Description
The Supremos – When Standard Robustos Just Won’t Cut It
Remember when Cohiba decided that their regular Robusto wasn’t enough? I do. I think it was around 2014 – maybe 2015 – when they released the Robustos Supremos, and honestly, the cigar world wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. Another Cohiba Robusto? Really? But here’s the thing: this isn’t just another iteration. The Supremos is what happens when you take everything that made the classic Cohiba Robusto legendary and dial it up to where it probably should have been all along.
I’m probably biased here – I’ll admit that upfront – but this cigar represents something special in the Cohiba lineup. It’s bigger, bolder, and refuses to play it safe the way some modern Cuban releases do. If you’re the kind of smoker who finds themselves wishing their Robusto would just last a bit longer, deliver a bit more complexity, and give you that full Cohiba experience without compromise, well, keep reading. You and the Supremos need to get acquainted.
What Makes This Cohiba Different
Cohiba needs no introduction. Since 1966, it’s been the flagship brand of Cuban cigars – originally crafted exclusively for Fidel Castro and diplomatic gifts. That cedar-lined box, that unmistakable black and gold band – you know what you’re getting into. But the Robustos Supremos sits in an interesting spot in the lineup. It’s part of the Línea Clásica but with a twist.
The Supremos takes the traditional Robusto format and stretches it out – literally. You get that classic Cohiba construction using the finest Vuelta Abajo tobacco, but in a vitola that gives the blend more room to breathe and develop. The wrapper is that gorgeous, oily Cuban leaf with just enough tooth to let you know it’s the real deal. When you pull one from your humidor, there’s a weight to it that feels substantial, purposeful.
This cigar is for the aficionado who’s graduated beyond mild Connecticut-wrapped crowd-pleasers. If you’re chasing medium to full-bodied complexity with that signature Cohiba elegance, you’re in the right place. It’s sophisticated enough for special occasions but robust enough that you won’t feel like you’re babying it. I’ve smoked these everywhere from wedding receptions to poker nights, and they always deliver.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robustos Supremos |
| Length | 5.4 inches / 137 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Journey From Light to Finish
The cold draw on a properly rested Supremos gives you hints of what’s coming – a slight sweetness, maybe some hay, definitely that earthy undertone that screams Cuban tobacco. Light it up, and the first third opens with this creamy, almost buttery smoothness that catches people off guard. You’re getting cedar right away, some leather notes dancing around the edges, and this subtle spiciness that doesn’t slap you in the face but lets you know it’s there. The construction is typically flawless – I mean, we’re talking Cohiba here – with an even burn line and ash that holds for a good inch and a half before you need to think about tapping it.
Second third is where things get interesting. Actually, scratch that – it’s where things get downright compelling. The cream fades a bit and you start picking up coffee notes. Not that burnt Starbucks nonsense, but more like a quality espresso with hints of cocoa. The spice builds gradually, tickling the back of your palate on the retrohale. The leather becomes more pronounced – think well-worn saddle, not new shoe store. This is the section where I find myself slowing down, not wanting to rush through it. The ring gauge really shines here, giving you this perfect draw resistance that delivers thick, luxurious smoke without any effort.
Final third – and I know some people set cigars down at this point, but not with the Supremos – the strength kicks up a notch. You’re solidly in full-bodied territory now, with earth and coffee dominating. There’s this wonderful complexity where the original creamy notes peek through occasionally, reminding you where you started. The spice intensifies but never becomes harsh or bitter, which is the mark of quality filler tobacco. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I probably should have, and they remain smooth and flavorful right to the end. The ash takes on this beautiful grey-white color with solid structure – a visual testament to proper fermentation and aging.
One thing I genuinely appreciate: the burn stays remarkably even throughout. I’ve had maybe one or two that needed a quick touch-up, but that’s across dozens of cigars over the years. The draw is consistently perfect – not too tight, not too loose. You know when a cigar is just dialed in from the factory? That’s the Supremos experience.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohiba Robustos Supremos | Medium to Full | 75-90 minutes | Extended evening sessions, special occasions |
| Cohiba Robusto | Medium | 50-60 minutes | Classic Cohiba experience, shorter timeframe |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-75 minutes | Bold flavor seekers, more aggressive profile |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Smoother, more approachable alternative |
What to Drink With It (And When to Light Up)
I’ll be honest: this cigar deserves a quality pairing. My go-to is a well-aged rum – something like a Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness and complexity in those rums plays beautifully against the earthy, spicy character of the Supremos. If you’re a whiskey person, reach for a smooth bourbon like Blanton’s or a Highland Scotch – nothing too peaty that’ll overpower the cigar.
