When was the Saint Luis Rey Churchill discontinued?

The Saint Luis Rey Churchills was officially discontinued by Habanos S.A. in 2010 during one of their extensive vitola rationalizations. Before its removal from production, this cigar was regarded as one of the most distinguished large-format offerings in the Cuban cigar portfolio. Its elimination disappointed many enthusiasts who valued its pre-1960 heritage and substantial size. While the brand continues with other formats, the specific Churchill vitola (measuring 178mm by 47 ring gauge) was removed from regular production, making existing stock increasingly rare and sought after on the secondary market.

What are the flavor notes of Saint Luis Rey Churchills?

This vitola was celebrated for a complex and evolving flavor profile characteristic of the Saint Luis Rey marca. Smokers could expect a medium to full-bodied experience featuring prominent notes of earth, leather, and cedar, often accompanied by a distinct nuttiness. The large 178mm length allowed for significant cooling of the smoke, providing a creamy texture that balanced the inherent spice and pepper of the Cuban tobacco. As the cigar progressed, the flavor profile typically intensified, revealing deeper woody characteristics and a lingering, dry finish that appealed to seasoned aficionados.

How long does a Saint Luis Rey Churchill last?

Due to its substantial dimensions—a length of 178mm (7 inches) and a 47 ring gauge—the Saint Luis Rey Churchill offers an extended smoking duration typical of the Julieta No. 2 format. Enthusiasts should allocate approximately 90 to 120 minutes to fully appreciate this cigar without rushing. The generous length and girth ensure a cool burn rate, allowing the complex flavors to develop gradually over time. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the burn characteristics, as dry cigars will burn too quickly, diminishing the intended leisurely experience of this historic vitola.

When was the Saint Luis Rey Churchill discontinued?

The Saint Luis Rey Churchills was officially discontinued by Habanos S.A. in 2010 during one of their extensive vitola rationalizations. Before its removal from production, this cigar was regarded as one of the most distinguished large-format offerings in the Cuban cigar portfolio. Its elimination disappointed many enthusiasts who valued its pre-1960 heritage and substantial size. While the brand continues with other formats, the specific Churchill vitola (measuring 178mm by 47 ring gauge) was removed from regular production, making existing stock increasingly rare and sought after on the secondary market.

What are the flavor notes of Saint Luis Rey Churchills?

This vitola was celebrated for a complex and evolving flavor profile characteristic of the Saint Luis Rey marca. Smokers could expect a medium to full-bodied experience featuring prominent notes of earth, leather, and cedar, often accompanied by a distinct nuttiness. The large 178mm length allowed for significant cooling of the smoke, providing a creamy texture that balanced the inherent spice and pepper of the Cuban tobacco. As the cigar progressed, the flavor profile typically intensified, revealing deeper woody characteristics and a lingering, dry finish that appealed to seasoned aficionados.

How long does a Saint Luis Rey Churchill last?

Due to its substantial dimensions—a length of 178mm (7 inches) and a 47 ring gauge—the Saint Luis Rey Churchill offers an extended smoking duration typical of the Julieta No. 2 format. Enthusiasts should allocate approximately 90 to 120 minutes to fully appreciate this cigar without rushing. The generous length and girth ensure a cool burn rate, allowing the complex flavors to develop gradually over time. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the burn characteristics, as dry cigars will burn too quickly, diminishing the intended leisurely experience of this historic vitola.

Cigar Information

Saint Luis Rey Churchills

The Saint Luis Rey Churchills represented one of the most distinguished large-format cigars in the Cuban portfolio before its discontinuation in 2010. This venerable vitola traced its origins to the pre-1960 era, making it one of the older established releases within the Saint Luis Rey marca. Named after the historic Cuban town and formatted in the classic Churchill dimensions, this cigar earned a devoted following among enthusiasts who appreciated its substantial smoking time and complex flavor development.

Specifications

Factory Name	Julieta No.2
Ring Gauge	47
Length	178 mm (7 inches)
Official Weight	15.07 grams
Construction	Handmade
Status	Discontinued (2010)

Packaging and Presentation

The Saint Luis Rey Churchills was offered in several packaging configurations throughout its production run. The standard dress box contained 25 cigars, while a slide lid box holding 50 cigars was also available. Both of these presentations were discontinued in 2010. For those preferring tubed cigars, a dress box of 25 cigars packaged in aluminium tubes was offered, though this format ended earlier, ceasing production in 2006.

Interestingly, cigars in slide lid boxes (SLB) were originally sold without bands until approximately 2006, after which the standard band A was applied. Tubed versions featured the standard tube presentation consistent with other Cuban cigars of similar format.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Saint Luis Rey Churchills developed a reputation for delivering a sophisticated and well-balanced smoking experience. Based on enthusiast reviews, the cigar scored exceptionally well across multiple categories, achieving an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.

The flavor profile showcased the following characteristics:

Chocolate
Cocoa
Fruit notes
Pepper spice
Toast
Tobacco

Performance Ratings

Attribute	Score (out of 5)
Elegance	4
Balance	5
Strength	4
Complexity	5
Aftertaste	5
Overall	4.6

Particularly noteworthy were the cigar's balance, complexity, and aftertaste, all of which received perfect scores from reviewers. The strength registered as medium-to-full at a 4, providing sufficient body without overwhelming the palate.

Related Releases

A special edition known as the Saint Luis Rey Churchills Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor was released as a related item, commemorating the turn of the millennium with this classic vitola format.

Questions & Answers

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