not careful – but the flavors stay clean and compelling. The spicy notes that were background players earlier move to center stage. That pepper comes back, joined by dark chocolate and coffee that’s almost espresso-level now. The retrohale – if you’re into that, and you should be – gives you waves of spice and this incredibly smooth, creamy smoke. The wrapper stays sweet right to the nub. And the nub… between you and me, I’ve held onto these way longer than I should, just because I didn’t want it to end.
Construction-wise? I haven’t had a single issue across probably thirty of these over the years. Wait, let me back up – I had one with a slightly firm draw once, but a quick touch with my draw tool fixed it right up. The burn line stays even without any touchups if you’re smoking at a reasonable pace. The ash is that classic light gray, firm enough to hold for an inch or more before you need to knock it off. Honestly, the build quality is part of what you’re paying for with Cohiba, and it shows.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Robustos Supremos | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Experienced smokers wanting classic Cohiba complexity with more development time |
| Cohiba Robustos | Medium | 45-60 min | Those who want the Cohiba profile in a quicker smoke; slightly lighter overall |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-65 min | Smokers who prefer earthier, more robust flavors with less refinement |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 75-90 min | Special occasions when you want elegance and have more time; different shape provides different experience |
Thing is, comparing Cohibas to other marcas is almost unfair. The extra fermentation creates this flavor profile that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Habanos portfolio. But if I’m being honest about where the Supremos fits in the broader Cuban landscape – it’s competing with heavy hitters. The Partagás Serie D No. 4 is earthier, more in-your-face. Great cigar, but less refined. The Montecristo No. 2 is elegant as hell, but it’s a torpedo and takes longer. The regular Cohiba Robustos is probably the closest comparison, and yeah, they share DNA, but the Supremos just has more room to breathe and develop.
Perfect Pairings and When to Light Up
Not gonna lie, I’m pretty particular about what I drink with my cigars, and the Supremos deserves some thought here. My go-to pairing? A good rum. Specifically, something aged and complex – think Havana Club 15 Year or Ron Zacapa 23. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum play beautifully with that creamy, sweet profile, and they can stand up to the strength without getting bulldozed.
Coffee works surprisingly well too, especially in the morning. Hear me out: a strong Cuban coffee – real Cuban coffee, the kind that’s basically espresso with a layer of sugar foam – matches the intensity and brings out those coffee notes in the second and final thirds. I had one with coffee at a lounge in Miami once, and it was a revelation.
For whisky drinkers – and I know you’re out there – go for something smooth and slightly sweet. A Highland scotch or a good bourbon. The Supremos has enough pepper and spice that it can hold its own against the whisky’s complexity. I’ve paired it with Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask, and yeah, that worked really well. The rum cask finishing on that scotch echoed the cigar’s sweetness in this cool way.
When should you smoke this? Look, I’m not one of those guys who says certain cigars are only for certain times, but… the Supremos is an after-dinner cigar for me. Maybe late afternoon if you’ve had a big lunch. It’s too strong for breakfast unless you really know what you’re doing. Perfect for special occasions, business celebrations, or just those evenings when you want to sit back and properly appreciate something excellent. Pairs great with contemplation, good conversation, or just some quiet time with your thoughts.
Aging and Storage Considerations
Here’s what gets me about the Robustos Supremos – these things age beautifully. I’ve got a box from 2015 that I’ve been working through slowly, and comparing them to fresh ones is like night and day. The aging mellows out any rough edges (not that there are many to begin with) and deepens the complexity. Those coffee notes get richer, the creaminess becomes almost buttery, and the spice becomes more integrated rather than distinct peaks.
If you’re going to age these – and you should consider it – keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-68°F. I know some aficionados will disagree, but I find Cuban cigars do better at slightly lower humidity than the old “70/70 rule.” They smoke better, burn more evenly, and the flavors are cleaner. But that’s just my experience over twenty-some years of doing this.
Fresh from the box, give them at least a month in your humidor to stabilize. Fresh Cubans – even premium ones like Cohiba – can benefit from some rest after shipping. Actually, scratch that – especially premium ones like Cohiba. They’re already aged at the factory, but travel can stress the tobacco. Let them settle, and you’ll be rewarded with a better experience.
What’s the difference between Cohiba Robustos and Robustos Supremos?
The Supremos is larger – 4.9 inches versus 4.9 inches in length, but more importantly has a 54 ring gauge compared to the standard Robusto’s 50. This extra thickness gives the filler blend more room to express itself, resulting in a longer smoking time (60-75 minutes versus 45-60) and a fuller, more developed flavor profile. The strength also builds higher in the Supremos, reaching full-bodied territory in the final third while the regular Robustos stays medium throughout. Both are excellent, but the Supremos offers more complexity and evolution.