Coffee works surprisingly well too, especially during those rare morning smoke sessions. A Cuban espresso creates this full-circle moment that feels almost poetic. For the wine crowd – and I know you’re out there – try a bold Rioja or Malbec. The tannins stand up to the tobacco nicely.
Timing-wise, this is an evening cigar through and through. It’s too substantial for a morning wake-up smoke, and the 90-minute commitment means you need to carve out real time. I love these after a heavy dinner – steak, lamb, anything with serious flavor that won’t be overshadowed. Weekend afternoons on the golf course work too, assuming you’ve got a patient foursome.
How does the Robustos Supremos differ from the regular Cohiba Robusto?
The Supremos is longer and has a slightly larger ring gauge – 5.4 inches versus 4.9 inches, and 52 ring versus 50. That extra length gives the blend more time to develop and evolve, resulting in a more complex smoking experience. The strength profile also leans fuller compared to the medium-bodied regular Robusto. Think of it as the Robusto’s more sophisticated older sibling.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these cigars?
I keep mine between 65-68% relative humidity at around 65-68°F. Cohibas can be finicky if you store them too wet – they get spongy and the burn suffers. Too dry and you lose those nuanced flavors. If you just brought them home, let them rest in your humidor for at least two weeks before smoking. Trust me on this one – patience pays off.
Is this cigar too strong for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars?
Hmm, how do I put this… It depends on what you’ve been smoking. If you’re coming from mild Connecticut cigars, this might be a bit much right out of the gate. But if you’ve handled medium-bodied smokes comfortably, you should be fine. The strength builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once. Just make sure you’ve eaten first and have a sugary drink nearby, just in case.
How long should I age these before smoking?
They’re ready to smoke when you buy them, but – and this is important – they really blossom with some age. I’d give them at least six months to a year if you can manage the patience. I’ve got some from 2017 that are absolute monsters of flavor complexity. The spice mellows slightly, the cream becomes more pronounced, and everything just integrates beautifully. That said, I’ve also smoked them fresh and enjoyed them thoroughly, so don’t feel like you must wait.
What’s the best way to cut and light a Robustos Supremos?
I use a straight guillotine cut, taking off just enough to open the cap cleanly – maybe 1/16th of an inch. Some guys swear by V-cuts or punches, but I find a clean straight cut gives the best draw on this ring gauge. For lighting, use a butane torch or cedar spills – never regular matches or fluid lighters that’ll taint the flavor. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar, before actually drawing smoke through it. Take your time here; a proper light sets up the whole experience.
Can you smoke these right out of the box or do they need humidor time?
Technically you can smoke them right away, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Cuban cigars often arrive slightly over-humidified or stressed from shipping. Give them at least two weeks in your humidor to stabilize and recover. I know the temptation is real – you’ve got this beautiful Cohiba sitting there – but waiting makes a noticeable difference in how evenly it burns and how the flavors present themselves.
What makes Vuelta Abajo tobacco so special?
Vuelta Abajo is this specific region in Cuba’s Pinar del Río province where the soil, climate, and growing conditions create something magical. The tobacco grown there has this unique flavor profile you just can’t replicate anywhere else – that distinctive earthy sweetness with natural complexity. It’s why the finest Cuban cigars, including all Cohibas, source from this area. Think of it like Champagne from France versus sparkling wine from anywhere else – similar concept, but the terroir makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts From the Lounge Chair
The Cohiba Robustos Supremos isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it succeeds. It’s a cigar with a clear identity: sophisticated, full-flavored, and unapologetically Cuban. The construction is rock-solid, the flavor progression keeps you engaged from start to finish, and it delivers that prestigious Cohiba experience without any compromises.
If you’re building a serious humidor or looking for that special occasion smoke that won’t disappoint, add these to your collection. They age beautifully, smoke consistently, and represent what Cuban cigar-making is all about. Just make sure you’ve got the time to dedicate to the full experience – rushing through a Supremos would be missing the entire point.
Stock your humidor wisely. When the moment calls for something exceptional, you’ll be glad you’ve got a few of these waiting for you.
