Description
The Robusto That Changed the Game
Look, I’ve been smoking Cubans since my first trip to Havana back in ’96, and I can count on one hand the number of cigars that genuinely surprised me. The Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 is one of them. No joke. When Habanos S.A. announced this limited edition release, most aficionados – myself included – thought it was just another way to slap the Cohiba name on an oversized Robusto and charge a premium. We were wrong. Dead wrong.
Here’s the thing – this isn’t your standard Cohiba experience. It’s bolder, more complex, and frankly, more interesting than some of the regular production line. I’m going to walk you through everything that makes this cigar special: the construction, the flavor journey, how it stacks up against other premium Cubans, and most importantly, whether it deserves a spot in your humidor. And I’ll be honest with you: I’m biased. This is probably my favorite limited edition Cohiba from the 2010s.
What Makes the Robusto Supremo Special
Cohiba needs no introduction – it’s the flagship brand of Cuban cigars, originally created in 1966 for Fidel Castro himself. But the Robusto Supremo? That’s a different beast entirely. Released as part of the Edición Limitada series in 2014, this vitola was designed to push the boundaries of what a Robusto could be.
The name “Supremo” isn’t marketing fluff. This thing is massive for a Robusto – we’re talking about a cigar that bridges the gap between a traditional Robusto and a short Churchill. The extra length and ring gauge give the master blenders at El Laguito more room to work their magic with the filler blend, and brother, did they ever. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, which is basically the Napa Valley of Cuban tobacco. And like all Edición Limitada releases, these leaves got an extra year of aging before rolling. You can taste it.
This is a cigar for the experienced smoker who wants something substantial without committing to a two-hour smoke session. If you’re new to Cubans, maybe work your way up to this one. It’s got medium to full strength that builds as you go, and the complexity will keep even seasoned aficionados paying attention. I remember the first time I lit one up – it was at a buddy’s wedding in Miami, and I genuinely forgot to mingle because I was so focused on what was happening with each draw.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Supremo |
| Length | 5.4 inches / 137mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 70-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: A Journey Worth Taking
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you light one of these up. And I’m not going to give you that generic “notes of cedar and leather” nonsense – I’m talking about the real deal.
The cold draw is tight but not restrictive. You get this immediate wave of barnyard and sweet hay, with just a hint of cocoa in the background. The wrapper on these is gorgeous – dark, oily, almost zero veins. I think it was late 2015 when I first got my hands on a box? Maybe early 2016. Doesn’t matter. Point is, even after aging, that wrapper has this beautiful sheen to it.
First third hits you with earth and leather right out of the gate. But here’s what gets me – there’s this creamy undercurrent that keeps it from being too heavy. It’s like that perfect espresso that’s strong but smooth, you know? The aroma is intoxicating. My wife usually hates cigar smoke, but even she admitted this one smelled good from across the patio. The burn is razor-sharp if you’ve been storing them properly. The ash holds for a solid inch and a half, maybe two inches if you’re not moving around much. It’s that classic light gray Cuban ash that tells you the tobacco was aged right.
Second third is where this cigar really starts showing off. The earth notes are still there, but now you’re getting these waves of spicy pepper on the retrohale – not overwhelming, just enough to wake up your palate. There’s a nuttiness that develops, almost like roasted almonds. And that creaminess? Still there, holding everything together. Thing is, not every stick performs exactly the same. I’ve had some that lean more towards coffee notes here, others that bring out more of a dark chocolate character. That’s Cuban tobacco for you – always keeping you guessing a bit. The strength is building noticeably now. If you came into this on an empty stomach, you’re probably feeling it.
The final third – and I know this sounds dramatic, but – this is where the Robusto Supremo separates itself from the regular production Cohibas. The flavors concentrate and intensify without getting harsh or bitter. You’re getting full-on leather and earth now, with these rich, smooth woody notes underneath. Some cigars fall apart in the last third. Not this one. It stays complex and interesting right down to the nub. I’ve smoked these down until they’re burning my fingers because I don’t want them to end. Real talk: the last inch is sometimes the best part.
Construction-wise, I’ve never had one tunnel or canoe on me. The draw stays consistent throughout. No touch-ups needed if you’re smoking at a decent pace. This is El Laguito craftsmanship at its finest.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 | Medium to Full | 70-90 minutes | Special occasions demanding complexity and refinement |
| Cohiba Robusto (Regular Production) | Medium | 50-70 minutes | Daily smoking when you want classic Cohiba character |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-75 minutes | When you want bold earth and pepper without the refinement |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 80-100 minutes | Extended smoking sessions with balanced complexity |
Between you and me, the regular production Cohiba Robusto is a great cigar, but it’s a different animal. It’s smoother, more subdued, easier to smoke any time of day. The Supremo is what you reach for when you want to pay attention. When you want the cigar to be the main event, not the background music.
The Partagás Serie D No. 4 probably gets compared to this most often because of the size, but that comparison doesn’t really hold up. The Partagás is more in-your-face with power and pepper. It’s less refined. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good D4 – but they’re serving different purposes in your rotation. The Supremo has this elegance that the Partagás doesn’t pretend to have.
What to Pair It With
I’ll be blunt: this cigar demands respect in your pairing choices. Don’t waste it on cheap rum or whatever beer is in your fridge.
My go-to pairing? A good añejo rum. I’m talking about something like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. That sweetness and complexity plays beautifully with the earthy, creamy profile of the Supremo. The rum brings out the cocoa notes in the cigar, and the cigar makes the rum taste richer. It’s a win-win.
