El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme

Why El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme Became My Go-To Afternoon Smoke

Look, I’m gonna be straight with you. When someone asks me what cigar they should try if they want something reliable, approachable, but still distinctly Cuban – I point them toward the El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme. Every. Damn. Time.

I stumbled onto this stick back in ’08 during a trip to Montreal (where you could still get proper Cubans without all the hassle). My buddy Jacques – old-school French-Canadian who’d been smoking cigars since before I was born – handed me one after dinner and said, “This is what Cuban cigars should taste like when they’re not trying to prove anything.” Cryptic? Yeah. But he was absolutely right.

The thing about ERDM is that it’s probably the most overlooked marca in the Cuban lineup. Everyone’s chasing Cohibas and Montecristos, meanwhile this brand is quietly producing some of the most consistent, well-balanced smokes in the Habanos portfolio. The Choix Supreme? It’s their sweet spot.

First Impressions That Actually Matter

Right off the bat, you notice the wrapper. It’s not the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen – I’ll give you that. The Vuelta Abajo leaves they use for ERDM tend to have this rustic, almost weathered look. Some veins, maybe a few small spots. Nothing that screams premium at first glance.

But here’s where experience pays off: some of the best Cuban cigars I’ve ever smoked looked like they’d been through hell. Construction matters way more than cosmetics, and the Choix Supreme delivers where it counts. The pre-light draw is usually spot-on (though I’ve had a few tight ones over the years). You get hints of barnyard, maybe some cedar, sometimes a whisper of chocolate.

The foot gives you that classic Cuban tobacco aroma – earthy, slightly sweet, with this underlying mustiness that reminds me why I fell in love with Habanos in the first place. If you’ve got these stored properly in your el rey del mundo humidor setup (more on that later), they’ll have this perfect marriage of tobacco oils and aging that just hits different.

The Smoke Itself – Where Things Get Interesting

Forget all that “first third, second third, final third” nonsense. That’s not how you really experience a cigar. Let me tell you how this one actually smokes.

The first few puffs? Pure Cuban terroir. There’s this mineral quality – almost chalky – that you only get from tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region. It’s subtle, but once you recognize it, you can’t un-taste it. The smoke is cream-smooth from the get-go, which honestly surprised me the first time. A lot of Cuban robustos can be harsh right out of the gate.

About fifteen minutes in (I smoke slow, don’t judge), you start getting these waves of flavor that remind me of sitting in my grandfather’s garage. Leather, old wood, maybe some coffee grounds. Nothing overpowering, just… comfortable. Familiar.

The middle section is where the Choix Supreme really shines. The strength bumps up just enough to remind you you’re smoking a Cuban, but it never gets aggressive. I’ve smoked these with morning coffee, afternoon beer, evening whiskey – it adapts. The pepper that shows up around the halfway point isn’t sharp or intrusive; it’s more like white pepper than cayenne.

Now here’s where I might ruffle some feathers: I think this cigar gets better as it burns down. Most people complain about the final inches of any smoke, but the Choix Supreme actually intensifies in all the right ways. The flavors concentrate, you get more of that Cuban twang, and if you’re patient (don’t rush it), you can smoke it down to a nub without any harsh surprises.

What I Actually Pair With This Thing

Forget the wine pairings you read in magazines. Here’s what actually works in real life:

Coffee: Lavazza Crema e Gusto, specifically. I know that’s oddly specific, but I’ve tried dozens of different coffees with this stick, and something about Lavazza’s blend just clicks. The nutty undertones complement the cigar without competing.

Beer: This is gonna sound weird, but Stella Artois. Yeah, I know it’s not craft or exotic, but the clean, slightly bitter finish cuts through the smoke perfectly. I’ve also had great luck with Negra Modelo if you want something with more body.

Spirits: Appleton Estate 12-year rum. Trust me on this one. The Jamaican funk plays beautifully with the earthy Cuban tobacco. If you’re a whiskey person, try Redbreast 12 – but sip it neat, not on the rocks.

Time of day: This is an afternoon smoke. Period. I’ve tried it in the morning (too rich), late evening (too mellow), but that 2-4 PM window? Perfect.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t)

If you’re new to Cuban cigars, this is your gateway drug. It won’t overwhelm you, but it’ll show you what all the fuss is about. The price point is reasonable (relatively speaking – we’re still talking Cubans here), and you’re unlikely to get a dud.