Is the Cohiba Robustos Supremos a limited edition cigar?
No, the Robustos Supremos is a regular production vitola within Cohiba’s Linea Clasica. It was added to the permanent lineup in 2014, so it’s not a limited edition release. That said, availability can vary depending on production schedules and distribution, and being a Cohiba, demand often exceeds supply. But unlike actual Cohiba limited editions like the Behike or various Edición Limitada releases, you should be able to find these consistently if you’re working with reputable sources.
What strength level is the Robustos Supremos?
I’d classify it as medium to full-bodied, building as you smoke. It starts in the medium range during the first third, transitions to medium-full in the second, and reaches solidly full-bodied territory in the final third. The nicotine strength is notable – if you’re not used to Cuban cigars or fuller-strength smokes, take your time with it and make sure you’ve eaten something beforehand. It’s not overwhelming, but it definitely has presence. More powerful than the standard Robustos, but not quite as intense as something like a Partagás Serie D No. 4 right from the start.
How should I store Cohiba Robustos Supremos for optimal aging?
Keep them in a well-maintained humidor at 65-68% relative humidity and 65-68°F temperature. Cuban cigars, in my experience, do better at slightly lower humidity than the traditional 70/70 rule – they burn more evenly and the flavors come through cleaner. If you just received them, let them rest for at least 30 days to recover from shipping before smoking. For longer-term aging, these develop beautifully over 5-10 years, with the flavors becoming more integrated and refined. Check on them every few months to ensure proper conditions, and rotate their position in the humidor occasionally for even aging.
What flavors can I expect from a Cohiba Robustos Supremos?
The flavor profile is complex and evolving. You’ll get an immediate hit of cedar and leather in the first third, backed by a signature Cohiba creaminess. As you move into the second third, coffee notes emerge – think café con leche rather than bitter espresso – along with earth, wood, and subtle sweetness that might remind you of honey or dried fruit. The final third brings darker flavors: espresso, dark chocolate, and pronounced pepper spice. Throughout the entire smoke, there’s this underlying creamy smoothness that’s characteristic of Cohiba’s triple-fermented tobacco. The retrohale adds layers of refined pepper and sweet tobacco that really showcase the wrapper quality.
Is the Robustos Supremos suitable for beginners?
Hmm, how do I put this… it depends on what you mean by beginner. If you’re brand new to cigars, I’d probably recommend starting with something milder and working your way up. The strength and complexity here might be overwhelming, and the nicotine could hit you hard if you’re not prepared. But if you’ve smoked a dozen or so cigars and you’re ready to experience what premium Cuban cigars are all about, this is actually a fantastic choice. The flavors are refined rather than harsh, and the construction is forgiving for less experienced smokers. Just make sure to smoke it slowly, have some food in your stomach, and keep a sweet drink nearby. And maybe don’t make it your first cigar of the day.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Robustos Supremos?
Late afternoon or evening, after a meal. The strength level makes this a poor choice for early morning unless you really know your tolerance and have had a substantial breakfast. I find it perfect after dinner, paired with coffee, rum, or aged whisky. The 60-75 minute smoking time means you need to carve out a proper chunk of time – this isn’t a cigar you rush through during a quick break. Weekends, special occasions, or evenings when you can relax and really pay attention to what you’re smoking. That said, I’ve enjoyed these at business lunches when followed by strong coffee and good food, so there’s flexibility if you plan accordingly.
The Bottom Line on Cohiba Robustos Supremos
So after all that – and I know I’ve gone on a bit here – what’s the verdict? The Cohiba Robustos Supremos is one of those cigars that reminds you why Cuban tobacco has such a legendary reputation. It’s not perfect for every situation or every smoker, but when the conditions are right and you’re in the mood for something special, it delivers consistently.
This is the cigar I reach for when I want to impress someone who thinks they know cigars, or when I want to treat myself after something worth celebrating. It’s complex enough to stay interesting for the full hour-plus smoking time, strong enough to feel substantial, but refined enough that it never gets harsh or one-dimensional. Between you and me, I think it’s actually underrated in the Cohiba lineup – everyone talks about the Behike or the Esplendidos, but the Supremos quietly does everything right without all the fanfare.
If you’re ready to experience what Cohiba does best – that signature creamy complexity backed by expertly aged, triple-fermented tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region – this vitola gives you the full picture. Take your time with it. Pay attention to how it evolves. Pair it with something worthy of the experience. And yeah, maybe buy a few extra to age for a few years, because trust me, you’ll want to see what happens to these with some time in the humidor.
Ready to add the Cohiba Robustos Supremos to your collection? You’re making a smart choice. This is the kind of cigar that reminds you why you got into this hobby in the first place.
