Description
The amber glow of late afternoon sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of La Casa del Habano in Geneva, casting long shadows across the mahogany humidor where I first encountered what would become one of my most memorable cigar experiences. I’d been exploring Switzerland’s surprisingly vibrant cigar scene when the shop owner, noting my interest in limited releases, directed me toward a distinctive yellow box tucked away in their climate-controlled vault.
That’s how I discovered the Montecristo Supremos, the brand’s edición limitada release from 2019. What started as casual browsing turned into a two-hour journey through layers of complexity I hadn’t expected from this particular vitola.
Construction and First Impressions
Right out of the box, these cigars command attention. The Montecristo Supremos sports a gorgeous colorado-maduro wrapper that’s practically glowing with oils. When I held it up to the Geneva afternoon light, the leaf showed beautiful consistency – no major veins disrupting the smooth surface, though you’ll notice some subtle texture that speaks to the tobacco’s natural character.
At 130mm with a 55 ring gauge, this robusto extra feels substantial without being unwieldy. The construction is classic Cuban craftsmanship – firm but yielding when you give it a gentle squeeze. I’ve found that authentic Habanos have this particular density that’s hard to replicate, and the Supremos delivers exactly that.
The pre-light aroma hits you with rich leather and barnyard funk – in the best possible way. There’s sweetness underlying those earthy notes, plus hints of what I can only describe as roasted nuts. It’s intensely flavorful even before lighting, which always gets me excited about what’s coming.
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
First Third: Bold Beginnings
The initial draw brings a wave of classic cuban character – that distinctive twang that immediately identifies its origins. There’s earthiness here, but it’s refined rather than harsh. White pepper dances on the palate while leather notes provide a rich foundation.
What surprised me most in this opening act was the floral complexity. Between the expected paprika and chocolate notes, delicate flower essences emerged, creating a beautifully complex profile. Some peanut and cashew characteristics round out the experience, making each puff reveal something new.
Middle Third: Smooth Evolution
This is where the Montecristo Supremos really hits its stride. The strength builds to a solid medium-full, but the body remains incredibly smooth. Roasted almonds take center stage, complemented by wood notes and persistent citrus brightness that keeps the profile from becoming too heavy.
The spice level moderates beautifully here, allowing sweetness to emerge. It’s nutty and smooth with a creaminess that coats the palate. I’ve smoked dozens of different cigars in this ring gauge, and few achieve this level of balance in the middle section.
Final Third: Velvety Refinement
The last act delivers on every promise made in the earlier thirds. Bold yet refined, the final portion brings chocolate and coffee notes that blend seamlessly with cream and dried fruit characteristics. There’s cinnamon spice that adds warmth without overwhelming the tobacco’s natural flavors.
Wood and citrus notes persist right to the nub, creating a lingering finish that had me savoring each draw. The boldness never becomes harsh – it’s that velvety rich experience you hope for in a premium edición limitada release.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 130mm (5 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 55 |
| Vitola | Montesco (Robusto Extra) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado-Maduro |
| Edition | Edición Limitada 2019 |
Perfect Drink Pairings
After experimenting with various combinations, I’ve found the Supremos pairs beautifully with aged spirits that complement rather than compete with its complexity. A well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo brings out the chocolate and dried fruit notes in the final third.
For whiskey enthusiasts, I’d recommend a smooth single malt like Glenfiddich 18 or Macallan Sherry Oak. The wood notes in both the cigar and whiskey create a harmonious experience that enhances both products.
Coffee lovers shouldn’t overlook espresso pairings, particularly with the nutty characteristics in the middle third. A rich Cuban coffee or high-quality Ethiopian blend creates wonderful synergy. Wine pairings work too – try a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Port with the leather and spice notes.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
With the 55 ring size, I prefer a straight cut over a V-cut for optimal draw. Make your cut about 2mm from the cap, ensuring you don’t go too deep and risk unwrapping. The construction is solid enough to handle a confident cut.
For lighting, take your time. The colorado wrapper needs even heat distribution to avoid bitter spots. I use a butane torch with gentle rotating motions, toasting the foot until it’s evenly glowing. Don’t rush this process – proper lighting makes all the difference in flavor development.
