The 2023 release of Supreme Leaf marks the 6th in the series from Aganorsa Leaf. It also the first time the company is release the limited edition in a round vitola instead of a box pressed format. The 2023 release utilizes the same blend as the inaugural release comprising of all Nicaraguan tobaccos from their farms in Nicaragua. The production is limited to 2,750 boxes and bundles of 10 cigars.
According to Terence Reilly, who serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “Demand for Supreme Leaf continues to grow and we are committed to releasing the same incredible blend in a new format with each release. Rolling the blend as a traditional parejo and not box pressing it gives the consumer the opportunity to compare how this vitola compares to previous releases. I’m excited for the feedback from consumers once this hits the market in February, especially since this release will mark the first time in over a year Supreme Leaf will be available and expectations are higher than ever.”
Cigar Review:Aganorsa Supreme Leaf
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: When you think of cigars the colors of purple, orange and yellow have become synonymous with Supreme Leaf. When originally released the colors and look were gaudy, but the cigars are so good they speak for themselves. I’ve been a huge fan of the box pressed version so seeing these in a tradition round vitola takes a bit getting use to. The cigar is firm to the touch with a solid weight to it and a closed foot. The wrapper has a fair amount of oils and and exquisitely rolled.
The Notes: The cold of the Supreme Leaf serves nodes of cedar, grain and sunflower cedar. The aroma from the closed foot is similar though muted due to the filler not being exposed to the nose. One the cigar is lit we are treated with an abundance of black and white pepper that fully encapsulate the palate and makes the eyes water on the retrohale.
As soon as the pepper dissipates after the first couple of puffs a strong note of rye developed with nuances of molasses and nutmeg. I can’t help but think how well this would pair with a higher proof rye served neat. The cigar sees some cinnamon develop and the retrohale is loaded with cedar and walnuts.
The second third sees some continued rye and cinnamon as nuances of leather and earth begin to develop. The retrohale is remarkably smooth considering how aggressive the cigar starts with a subtle sweetness and oak. It’s not often a cigar tones down, but the perceived strength is less then when the cigar begun.
As we finish out the Toro edition of the Supreme Leaf from Aganorsa the final third sees the pepper notes return with continued notes of cedar and oak along with some earthy undertone and a moderate finish and a robust retrohale.
The Finish: Supreme Leaf has become one of my most anticipated limited editions that I look forward to at least once a year. There have been occasions where there has been 2 releases in the same calendar yet, but 2023 marks the first time since February 2022. With the cigar being in the round things are definitely different than the previous box pressed releases and the result is one of the best Supreme Leaf’s to date.
Score: 95
Price: $14.19 / $125.99 (Box or Bundle of 10)
Supreme Leaf Toro (2023)
Supreme Leaf Toro Foot (2023)
Supreme Leaf Toro Burn (2023)