Experienced smokers looking for a reliable daily smoke should definitely keep a few of these around. They’re not special occasion cigars, but sometimes you just want something good without having to think about it too hard.

However – and this is important – if you’re one of those people who needs every cigar to be an adventure, you might find the Choix Supreme boring. It’s consistent, balanced, pleasant… but it’s not going to blow your mind or give you some transcendent smoking experience. It’s the Honda Civic of Cuban cigars (and I mean that as a compliment).

Also, if you only smoke full-strength sticks, this might feel underwhelming. It’s medium-bodied at most, and the nicotine hit is pretty mild.

Storage and Handling – The Stuff Nobody Talks About

Here’s some insider knowledge: ERDM cigars are actually pretty forgiving when it comes to storage, but they do have some quirks.

First, they seem to handle humidity fluctuations better than some other marcas. I’ve had boxes that went through shipping hell and still smoked beautifully after a few weeks in the humidor. That said, keep them at 65-68% RH if you can. They don’t need the higher humidity that some Cuban cigars prefer.

Temperature matters more than people realize. These seem to develop better flavors when stored slightly cooler – around 65°F if your setup allows it. In your el rey del mundo humidor, try to keep them away from the walls where temperature swings are more dramatic.

Age them if you can resist. I know, I know – who has that kind of patience? But I’ve smoked five-year-old Choix Supremes that were absolutely stunning. The rough edges smooth out, and you get this honey sweetness that doesn’t exist in fresh ones.

One weird thing: the bands on these sometimes stick to the wrapper more than usual. Don’t force it – warm the band with your fingers for a minute before trying to remove it.

The Controversial Take Nobody Wants to Hear

Alright, here’s my hot take that’ll probably annoy some people: I think the El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme is a better everyday Cuban than the Montecristo No. 4.

Yeah, I said it.

The Monte No. 4 gets all the love – it’s the “classic” Cuban robusto that everyone recommends. But honestly? Half the time they’re either plugged or bland. The quality control on ERDM seems more consistent, the flavors are more interesting, and you’re not paying the Montecristo premium.

I’ve done blind taste tests with friends (we’re nerds like that), and the Choix Supreme wins more often than not. People expect it to lose because of the reputation difference, but taste doesn’t lie.

Burn Characteristics and Construction Notes

The burn is usually straight and even – no constant touch-ups needed. The ash holds pretty well, though it’s not the most photogenic ash you’ll ever see. Kind of gray and mottled, but it stays put for a good inch or more.

Draw resistance is typically spot-on. Not too loose (which kills flavor), not too tight (which kills enjoyment). I’d say maybe 10% of the ones I’ve smoked had draw issues, which is pretty good for Cuban standards.

The smoke production is moderate – enough to satisfy but not so much that you’ll fog up a room. Good for smoking indoors if you’ve got decent ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to smoke?

About 45 minutes to an hour if you’re not rushing. I usually budget an hour for mine because I hate feeling pressured to finish a cigar quickly.

Are there fake ERDM Choix Supremes out there?

Not really. Counterfeiters usually stick to the big names – Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta. ERDM doesn’t have enough brand recognition to make faking profitable. That’s actually one of the benefits of smoking less famous marcas.

What’s the difference between this and other ERDM vitolas?

The Choix Supreme hits that sweet spot of size and strength. The smaller ring gauge cigars from ERDM can be a bit sharp, while the larger ones sometimes get muddy. The robusto format just works perfectly with this blend.

Can I age these long-term?

Absolutely. I’ve got some from 2015 that are still improving. They don’t have the aging potential of some premium marcas, but they definitely benefit from a few years of rest.

Why aren’t these more popular?

Honestly? Marketing. ERDM doesn’t have the mystique or history of some other brands. Plus, the presentation isn’t as fancy. But that’s actually great news for us – better availability and lower prices for essentially the same quality tobacco.

Look, at the end of the day, the El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme isn’t going to change your life or make you see God. But it’s a damn good cigar that delivers exactly what it promises – a solid, flavorful, reliable Cuban smoking experience. In a world full of overhyped, overpriced cigars, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Keep a few in your rotation. You’ll thank me later.