Description
The terrace at Club Havana in downtown Miami was buzzing that evening, the humid air thick with anticipation and the distant sounds of salsa music drifting from Ocean Drive. I’d been looking forward to this moment all week – finally getting my hands on a Saint Luis Rey Regios that had been resting in my humidor for months. The oily, dark wrapper caught the golden hour light perfectly as I settled into one of the leather chairs overlooking Biscayne Bay.
What I discovered over the next hour completely changed my perspective on this often-overlooked marca. The Regios had been discontinued for years before its triumphant return, and honestly, I can see why members of cigar lounges around the world celebrated when it came back. This isn’t just another Cuban cigar – it’s a masterclass in how Saint Luis Rey’s blenders understand the delicate balance between strength and complexity.
Saint Luis Rey Regios Specifications
| Vitola | Hermoso No. 4 (Robusto) |
| Length | 127mm (5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 48 |
| Strength | Medium-Full to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-80 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
Construction and Appearance
Right out of the bundle, the Saint Luis Rey Regios commands attention. The wrapper leaf is genuinely impressive – a dark, Colorado Maduro shade that feels substantial between your fingers. I’ve handled plenty of Cuban cigars, and this one has that distinctive oily sheen that tells you the tobacco was properly fermented and aged.
The construction is solid as a rock. No soft spots, no visible veins disrupting the smooth wrapper, and the triple cap is applied with the precision you’d expect from Cuban rollers. When I gently squeezed the cigar along its length, it gave just slightly – that perfect balance between firm and flexible that suggests an ideal draw awaits.
The Saint Luis Rey band sits proudly just above the foot, its red and gold design unmistakably Cuban. Pre-light, I picked up hints of light leather, barnyard funk, and that nice roasted tobacco aroma that quickly turned my anticipation into genuine excitement.
Flavor Profile: A Journey in Three Acts
First Third: Bold Introduction
The opening draws immediately announced this dark cigar’s intentions. Dark honey sweetness hit first, followed quickly by rich coffee notes and an unexpected hint of gingerbread spice. The leather undertones I’d detected pre-light became more pronounced, mixing beautifully with earthy flavors that included distinct cinnamon and nutmeg.
What surprised me most was the fruit – dark plum and cherry notes that emerged after the first inch. These weren’t overpowering, but they added a complexity that elevated the entire experience. The spiciness built gradually, creating a nice change of pace from the initial sweetness.
Middle Third: Refined Balance
As the burn line reached the halfway point, the Regios settled into its stride. The strength remained medium-full, but the flavors became more mellow and refined. Sweet tobacco took center stage, supported by beautiful cedar notes that reminded me why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place.
A creamy complexity developed that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. It’s that signature Saint Luis Rey character – rich, satisfying, but never overwhelming. The coffee notes from the first third remained but became more nuanced, like a perfectly brewed Cuban cortadito.
Final Third: Crescendo
The last portion of this cigar absolutely delivered. Sweet honey and coffee returned with a vengeance, but now they were joined by toasted nuts and dark chocolate. The cedar became more prominent, and leather notes wrapped everything together like a perfectly orchestrated symphony.
The strength built significantly in this final act, reaching full-bodied territory without becoming harsh. I found myself slowing down, not wanting this exceptional smoke to end. Even as it approached the final inch, the flavors remained clean and complex.
Perfect Pairings
Given the coffee-dominant flavor profile, I’ve found this cigar pairs exceptionally well with a strong Cuban coffee or espresso. The complementary flavors create a harmonious experience that enhances both the cigar and the drink.
For spirits, I’d recommend a medium-bodied rum like Havana Club 7 or Flor de Caña 12. The sweetness in these rums plays beautifully with the honey notes, while their complexity matches the cigar’s evolution. If you’re a whiskey drinker, a peated Scotch like Ardbeg 10 provides an interesting counterpoint to the earthy tobacco flavors.
Wine enthusiasts should consider a full-bodied red – perhaps a Spanish Tempranillo or Portuguese Douro blend. The tannins and dark fruit notes mirror what’s happening in the cigar itself.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Saint Luis Rey Regios isn’t for beginners. This is a cigar that demands respect and experience to fully appreciate. If you’re comfortable with medium to full-bodied cigars and enjoy complexity that evolves throughout the smoke, this could become your new favorite.
