El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Sunday 22 July, 2018 by Simon

It’s been a while since I smoked anything by ERdM, the last being probably ten years ago, and that would have been a smaller vitola, I can’t remember what it was but at a guess it was 42 ring around 4” long. I remember this because I bought two from an aged batch from the late 90s and I kept them a while before I smoked them. They made quite an impression on me. So it was with great anticipation I lit the Choix Supreme up this evening, on what has been an exceptionally still, hot and humid July day. A couple of lamb steaks were marinating ready for the bbq and I sat down with a Havana Club Des Maestros as a chaser and an ice cold craft IPA as a quencher. I’ve always admired the construction of these cigars, as they are relatively inexpensive and seem to have a boldness to them with beautifully veined dark brown wrappers and almost surgically constructed caps. After punching it with my new 13mm Adorini punch (highly recommended for larger the gauges), the pre-lit draw was firm, but free. Leather and wood were evident before I took a flame to it, with maybe a hint of chocolate or coffee? It lit like a champ, no problems and started with an even burn and impeccable draw. First impressions were of spice and a woodiness, but slightly harsh. Fortunately it settled down very quickly and any initial harshness gave way to a lovely sweet spiciness that underpins the smoke. Talking of smoke, it’s thick and rich and light grey, with more than ample amounts on offer from even a light draw on it. This is a cigar that has characteristics of vitolas I remember from my early days as a cigar smoker, pre the mid 1990’s cigar boom. While not ridiculously over complex, it is quintessentially Cuban in every way. The sweetness is there the whole way through and spicy notes dance on the tongue, with some woodiness, maybe molasses and possibly even coffee. The burn has been even all the way through as has the draw and I’ve not had to relight once, burning cool for most of the way. So what can I say about this cigar that others haven’t? Not much, as many before me have been just as captivated by it, except perhaps to say, that there is a good reason for it’s moniker of Choix Supreme, which it both deserves and admirably lives up to.

Date Added: Sunday 22 July, 2018 by Simon

It’s been a while since I smoked anything by ERdM, the last being probably ten years ago, and that would have been a smaller vitola, I can’t remember what it was but at a guess it was 42 ring around 4” long. I remember this because I bought two from an aged batch from the late 90s and I kept them a while before I smoked them. They made quite an impression on me. So it was with great anticipation I lit the Choix Supreme up this evening, on what has been an exceptionally still, hot and humid July day. A couple of lamb steaks were marinating ready for the bbq and I sat down with a Havana Club Des Maestros as a chaser and an ice cold craft IPA as a quencher. I’ve always admired the construction of these cigars, as they are relatively inexpensive and seem to have a boldness to them with beautifully veined dark brown wrappers and almost surgically constructed caps. After punching it with my new 13mm Adorini punch (highly recommended for larger the gauges), the pre-lit draw was firm, but free. Leather and wood were evident before I took a flame to it, with maybe a hint of chocolate or coffee? It lit like a champ, no problems and started with an even burn and impeccable draw. First impressions were of spice and a woodiness, but slightly harsh. Fortunately it settled down very quickly and any initial harshness gave way to a lovely sweet spiciness that underpins the smoke. Talking of smoke, it’s thick and rich and light grey, with more than ample amounts on offer from even a light draw on it. This is a cigar that has characteristics of vitolas I remember from my early days as a cigar smoker, pre the mid 1990’s cigar boom. While not ridiculously over complex, it is quintessentially Cuban in every way. The sweetness is there the whole way through and spicy notes dance on the tongue, with some woodiness, maybe molasses and possibly even coffee. The burn has been even all the way through as has the draw and I’ve not had to relight once, burning cool for most of the way. So what can I say about this cigar that others haven’t? Not much, as many before me have been just as captivated by it, except perhaps to say, that there is a good reason for it’s moniker of Choix Supreme, which it both deserves and admirably lives up to.

Date Added: Tuesday 17 July, 2018 by ADAM

Purchased as part of the Cuban Sampler pack at £99. Normally Im a Cohiba smoker but thought it would be good to try something different and maybe get a saving at the same time. Well im through to the 5th Cigar already and its this one above. I use a accurate straight cut and found the cap came off cleanly, and the draw before lighting was excellent! A little acidic to start but it mellowed as the smoke went on, the burn was nice and even too. Its a fairly dark leaf and that came out in the flavour too, quite spicy but not too heavy. I smoked about two thirds in 30 minutes so quite good for me. I rarely take any cigar further. If I gave the Cohina Siglo II 9/10 this would come in at 8 so very pleased theres a lesser expensive alternative.

Date Added: Thursday 26 April, 2018 by Gavin

Smelt nice was the one I was waiting to try. So I was dissapointed upon lighting to find it very hard to draw Nothing good to say about this one. Will review again in the future.

