Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre turned out to be a genuinely enjoyable cigar and one that seriously overperformed for the price.
From the very first draw, the cigar delivered a wonderfully buttery-smooth smoke with a comfortable, medium-bodied profile that felt rich without becoming too heavy. The flavor leaned earthy and leathery with warm, toasted tobacco notes layered throughout, creating a classic, satisfying cigar experience that remained balanced from beginning to end.
One thing that surprised me was the lack of pepper. Based on the descriptions I had read beforehand, I expected a much spicier cigar with a sharper finish. Instead, the profile remained remarkably smooth and mellow throughout the smoke. Personally, I was perfectly fine with that. The absence of aggressive pepper allowed the creamy leather and toast notes to take center stage.
Construction was excellent as well. The cigar burned evenly, produced thick, flavorful smoke, and maintained a comfortable draw throughout without requiring any corrections or relights.
And perhaps the strongest endorsement I can give:
I smoked this one all the way to the nub.
That usually tells me everything I need to know about whether a cigar truly worked for me. If a cigar becomes harsh, boring, or unbalanced, I have no issue setting it down early. The Cuba Libre, however, remained smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable right to the very end.
At only around $3.00 a stick, this cigar delivered exceptional value.
Buttery smooth, earthy, flavorful, and satisfying — a very good cigar that I would happily smoke again.
I smoked one of these in Cozumel, Mexico last week while lounging around the pool at the resort I was staying at. A gentleman asked me if I had another. I did and offered it to him. The next evening I ran into him again at the resort’s bar. He said he really enjoyed the Cuba Libre and then he gave me a sealed box of Habanos Cuba Selectos containing a Cohiba, a Trinidad, a Portagas, a Romeo Y Julieta, and a Montecristo. I was floored! We shared another cigar, several drinks, a couple of girls, and a few tales of life experiences that evening. I never saw him again after that.
I found information about these cigars here http://www.habanos.com/article.aspx?aid=608
Cohiba:
Cohiba is made from the “selection of the selection” of the best leaves of the tobacco plantations of San Juan y Martínez (D.O.P) and San Luis (D.O.P) areas in the Vuelta Abajo zone* (D.O.P), the additional fermentation of the Ligero and Seco leaves provide unique aroma and flavor. Cohiba is the Habanos flagship.
Montecristo:
Montecristo is the best known Habanos brand and probably the most appreciated by its characteristic medium to full flavor, considered by many smokers a benchmark for flavor.
Romeo y Julieta:
Romeo y Julieta Habanos are characterized by its balanced and aromatic blend. It is the classic medium flavour Habano
Partagás:
A Partagás is immediately recognizable by its deep character and rich flavour.
Trinidad:
Trinidad, as a Habano, dates back to 1969 but for many years, like Cohiba, it was made only for gifts to foreign diplomats. Not until 1998 was it released for general sale and then only in small quantities.