Once lit, take slow, deliberate draws. This isn’t a petit vitola you can puff quickly. The complex tobaccos need time to develop, and rushing will overwhelm the palate. Let each draw coat your mouth, then exhale slowly to appreciate the full profile.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Supremos isn’t an entry-level smoke, but it’s not exclusively for veterans either. If you’ve enjoyed other Montecristo offerings like the Edmundo or appreciate medium-full cigars generally, you’ll likely love this.
This is perfect for special occasions – celebrations, quiet contemplative evenings, or when you want to treat yourself to something genuinely special. The nearly two-hour smoking time makes it ideal for lazy weekends or extended business dinners.
I wouldn’t recommend it for your first Cuban experience. Start with something like a Montecristo Petit Edmundo or classic No. 2, then work up to limited releases like this. The complexity deserves an educated palate that can appreciate the nuances.
Authentication and Avoiding Counterfeits
Given the popularity of Montecristo releases, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Authentic Supremos come in distinctive bright yellow boxes of 25 with the proper Habanos logos and authentication features.
Each authentic cigar weighs approximately 16 grams and features the large Montecristo band plus the “Edición Limitada 2019” secondary band. The box should have a proper code (like “TUE JUN 20”) and holographic seals.
Construction tells the story – authentic examples have consistent filler bunching and that distinctive pre-light aroma I mentioned. Fakes often smell harsh or have poor draw characteristics. When in doubt, purchase from authorized dealers who can verify authenticity. For more guidance on identifying genuine Cuban cigars, check out our comprehensive guide to Cuban cigars from plantation to perfection.
Storage and Aging Recommendations
These cigars benefit from proper storage in a quality humidor maintained at 65-70°F with 65-72% relative humidity. The extra-aged tobaccos used in this edición limitada are already well-developed, but additional aging can enhance complexity.
I’ve found that Montecristo Supremos continue evolving for 3-5 years after purchase when stored properly. The earthy characteristics mellow while chocolate and coffee notes become more prominent. For detailed storage techniques, our article on preserving cigars fresh with proven techniques provides excellent guidance.
If you’re planning to age them, consider storing in tubos or cedar sleeves to prevent wrapper damage. The colorado wrapper is beautiful but can be delicate. Proper humidor setup is crucial – learn more from the experts at Cigar Aficionado’s humidor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Supremos compare to other Montecristo limited editions?
The Supremos offers more complexity than many regular production Montecristos while maintaining the brand’s signature character. Compared to other limited releases, it’s less intense than some but more nuanced than the standard Open series. The robusto extra format provides excellent balance between smoking time and flavor development.
What makes the 2019 Edición Limitada special?
The 2019 vintage uses specially selected tobaccos aged for a minimum of two years before rolling. This extra aging contributes to the smooth, complex flavor profile and reduces any harsh edges. Limited production also means each box represents a finite piece of Cuban cigar history.
Can beginners enjoy this cigar?
While not impossible, I’d recommend building up to this level of complexity first. The medium-to-full strength and intricate flavor profile can overwhelm newcomers. Start with milder Montecristo offerings before tackling limited releases. For guidance on developing your palate, visit our mastering Cuban cigar smoking resource.
How long should I age these before smoking?
They’re ready to smoke immediately, but 6-12 months of additional aging can enhance the flavor integration. I’ve noticed the spice mellows and chocolate notes become more prominent with time. However, don’t feel you need to wait – they’re exceptional right out of the box.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Supremos?
The nearly two-hour smoking time and medium-full strength make this ideal for evening sessions. I prefer them after dinner with a good drink, when I have time to appreciate the complexity. Weekend afternoons work well too, especially if you’re planning a relaxed session on the patio or in a comfortable lounge.
The Montecristo Supremos represents everything I love about limited edition Cuban cigars – traditional craftsmanship, complex flavors, and that special feeling of smoking something truly exceptional. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, this edición limitada delivers an experience worthy of the Montecristo legacy. To learn more about our selection and commitment to authenticity, visit our about us page.
