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