It’s perfect for special occasions – think celebration dinners, milestone achievements, or those rare quiet moments when you have a full hour to truly savor the experience. The price point positions it as a luxury smoke, so it’s not an everyday cigar for most people.
Experienced smokers who appreciate Cuban craftsmanship will find everything they’re looking for here. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to explore beyond the more famous Cuban brands without sacrificing quality.
Cutting and Lighting
With that beautiful triple cap, you want to be careful with your cut. I recommend removing just enough to create a clean opening – about 2mm should do it. A straight cut works perfectly here; the 48 ring gauge gives you plenty of surface area for a good draw.
For lighting, take your time. The thick wrapper and quality construction mean this cigar responds well to patience. Use a butane torch or cedar spill, and toast the foot evenly before bringing it to your lips. The first few draws should be gentle – let the cigar warm up and establish its burn pattern.
Don’t rush the lighting process. These Cuban cigars require proper technique to reach their full potential, and the Regios rewards patience with exceptional flavor development.
Storage and Aging
Like all premium Cuban cigars, the Saint Luis Rey Regios thrives at 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F). I keep mine in a dedicated Cuban section of my humidor, where they can rest alongside other Habanos products.
Here’s something interesting – while these cigars smoke well young, they really benefit from 2-3 years of additional aging. I’ve noticed the harsh edges smooth out completely, and the complexity increases dramatically with time. If you can resist the temptation, proper storage techniques will reward you with an even better smoking experience down the road.
Temperature fluctuations are the enemy here. Invest in a quality humidor with reliable monitoring equipment. The investment pays dividends when you’re enjoying a perfectly preserved Regios months or years later.
Authenticity Guide
Unfortunately, the popularity of Cuban cigars makes them targets for counterfeiters. When examining a Saint Luis Rey Regios, look for the official Habanos packing code SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50 on boxes of 50, or appropriate codes for 25-count boxes.
The authentic band should be perfectly aligned with crisp, clear printing. The red and gold colors should be vibrant, not faded or mismatched. The paper quality of the band itself should feel substantial – cheap reproductions often use thin, flimsy materials.
Construction tells the story too. Authentic Cuban cigars have that distinctive triple cap and smooth, oily wrapper from Vuelta Abajo tobacco. If the wrapper looks dry, has obvious veins, or feels papery, be suspicious.
Most importantly, buy from authorized dealers. The savings from questionable sources simply aren’t worth the risk of ending up with fakes. Reputable retailers stand behind their products and can verify authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Saint Luis Rey Regios compare to other Cuban robustos?
The Regios offers more complexity than many robustos in its price range. While it shares the 48 ring gauge with popular options like the Montecristo No. 4, it provides fuller body and more pronounced flavor evolution. It’s earthier than a Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill but not as intense as a Bolivar Royal Corona.
Can beginners enjoy this cigar?
I wouldn’t recommend it for complete newcomers to cigars. The medium-full to full strength can be overwhelming for inexperienced smokers. However, if you’ve enjoyed medium-bodied cigars and want to step up in complexity, it could work with proper pacing and food in your stomach.
How long should I age these before smoking?
They’re perfectly smokeable fresh from the factory, but 6-12 months of additional aging really allows the flavors to marry and develop. I’ve found the sweet spot to be around 2 years, where the strength mellows slightly while the complexity increases significantly.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Regios?
Given the strength and 60-80 minute smoking time, I prefer these as post-dinner cigars. The rich, complex flavors pair perfectly with the relaxed pace of evening smoking. Weekend afternoons work well too, especially if you’ve had a substantial lunch.
Are these cigars worth the premium price?
In my experience, absolutely. The construction quality, flavor complexity, and smoking experience justify the cost. When you consider the craftsmanship that goes into each cigar, from plantation to your humidor, the value becomes clear. They’re not everyday smokes for most budgets, but for special occasions, they deliver exceptional satisfaction.
