Cuba Rica isn’t exactly a household name, but the company has only been around since 2011. According to their website the company is based in Southern California and was founded by Stephen Adib and Raffi Sepetjian. In 2012 the company launched the Via Havana line followed by Spirit of Art and Barabbas in 2014.
Today we review the first true limited edition cigar from the company. Available in two sizes L5 (5.5 x 54) and L6 (6.5 x 54) with each being limited to 500 individually numbered boxes.
Cigar: Cuba Rica Limitada
Size: 5.5 x 54 (L5)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Strength: Medium-Full
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: A box pressed beauty the cigar features a silky smooth looking wrapper that is milk chocolate in color. The band of the cigar is matte black with red foil denoting the brand name and cigar, with a secondary band denoting Edition No. 1. In the hand the cigar is firm with a nice weight to it, and the cap is exquisitely placed and is flat much like a Cuban.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Cuba Rica Limitada has a note that reminds me of grape and sour apple. There is a hint of sweetness to it as well. The foot of the cigar reveals a very faint nondescript aroma however, the wrapper has a chocolate like sweetness with a touch of caramel. In fact, the aroma is very reminiscent of Caramello bar.
After toasting the foot of the Limitada there are some notes similar to the prelight draw. There is a definitive sour apple note with hints of caramel and chocolate. Through the nose there is an abundance of spice that borders on crushed red pepper.
In the second third of the Cuba Rica Limitada the notes of nuts develop with a continued caramel and chocolate note. There is a bit of an espresso finish and the spice through the nose is toned down quite a bit. What started of as a full strength cigar is now down to medium.
The last third of the cigar has notes of chocolate with a caramel finish and some fruitiness on the retrohale. The finish is moderate and enjoyable.
The Burn: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’ve smoke some box pressed cigars that have burn issues and this Limitada burns well. While the burn line is slightly jagged it is close enough to perfection to satisfy. The medium gray color ash is firm and hold on for an inch and a half at a time. The draw is perfect with a slight resistance which is ideal in my book.
The Finish: The cigars put out by Cuba Rica have been incredibly enjoyable and this is a brand that should be watched. While the cigar is a tad on the pricey side, it was extremely enjoyable. With a nice slow burn, and an enjoyable flavor profile the cigar serves up a nice mix of balance and complexity. With only 500 boxes made, these are worthy of a box purchase. I expect them to age extremely well.
Score: 90
Price: $16.99 / $139.99
Cuba Rica Limitada
Cuba Rica Limitada Foot
Cuba Rica Limitada Burn
