Raíces Cubanas Liga de Reyes Salomón Review

Just got back from the shop, and I’m pretty pumped! The folks there handed me a Raíces Cubanas Liga de Reyes Salomón, a limited-edition gem fresh off the delivery. This 6½ x 58 beauty, priced at ~$13.50, is the brand’s first limited-release cigar, and with only 20,000 made, I feel lucky to snag one. I settle into my favorite chair at home, ready to light up and explore its Honduran-Nicaraguan blend, hoping for a refined, complex smoke to match the anticipation.

Let’s see if this Salomón lives up to its royal name.

The Roots

Founded in 2003 by Romay Endemaño, his wife Maria, and son Hugo, Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas in Danlí, Honduras, has built a stellar reputation crafting cigars for brands like Alec Bradley, Illusione, and Viaje. In late 2024, the Endemaño family, joined by former Alec Bradley executive Ralph Montero, launched their own portfolio under the Raíces Cubanas name, bringing their Cuban-rooted expertise to the forefront. The Liga de Reyes line, introduced in May 2025, is their flagship, showcasing a medium-plus Honduran-Nicaraguan blend. The Salomón (6½ x 58, ~$13.50 per cigar, $135 for a 10-count box) features a Trojes-grown Honduran wrapper, dual binders from Jamastrán and Estelí, and fillers from Trojes and Jamastrán, promising a rich, layered smoke.

Book Pairing

“The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. This intricate novel, set in post-war Barcelona, weaves mystery and depth, much like the Salomón’s evolving flavors of earth, spice, and leather. Its contemplative tone and rich storytelling complement the cigar’s sophisticated, slow-burning profile, perfect for a reflective evening smoke.

What the Pros Say

The Liga de Reyes Toro (6 x 54) earned an 89/100 from Cigar Coop, praised for its “flavor development, burn, draw, and value”. Cigar Smoker Club called the Salomón “a cigar destined for the Hall of Fame,” highlighting its “evolving flavors in each third—damp earth, leather, and a spicy finish that lingers on the palate”. Halfwheel noted the Toro’s “very enjoyable” profile with “distinct flavors” like “powdery cocoa nibs, creamy cedar,” and “raisin sweetness on the retrohale,”. No specific scores for the Salomón are available yet, but experts laud its craftsmanship and collectible appeal. ??

The Smoke Stats

Name: Liga de Reyes Salomón
Vitola: Salomón (6½” x 58)
Wrapper: Honduran Trojes
Binder: Honduran Jamastrán, Nicaraguan Estelí
Filler: Honduran Trojes & Jamastrán
Origin: Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas, Honduras
Release Date: July 2025
Price: ~$13.50/cigar, $135/box of 10

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

At home, I examine the Liga de Reyes Salomón. Its Honduran Trojes wrapper is a dark brown, with light mottling and small veins, exuding a subtle oil sheen. The cigar feels firm, with a slight sponginess near the foot, and the triple cap is impeccably applied. The wrapper aroma carries peppermint, sweet wood, and creamy hay, while the foot offers leather and earthy terroir. The cold draw is smooth, with notes of white pepper, cedar, and a hint of raisin sweetness, setting the stage for a complex smoke.

I light it up, eager to dive into this limited-edition treat.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third opens with earthy dry wood and baker’s spice, accented by subtle cocoa and a touch of fruit sweetness. The smoke is dense, coating the palate smoothly, and the retrohale brings white pepper and raisin notes. The dark gray ash holds firm to an inch, and the burn is even, complementing the medium body. Compared to milder Honduran blends like the Raíces Cubanas Clásico, this feels richer yet balanced, perfect for a contemplative smoke.

In the second third, the profile evolves into toasted nuts, creamy cedar, and cinnamon, with leather undertones adding depth. The dual binders from Jamastrán and Estelí contribute a subtle earthy spice, and the smoke grows fuller, maintaining a medium-plus body. The ash extends to 1.5 inches, with a razor-sharp burn line. The draw is effortless, rivaling the consistency of an Illusione cigar but with a bolder character, keeping me engaged as the flavors deepen.

The final third builds to a rich crescendo, blending leather, black pepper, and a toasted earth core. A faint coffee bean note emerges, and the finish lingers with spicy warmth. The smoke, lasting 110 minutes, remains cool, though a minor touch-up is needed. Compared to the Liga de Reyes Toro, the Salomón’s larger ring gauge amplifies the complexity, making it a standout for slow, reflective sessions.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

The Salomón’s construction reflects Raíces Cubanas’ expertise, with a firm pack, smooth Trojes wrapper, and flawless triple cap. The dark brown wrapper shows light mottling and small veins, with a slight oiliness. The draw is ideal, loosening slightly after the first inch, and the burn is nearly perfect, with a stable dark gray ash holding over an inch. At $13.50, the 110-minute smoke delivers premium quality, befitting its limited-edition status.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

The Salomón starts with earthy dry wood, baker’s spice, and subtle cocoa, with white pepper and raisin on the retrohale. The second third shifts to toasted nuts, creamy cedar, and cinnamon, with leather and earthy spice rounding out the profile. The final third intensifies with rich leather, black pepper, and coffee bean notes, finishing with a toasted, spicy warmth. Bolder than the Raíces Cubanas Clásico but smoother than the C5 Black, it offers a medium-to-full, complex experience.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

The Salomón’s medium strength builds to medium-full by the final third, delivering a smooth nicotine hum ideal for evening smokes. The body starts medium, growing richer with dense, creamy smoke carrying earthy, spicy, and nutty notes. It’s less intense than the C5 Black but more robust than the Clásico, striking a balance for aficionados seeking complexity without overpowering strength.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

These pairings enhance the Salomón’s 110-minute vibe:

Drinks: Espresso (matches earthy coffee notes); Cabernet Sauvignon (complements leather); dark porter (echoes toasted nuts).
Foods: Dark chocolate (pairs with cocoa); roasted hazelnuts (enhances nuttiness); aged gouda (boosts creamy cedar).

Ideal for evening relaxation, this cigar shines with bold, contemplative flavors.

Value: Worth the Price?

At ~$13.50 per cigar ($135 for 10), the Salomón delivers exceptional value for a limited-edition smoke. Its complex, evolving profile and impeccable construction rival $15+ cigars like the Illusione Epernay. With only 20,000 produced, its exclusivity adds appeal for collectors, and the 110-minute burn ensures a premium experience worth the price.

Our Rating:

The Liga de Reyes Salomón earns a Refined rating. Its earthy, spicy, and nutty notes deliver a complex, 110-minute smoke with stellar construction. At $13.50, it’s a collector’s gem, perfect for contemplative, flavorful sessions.

Final Thoughts

As the Salomón’s nub fades, this 110-minute smoke has been a remarkable journey. Its earthy, nutty, and spicy profile, paired with impeccable craftsmanship, makes it a standout limited-edition cigar. Raíces Cubanas delivers a collector’s dream that’s both complex and approachable.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Liga de Reyes Salomón is ideal for smokers seeking a medium-to-full, complex smoke with rich, evolving flavors. Perfect for evening relaxation, it’s available at select retailers. Pair with espresso or wine and savor the moment.