If you’re a whiskey person – and I know a lot of you are – go with a smooth single malt. Nothing too peaty or you’ll overpower the cigar. Something like a Glenfiddich 18 or a Macallan 12. The smoothness matches the creamy character of the smoke, and you get these nice complementary flavors without competition. Actually, scratch that – I had one with a bourbon once, a Blanton’s if I remember right, and that worked surprisingly well too. The vanilla in the bourbon brought out some sweetness I hadn’t noticed before.
Coffee works too, especially if you’re smoking in the morning or early afternoon. A proper espresso or a strong Cuban coffee. But honestly? This cigar is rich enough that I often smoke it with just water or maybe a sparkling water. Let the tobacco speak for itself.
Occasion-wise, this is your celebration cigar. Birth of a child, big promotion, anniversary, closing a major deal – you know, the moments that matter. I smoked one when my daughter graduated medical school. That’s the kind of cigar this is. Evening smoke, after a good meal, when you’ve got time to sit and reflect.
What You’re Probably Wondering
What does EL 2014 mean on the Cohiba Robusto Supremo?
EL stands for Edición Limitada, which is Habanos S.A.’s limited edition program. The 2014 refers to the year of release. These special releases use tobacco with at least two years of aging (one extra year beyond standard) and feature a darker wrapper. The Robusto Supremo vitola was created specifically for this limited edition and hasn’t been produced since, making these increasingly rare.
How does the Robusto Supremo compare to the regular Cohiba Robusto?
The Supremo is larger – 5.4 inches versus 4.9 inches, with a 54 ring gauge versus 50. More importantly, it’s stronger and more complex. The regular Robusto is medium-bodied and elegant, perfect for daily smoking. The Supremo is medium to full, with more pronounced earth, leather, and spice notes. Think of the regular Robusto as a refined gentleman and the Supremo as that same gentleman after a few drinks – more personality, more bold.
Should I smoke the Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 now or age it longer?
Here’s the thing – these cigars are already a decade old and smoking beautifully right now. The flavors are well-integrated, the strength has mellowed slightly, and the complexity is at its peak. That said, properly stored Cohibas can age for decades. If you have a box, smoke one now to see what you’re working with. If it’s fantastic (and it probably will be), enjoy them over the next few years. If it still seems a bit tight or harsh, give them more time. But honestly? I wouldn’t wait much longer. These are smoking at their prime.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing the Robusto Supremo?
Cuban cigars, and Cohibas especially, perform best at 65-68% relative humidity. I keep mine at 65%. Too much humidity and the draw gets tight, the burn gets wonky, and you lose some of the complexity. Too dry and they burn hot and harsh. Temperature matters too – keep them between 65-70°F. And for the love of all that’s holy, let these rest for at least a few weeks after you receive them before smoking. The shipping process can stress the tobacco.
Is the Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 suitable for beginners?
Not gonna lie – probably not. This is a medium to full-bodied cigar with significant nicotine strength, especially in the final third. If you’re new to cigars or even new to Cuban cigars, you might find it overwhelming. Start with something like a Montecristo No. 4 or a regular production Cohiba Robusto. Build up your palate and tolerance. That said, if you’re an experienced cigar smoker just new to Cubans, and you typically enjoy full-bodied non-Cubans, you’ll probably handle this fine. Just smoke it on a full stomach with a good drink nearby.
What flavors should I expect from the Cohiba Robusto Supremo?
The dominant notes are earth, leather, and cream, with layers of roasted nuts, dark cocoa, and subtle spice on the retrohale. The first third is creamier and more approachable. The middle section introduces more pepper and complexity. The final third concentrates into rich leather and smooth woody notes. Throughout the smoke, there’s this beautiful creamy texture that keeps everything balanced. The aroma is incredible – sweet hay, barnyard, and that classic Cuban tobacco scent that fills a room. Every stick varies slightly, which is part of the charm of Cuban cigars.
How can I tell if my Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 is authentic?
Look, counterfeits are a real problem with Cohibas. Check the basics: the box should have proper Habanos holograms and stamps. The cigars themselves should have triple caps (three layers of wrapper leaf at the head), consistent construction, and that distinctive Cuban tobacco aroma. The band should be crisp and well-applied, not blurry or crooked. Most importantly, buy from authorized dealers or trusted sources. If someone’s offering these at a suspiciously good deal, walk away. And honestly? Once you smoke a real one, you’ll know. The flavor complexity and construction quality of genuine Cuban Cohibas is hard to fake.
Final Thoughts From the Humidor
So here’s my take after probably smoking a dozen of these over the years – the Cohiba Robusto Supremo EL 2014 is one of those cigars that justifies the hype around limited editions. It’s not just a marketing gimmick or a different band on the same tobacco. This is genuinely special.
The extra size gives you more flavor development than the standard Robusto. The additional aging from the EL treatment smooths out any rough edges while maintaining complexity. And that perfect balance between strength and refinement? That’s what separates good cigars from great ones. I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about this release. Maybe it got overshadowed by other 2014 limited editions, or maybe people just assumed it was standard Cohiba in a bigger format. Their loss.
If you’ve got access to these, grab them while you can. Limited editions don’t last forever, and these are aging beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to remind yourself why you fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place, the Robusto Supremo delivers. Pair it with something worthy, carve out 90 minutes of uninterrupted time, and pay attention. This is cigar smoking at its finest.
And if you’re building a collection of significant Cohibas, this one absolutely deserves a spot. Ten years from now, you’ll be glad you stocked up.
