Picture This: October Evening, Balcony Overlooking the Harbor
You know that moment when the sun’s dropping behind the buildings and there’s just enough chill in the air to make you appreciate the warmth from your lighter? That’s exactly when I cracked open my first Cohiba Robusto Supremo from the 2014 Edicion Limitada. Had been saving it for nearly three years—yeah, I’m one of those guys who hoards the good stuff until the “perfect moment” (which almost never comes, if we’re being honest).
But this particular Tuesday? Something felt right. The harbor was calm, my neighbor’s dog wasn’t barking for once, and I’d just finished a project that had been eating my soul for weeks. Time for the Cohiba Supremo to finally see some action.
First Impressions: This Ain’t Your Average Cohiba
Right off the bat, let me tell you—this cigar commands respect just sitting in your hand. The construction is absolutely flawless (as you’d expect from a cigar of this caliber), but there’s something about the way the light hits that oily wrapper that makes you pause. It’s darker than your typical Cohiba, more of a coffee bean brown than the usual golden hue.
The pre-light draw? Holy hell. I’ve been smoking cigars since ’99, and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve gotten that much complexity before even touching flame to foot. Chocolate, leather, and this weird but pleasant earthy funk that reminded me of walking through my grandfather’s basement workshop.
Now, I’ve got to be straight with you here—I’m not usually a huge Cohiba fanboy. Don’t get me wrong, they’re excellent cigars, but sometimes I think you’re getting a bit too caught up in that band. This Supremo though? It earned its keep before I even lit it up.
The Journey: From Velvet Hammer to Complex Beast
Here’s where things get interesting. Most reviews break cigars down into neat little thirds, like it’s some kind of scientific experiment. That’s not how I smoke, and honestly, it’s not how cigars work in the real world.
The first inch was pure silk. Creamy, almost buttery smoke with notes of cedar and just a whisper of white pepper. Nothing too aggressive—it was like the cigar was introducing itself politely before showing you what it’s really capable of. I paired this opening act with a glass of Macallan 18 (yeah, I know, total overkill for a Tuesday, but life’s short).
But then something magical happened around the second inch. The flavor profile just exploded. Not in an overwhelming way, but like watching a flower bloom in time-lapse. Suddenly I’m getting waves of dark chocolate, espresso, and this incredible nutty sweetness that I can only describe as roasted hazelnuts drizzled in honey.
The middle section—and this is where the Cohiba Supremo really sets itself apart from other limited editions I’ve tried—maintained this complexity without ever becoming harsh or overpowering. I’ve smoked cigars that try to cram every flavor in the book into 5 inches and end up tasting like confusion. This one had restraint.
By the final third, I was getting hints of leather and earth, but not in that “I’m chewing on a boot” way some full-bodied cigars deliver. More like the scent of a well-oiled baseball glove mixed with fresh soil after rain. Sounds weird, I know, but trust me on this one.
Pairing Adventures (And One Epic Failure)
Over the course of owning a few of these beauties, I’ve experimented with different pairings. The Macallan was excellent, but honestly? A bit redundant. Both the whiskey and cigar were so complex that they competed rather than complemented each other.
My best pairing experience came with a 2015 Barolo I’d been saving. Something about the wine’s earthiness played perfectly with the cigar’s natural terroir. It was like they were having a conversation in my mouth (and yes, I realize how pretentious that sounds, but it’s the truth).
The epic failure? Tried pairing it with a craft IPA thinking the hoppy bitterness might cut through the richness. Nope. Absolutely murdered the cigar’s subtlety. Learned my lesson there—sometimes classic wisdom exists for good reason.
For spirits, I’ve had great success with aged rum (specifically a 23-year Zacapa) and, surprisingly, a really good añejo tequila. The agave’s vegetal notes created this interesting contrast that kept both the drink and smoke interesting throughout the session.
The Controversial Take: Is It Worth the Hype?
Here’s where I might lose some of you. Yes, the Cohiba Robusto Supremo Edicion Limitada 2014 is an exceptional cigar. But—and this is a big but—I’m not convinced it’s twice as good as some far simpler cigars.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling anyone to skip it. If you appreciate the finer things, absolutely grab one (or five). But if this is your first leap into limited editions, I’d honestly recommend trying a regular production Cohiba Robusto first. Get familiar with the brand’s DNA before diving into limited editions.
That said, for collectors and serious enthusiasts? This is a must-try. The 2014 EL series was particularly well-executed, and this Supremo showcases exactly why Cohiba maintains its reputation as the crown jewel of Cuban cigars.
Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t)
Perfect for: Experienced smokers who appreciate subtlety and complexity. If you’re the type who can sit with a cigar for two hours and actually pay attention to how it evolves, this is your jam. Also great for special occasions when you want something that’ll create a memory.
Skip it if: You’re new to cigars (the nuances will be lost on you), you prefer bold, in-your-face flavors, or you typically smoke while doing other activities. This cigar demands attention—it’s not background music, it’s a symphony that requires active listening.
Also, and I can’t stress this enough, make sure you’ve got at least 90 minutes set aside. Rushing through this cigar is like speed-reading poetry. Technically possible, but you’re missing the entire point.
Storage Notes and Insider Tips
These have aged beautifully since 2014, but they’re getting harder to find in good condition. If you’re buying from a dealer, ask about storage conditions. I’ve seen too many rare cigars ruined by improper humidity control.
Keep them at 65-67% humidity if you can. Higher than that and you’ll mute some of the subtle flavors. Lower and you risk the wrapper cracking (learned that one the hard way with a different EL).
One quirk I’ve noticed: these cigars smoke better in the evening than during the day. Sounds crazy, but I think it has to do with palate sensitivity. Your taste buds are more receptive to subtle flavors later in the day, after you’ve had coffee and meals to wake them up.
Common Questions from Fellow Enthusiasts
How does this compare to other Cohiba limited editions? It’s more refined than the 2013 EL series but not quite as bold as what they put out in 2015. Sits right in the sweet spot of complexity without aggression.
Should I smoke these now or age them longer? I’ve tried them fresh (well, 2015), at three years, and recently at nine years. They peaked around the five-year mark for my taste. Still excellent now, but I think 2019-2020 was the sweet spot.
Are there fakes floating around? Unfortunately, yes. Their rarity makes them attractive to counterfeiters. Buy from reputable dealers only, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What’s the best time of day to smoke one? Late afternoon or evening, definitely. These aren’t morning cigars. I typically light mine up around 7 PM with a light dinner beforehand.
Final Verdict: A Cigar That Earned Its Place
Look, I’ve smoked a lot of celebrated cigars over the years, and many left me wondering what all the fuss was about. The Cohiba Supremo isn’t one of those. It’s legitimately special—not just because of the rarity or the limited production, but because it delivers an experience that justifies both.
Will it change your life? Probably not. But it might change your evening, and sometimes that’s enough. If you get the chance to try one, don’t overthink it. Just set aside the time, find a comfortable spot, and let the cigar tell its story.
After twenty-plus years of this hobby, those are the moments that keep me coming back. Not the hunt for the next big thing or the most exclusive release, but those perfect sessions where everything just clicks. The Cohiba Robusto Supremo Edicion Limitada 2014 delivered one of those nights, and honestly? That’s worth its weight in tobacco leaves.
Explore more
Browse all Cohiba Cigars cigars, see our Cohiba Cigars price guide, or try the Cohiba Robustos and Cohiba Siglo VI. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.