In 2000, Habanos S.A. launched the Edición Limitada Series, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship Cubans are known for. The initial years had around four to five releases a year, gradually transitioning to a fixed routine of three cigars annually since 2005—with the customary Cuban twist, of course. For 2025, only two official Edición Limitada cigars are set for release. However, the spirit of the series is still preserved.
The Essence of Edición Limitada
An Edición Limitada extends beyond a cigar. It acts as Silence’s expression defying standard branding within the catalog. A fitting example would be that of The Montecristo Supremos, a 5 1/8 x 55 Montesco, which a Romeo y Julieta Edición Limitada would find impossible to execute. This is because this vitola is already part of the Wide Churchill line. But Montecristo is able to fit under the umbrella since it does not offer it as a regular production. Apart from the unique vitola, the tobacco is aged for a minimum of two years, increasing its character and complexity. Each carries the distinctive secondary band, black font on gold paper to signify its place in history.
The Intrigue of Cuban Cigars
The intrigue surrounding Cuban cigars stems from undisclosed production numbers and their implied rarity. ‘The Supremos’, announced in 2019 and released in January 2020, is no different. Years spent in the humidor allowed the Montecristo Supremos 2019 to mature, revealing the intricate wonders contained within.
First Impressions
At first glance, the Supremos is stunning. Its dark wrapper is of uniform color, distinguishing it from other Cuban cigars. While the texture is not as refined, the construction is impressive as it appears to be an almost perfect cylinder. As it sits in the box for years, the aroma exudes from the cigar which contains earth, chocolate syrup, leather, and aged wood. The cold draw horseradish intensity is striking and surreal, followed with waves of chocolate, bubblegum, and even hints of barbecue. The level of complexity is unfathomable.
The Smoking Experience
Upon lighting, the cigar reveals familiar woodiness, shifting from oak to cedar. The salted sunflower seeds and faint chocolate finish round out the aroma. Drawing from it is easy, and the initial flavors are striking. However, around the one-inch mark, the scene shifts once more. The body gains a thinness, losing some richness. The crisp woodiness dulls, growing turbulent. Nuttiness, alongside a whisper of mild pepper, takes its place. The retrohale adds a velvety dimension, is Cuban spiced on finish. Full for body and blanketing flavor, salt and pepper come balanced in strength. Combustion is perfection until suddenly, it isn’t.
A Sudden Halt
Midway through the cigar, it extinguishes itself. There are no signs of struggle; oxygen isn’t forced in and out—abrupt cessation is the only warning. Flavor change is at risk upon relighting, but the impact here is minor. Now the cigar does continue on its course, but flavor reaches an unwelcome shift with hints of straw and a spike in acidity. Final stretch moves into the deep woodsy and nutty realm, that toasty quality likely a consequence of the relight. Retrohales add richness and sweetness, accompanied by floral notes and an invite, but startled, echo of well-done Thousand Island dressing.
The journey, although it has some small bumps, shows how Cuban cigars have made a name for themselves. The Supremos cigar shows that with patience, time allows for more refined taste to be revealed. The experience is worth it, despite the fire not being perfect. And as the last inch slowly burns away, one thought still remains—if only the entire cigar smelled like that cold draw.
