Description
The amber evening light was filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of a Havana tobacco shop when I first laid eyes on that distinctive slide-lid box. The shopkeeper’s weathered hands moved reverently as he opened the varnished case, revealing ten perfectly aligned cigars that would forever change my understanding of what a limited edition could achieve.
Inside that box were the Cohiba Robustos Supremos, a Cuban Edición Limitada from 2014 that I’d been hunting for months. The moment I held one between my fingers, I knew this wasn’t just another release from the world’s most prestigious cigar brand – this was something genuinely special.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Length | 127mm (5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 58 (23.02mm diameter) |
| Factory | El Laguito (Magníficos) |
| Strength | Medium to Full-Bodied |
| Smoking Time | 90-135 minutes |
| Wrapper | Colorado Claro Vuelta Abajo |
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
What makes the Cohiba Robustos Supremos extraordinary isn’t just its limited status – it’s how the entire smoke is complex, evolving dramatically from light to finish. I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years, and each one tells the same compelling story in three distinct chapters.
First Third: Earth and Spice Foundation
The opening draws reveal a mixture of grass and hearty cedar that immediately announces this cigar’s Cuban pedigree. There’s a hard-to-define biting spice that keeps you alert, complemented by big earth tones and sweet nuttiness. Honestly, those first few puffs can be slightly acidic, but that edge softens quickly as the tobacco opens up.
Middle Third: The Sweet Transformation
This is where the magic happens. The harsh edges melt away, replaced by notes of chocolate and espresso that make your mouth water. I’ve detected honey sweetness dancing with cocoa, while oak and baking spice provide structure. The experience becomes noticeably sweeter here – it’s like watching a performer hit their stride.
Final Third: Powerful Crescendo
The finish is powerful and intense, exactly what you’d expect from aged Vuelta Abajo tobacco. Overtones of cocoa and wood dominate, supported by nuts, toast, and butter. There’s often a citrus brightness that cuts through the richness, preventing the smoke from becoming overwhelming despite its full-bodied nature.
Construction and Appearance
The handmade construction of these cigars is immediately apparent. Each Robustos Supremos features a gently tanned Colorado Claro wrapper that’s been smoothly applied with minimal veins. The heavy ring gauge – that substantial 58 – gives it impressive presence in your hand.
At 16.48 grams, these feel substantial without being unwieldy. The El Laguito factory’s craftsmanship shines through in every detail: the perfectly applied cap, the even density throughout the barrel, and that distinctive Cohiba feel that’s impossible to replicate. I’ve never had construction issues with an authentic example – no tunneling, no loose draws, no uneven burns.
The visual presentation is equally impressive. The standard Cohiba band (Band E) sits alongside a special “Limited Edition 2014” band, both applied with precision. When you see these bands together on that Colorado wrapper, you know you’re holding something special from one of the most majestic Cuban cigar brands.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Let me be direct: this isn’t a cigar for beginners. The medium to full-bodied strength builds to genuinely powerful levels, making it better suited for experienced smokers who appreciate complexity. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, I’d suggest working your way up to this level.
That said, this is perfect for special occasions. The 90+ minute smoking time makes it ideal for celebrations, quiet evenings, or those moments when you want to truly savor the experience. I’ve found it pairs beautifully with deep conversations and contemplative moments.
Given its limited release status and increasing rarity, this appeals most to collectors and serious aficionados. The price reflects its exclusivity, but for those who understand what makes Cuban limited editions special, it’s worth every penny.
Storage and Aging
Store these at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in a quality humidor. I cannot stress enough how important proper storage is for maintaining these cigars’ integrity. Proper storage techniques become even more critical with limited editions like this.
The aging potential is remarkable. I’ve got some from 2014 that continue improving with time. The tobacco was already well-aged when these were rolled, but additional years in proper storage allow the flavors to marry and develop even greater complexity. If you can resist smoking them immediately, try aging a few for comparison.
Consider investing in a reliable humidor setup if you plan to store these long-term. The investment pays dividends in preserved flavor and smoking quality.
Perfect Drink Pairings
The complexity of the Robustos Supremos demands equally sophisticated drink pairings. I’ve experimented extensively, and several combinations stand out as exceptional.
Aged Rum: A 15-year Guatemalan rum like Ron Zacapa complements the chocolate and spice notes beautifully. The rum’s sweetness plays against the tobacco’s earthiness without overwhelming either.
Single Malt Scotch: Macallan 18 or similar sherried whiskies echo the nutty, honeyed middle third while standing up to the powerful finish. The oak aging in both creates harmonious resonance.
Cognac: Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO brings out the baking spice notes while their fruit undertones complement the cigar’s complexity.
Coffee: A rich Cuban espresso during the first third creates an interesting doubling effect – tobacco and coffee beans from the same island singing together.
Authentication Guide
With limited editions commanding premium prices, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s how to identify authentic Robustos Supremos:
Bands: Look for the standard Cohiba Band E plus the specific “Limited Edition 2014” band. Both should be perfectly aligned and printed with sharp, clear graphics. Fakes often have blurry printing or misaligned bands.
Box: Authentic examples come in varnished slide-lid boxes containing exactly 10 cigars. Check for proper Habanos holograms and seals. The box should feel substantial and well-constructed.
Construction: Genuine examples maintain consistent weight (16.48g) and perfect construction. Poor wrapping, loose draws, or uneven density indicate fakes.
Source: Only purchase from authorized Habanos retailers. Reputable dealers provide authenticity guarantees and proper storage during shipping.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The 58 ring gauge requires specific cutting and lighting approaches for optimal performance. I prefer a straight cut positioned about 2-3mm from the cap – enough to open the draw without damaging the wrapper. The substantial diameter means you need a quality cutter that won’t compress the tobacco.
For lighting, take your time with the heavy ring gauge. Use a torch lighter to toast the foot evenly, rotating slowly to ensure complete coverage. The dense pack means rushing the light will create uneven burning that affects the entire smoking experience.
Once lit, take slow, measured draws. Let the tobacco develop naturally – this isn’t a cigar to puff aggressively. The proper smoking technique becomes especially important with premium limited editions like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for authentic Robustos Supremos?
Authentic examples typically range from $45-75 per cigar, depending on availability and condition. Prices have increased significantly since the 2014 release due to limited supply. Be suspicious of dramatically lower prices – they often indicate counterfeits.
How do these compare to regular Cohiba Robustos?
The Supremos features a larger 58 ring gauge versus the standard 50, creating different smoking dynamics and extended time. The tobacco is specially selected and aged for this limited release, resulting in more complexity and power than regular production Cohiba robustos.
Are these suitable for special occasion gifts?
Absolutely. The limited edition status, premium packaging, and exceptional quality make these perfect for milestone celebrations, business gifts, or serious cigar enthusiasts. Just ensure proper shipping and storage conditions are maintained.
How long can these be stored before smoking?
With proper humidor storage at 70% humidity and 70°F, these can be stored indefinitely. Many collectors age them for 5+ years after purchase to develop additional complexity. The aging process continues to enhance the tobacco’s marriage of flavors.
What makes this different from other 2014 limited editions?
The Robustos Supremos represents Cohiba’s entry in the 2014 Edición Limitada series, featuring tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region. Each brand’s 2014 release offered different vitolas and blending approaches, but this maintains Cohiba’s signature refinement while delivering surprising power.