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by James Stone (September 2000) Me, a Taste Tester!!!! When I read I had been chosen, the first thing I thought of. Holy tobacco leaves batman! Does C.GARS Ltd know my new address! Just in case I better fire off an email. After a few days had past, a familiar package was on the dining room table when I returned from work. Inside.... 3 beautiful looking ERDM Choix Supremes. I decided to let them rest a couple days from their journey, but celebrated their arrival with a Partagas Presidente. After a really lousy day of work, I decided it was time, so, I pulled out one of the ERDM's and a Becks beer, sat on the porch, and watch the rain. Cigar #1 Nice chocolate brown wrapper, firm, and silky smooth to the touch, with an oily sheen. A nice clean cut with the Xikar and the cap pops off. Prelight draw, hints of mocha, and spice. Although the wrapper was split about a 3/4" it didn't affect the light. Very nice draw, lots of smoke, medium strength. This cigar smoked like most of the other cigars from an ISOM. Even burn, firm dark grey ash, and finished off strong and flavourful, a real lip burner. After a couple of days, travelling between my two houses, I settle down too enjoy the second cigar. Cigar #2 Nice chocolate brown wrapper, very little veins, the cigar had a spongy feel, loosely wrapped I surmised. Silky smooth, and oily sheen a really nice looking cigar. The draw was to easy, just as I had suspected, this cigar was loosely rolled. Although the cigar tasted good, it burned badly, tunneled and need frequent relighting. I had high expectation based on the first cigar, but instead this became a very forgettable cigar. The very next day I lit up #3, since I have smoked a few ERDM CS, I have never had a bad one until yesterday. No way could I have two in row. Cigar #3 Nice chocolate brown wrapper, very little veins, this cigar felt firm, silkly smooth, and oily sheen a really nice looking cigar. Perfect draw, nice prelight taste. The burn started uneven right from the start, I'm saying not again. The burn stayed uneven for the first 1/3, then evened out. The cigar finished off like number 1, flawless and strong, the taste stayed with me for a while after I had nubbed it. Although #2 was a bust, I really enjoyed these cigars. I have only smoked the Choix Supreme from ERDM because it is one of the largest smokes they make. I would definitely recommend this smoke. I already have it as part of my rotation. Thanks Mitch for the opportunity.

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by Joe Gellman I have to apologize for what I am about to do, but it is so very apropos of this cigar: "Between sips, what pure aroma Rises from a steaming cup of coffee, Between puffs on a delicious Havana: The two compliment each other, And both our characters Sit in savory dialogue Discussing questions Of field and farming" Ricardo del Monte (1828-1909) Made in the Lazaro Pena factory in Havana, located at San Carlos 816 (I mention the address in the hope that anyone who gets to Havana will go there and tell whoever is in charge how much I enjoy this vitola), this cigar is unique in flavor and an absolute must for every smoker of Puros. A perfect 5 x 48 (127 x 19), this cigar is a marvel of construction, and the paradigm of what a robusto ought to be. Every one I received was rolled to perfection. Upon opening the box I got a whiff of Nirvana to come; you hear about the "interesting" smell of a box of Cubans, but this is the one that sets the example for the rest. A fully aromatic cigar, the nuances which develop are legendary. The color of this cigar is classified as "Maduro," meaning a wrapper of brown tones. There was no reddish color to the wrapper and the oil which had developed made the brown tones deep and rich to the eye. While the cigar was not as smooth as many other robustos, it was very pleasant to the eye. The wrapper was, however, for the most part, even, without veins, and each one was made by the same hand. On a weird note it is to be noted that many writers have measured this cigar from 5 to 5 1/8 x 48 to 49. I guess it depends on the way the cigar is stored, it's moisture content, or simply a bad ruler. Another weird note: I think this is the perfect robusto for any smoker. I simply cannot say enough about this cigar. The cigar was rich, silky, and smooth, to the touch. The cigar promised what it delivered, a grand smoke deserving of praise. Before lighting the cigar I noted a soft, sweet, earthy aroma. I placed this marvel in my mouth and thought of the time, in my youth, when I was lying in a field of California Poppy, pulling their grassy roots out and chewing on them....what can I say, I'm strange. The head had three strands of wrapper which cut as a hot knife through cold butter. I used a punch on the second smoke and it was, likewise, like the first. The foot of the cigar looked as if cut by a laser, and the tobacco was rolled hypnotically, foretelling of an even burn. The cigar was firm without any soft spots, never becoming fragile or mushy. When I lit the cigar it flashed to life as if it were waiting for me all its short life. From the first draw to the last life-sucking drag, ample amounts of smoke were produced, never too much, never wanting. The aroma upon lighting was almost honey-sweet with a slight undertone of woodiness. Having a little age, this cigar was full bodied and had lost all its green, worrisome, tones. If I have ever used the term "ambered" it is a perfect assessment for this cigar. The burn was even throughout. The aromas never got out of hand and were fine for indoor smoking. The ash was a deep gray, perfect concentric rings from start to finish, crusty to the touch, and when cut it proved to be fully burned and the color was the same to the end. The cigar never burned hot, and was cool at all times. Towards the last half of the cigar the smoke seemed to dance in the still air and the flavors only grew to a crescendo at the last. I have to admit to a slight taste of spice at the last inch, but I was caught up in the smoke to detail what spice this was...perhaps that of burnt honey...sorry. The downside of this cigar is the lack of power for smoking after a hearty meal. While I might smoke this cigar at any time of day, I think this is a superb early morning smoke to be enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee (see poem). Were I you, reader, I might beg C.GARS Ltd to part with a few of these wonders. Anyone want to venture a guess if I liked the cigar? =============== I liked the cigar.