When was the Saint Luis Rey Serie A discontinued and what size was it?

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A was discontinued in 2014 after more than 50 years of regular production. This Cuban cigar measured 143mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 46 ring gauge, classifying it as a Coronas Gordas format. The Serie A was one of several sizes in the Saint Luis Rey line that were gradually phased out, leaving the brand with a significantly reduced portfolio focused primarily on the Regios and Herfing vitolas.

What are the typical flavor characteristics of a Saint Luis Rey Serie A?

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A delivered a medium-to-full bodied profile characteristic of its Partagás factory origins. Smokers reported core notes of cedar, earth, and leather with intermittent bursts of black pepper and roasted coffee. The 46 ring gauge allowed for a cool draw that developed subtle sweetness—caramel and dried fruit—during the final third. These cigars were known for requiring significant aging to reach optimal balance, with many enthusiasts recommending 5+ years of humidor rest.

How does the Saint Luis Rey Serie A compare to the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1?

Both cigars share the Coronas Gordas dimensions (143mm x 46), yet diverge significantly in character. The Serie A offered a more assertive, rustic profile with stronger pepper and mineral notes, reflecting its Partagás production heritage. The Epicure No. 1, crafted at the Hoyo de Monterrey factory, presents a gentler, more floral and honeyed experience. Construction quality on the Serie A was historically variable, while the Epicure No. 1 maintained more consistent rolling standards. Today, neither remains in regular production, though the Epicure No. 1 has appeared in limited regional editions.

When was the Saint Luis Rey Serie A discontinued and what size was it?

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A was discontinued in 2014 after more than 50 years of regular production. This Cuban cigar measured 143mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 46 ring gauge, classifying it as a Coronas Gordas format. The Serie A was one of several sizes in the Saint Luis Rey line that were gradually phased out, leaving the brand with a significantly reduced portfolio focused primarily on the Regios and Herfing vitolas.

What are the typical flavor characteristics of a Saint Luis Rey Serie A?

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A delivered a medium-to-full bodied profile characteristic of its Partagás factory origins. Smokers reported core notes of cedar, earth, and leather with intermittent bursts of black pepper and roasted coffee. The 46 ring gauge allowed for a cool draw that developed subtle sweetness—caramel and dried fruit—during the final third. These cigars were known for requiring significant aging to reach optimal balance, with many enthusiasts recommending 5+ years of humidor rest.

How does the Saint Luis Rey Serie A compare to the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1?

Both cigars share the Coronas Gordas dimensions (143mm x 46), yet diverge significantly in character. The Serie A offered a more assertive, rustic profile with stronger pepper and mineral notes, reflecting its Partagás production heritage. The Epicure No. 1, crafted at the Hoyo de Monterrey factory, presents a gentler, more floral and honeyed experience. Construction quality on the Serie A was historically variable, while the Epicure No. 1 maintained more consistent rolling standards. Today, neither remains in regular production, though the Epicure No. 1 has appeared in limited regional editions.

Cigar Information

Saint Luis Rey Serie A

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A represents a discontinued chapter in Cuban cigar history, offering enthusiasts a classic Coronas Gordas format that was produced for over half a century before its retirement in 2014. This regular production cigar traced its origins back to the pre-1960 era, making it one of the longer-running offerings in the Saint Luis Rey portfolio.

Specifications

Factory Name	Coronas Gordas
Ring Gauge	46
Length	143 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	11.41 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Discontinued (2014)

Packaging and Presentation

The Serie A was available in two primary packaging formats throughout its production run. The standard presentation came in dress boxes containing 25 cigars, while a slide lid box holding 50 cigars was also offered until that format was discontinued in 2012. It is worth noting that Saint Luis Rey cigars did not feature bands until approximately 2006, with the Serie A eventually receiving the standard band A design.

Collectors should be aware that tubed versions of this cigar were typically the result of United Kingdom repackaging rather than factory-original presentations.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Serie A developed a reputation for delivering a nuanced smoking experience, earning an impressive overall rating of 4.74 from 19 reviews. The cigar scored particularly well in elegance, balance, complexity, and aftertaste, each receiving a 4 out of 5 rating, while its strength registered at a moderate 3.

Tasting notes most frequently identified by reviewers include:

Primary Notes: Hay (6 mentions), Citrus (5 mentions), Coffee (5 mentions)
Secondary Notes: Chocolate (4), Cocoa (4), Floral (4), Pekoe (4), Stonefruit (4)
Additional Nuances: Dried Apricot, Spice, Tea, Almond, Cream, Honey, Licorice, Milk Chocolate, Molasses, Orange, Wood, Cedar, and Lemon

Historical Significance

As a pre-1960 release, the Serie A witnessed the evolution of the Cuban cigar industry across decades of change. Its discontinuation in 2014 marked the end of an era for Saint Luis Rey aficionados who had come to appreciate this particular vitola. The cigar also holds a special place in collecting circles due to its inclusion in the Saint Luis Rey Serie A Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor release.

Related Releases

Saint Luis Rey Serie A Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor

Questions & Answers

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