Montecristo Supremos Cigar (2019 Limited Edition)

Montecristo Supremos Cigar (2019 Limited Edition)

Some cigars arrive carrying expectations; others create them entirely. When Montecristo announced the Supremos as their tenth contribution to the Edición Limitada program, they did something unexpected—they introduced an entirely new vitola to the Cuban canon. The Montesco, a robusto extra format, had never existed before Montecristo willed it into being. That fact alone tells you everything about the ambition behind this release.

The Story Behind the Smoke

The Edición Limitada program represents Habanos S.A.'s most prestigious annual offering—cigars released in limited quantities featuring wrapper leaves aged a minimum of two years, often darker and more expressive than standard production. Montecristo, as the world's most recognized Cuban brand, carries a unique burden with each Limited Edition: it must simultaneously honor the classic profile that made the name famous while pushing boundaries enough to justify the limited designation. The Supremos walks this line with remarkable confidence.

Released in early 2020 despite its 2019 designation, the Supremos arrived as the tenth Montecristo Limited Edition—a milestone that prompted the brand to debut the Montesco format. At 130mm by 55 ring gauge, it occupies a sweet spot between the robusto and the thicker gordito, offering substantial grip without demanding the time commitment of a churchill. The Colorado to Colorado-Maduro wrapper signals the elevated intensity within, its darker hue promising the depth that Limited Edition enthusiasts seek. This is Montecristo asserting that the benchmark brand can still surprise even its most devoted followers.

The Tasting Experience

First Light

The opening draws you in with immediate complexity. Coffee grounds and cream establish a familiar foundation, but white pepper arrives quickly, dancing across the palate with a refined intensity. The draw offers just enough resistance—classic Cuban roll quality—releasing smoke that carries floral undertones alongside the spice. Leather emerges around the half-inch mark, grounding the lighter notes with an earthy seriousness. The strength reads medium-full from the start, signaling this cigar intends to build rather than hold steady.

The Journey

The second third reveals the Supremos' most impressive attribute: evolution. Just when the profile seems established, peanut and cashew notes surface, bringing an unexpected nuttiness that interplays with paprika and a growing chocolate presence. The creaminess persists, now richer, coating the mouth between draws. Earth moves from supporting player to lead, and the spice transforms from white pepper to something warmer, more grounded. The construction remains impeccable—burning evenly, producing ample smoke, the ash holding with the tenacity of well-fermented tobacco. This is where the Limited Edition distinction becomes tangible.

The Finale

The final act delivers what the wrapper promised. Full-bodied now, the Supremos leans into its strength without sacrificing refinement. Earth dominates but carries sweetness now—dried figs and a whisper of cinnamon emerge alongside persistent cream. The leather note deepens, tanning the finish with a pleasant dryness that invites another draw. There's a marzipan sweetness that flickers in and out, keeping the experience dynamic even as the cigar approaches its conclusion. The aftertaste lingers impressively, a testament to the aged leaf within.

Who It's For

The Supremos suits the experienced smoker who appreciates Montecristo's classic virtues—balance, refinement, approachability—but seeks them expressed with greater intensity and complexity. It's an ideal choice for the second half of an evening when the palate is primed and attention can be fully given. This is a contemplative cigar, one that rewards focus, and its limited status makes it appropriate for occasions that call for something beyond the everyday.

Pairing Suggestion

A aged rum with pronounced molasses notes—perhaps a 15-year Venezuelan expression—will mirror the cigar's sweetness while providing enough structure to stand alongside its full-bodied finale.