Description
El Septimo – Culinary Art Collection Spain Rioja
Size: 5 x 50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Fillers: Proprietary aged blend
Strength: Full
Origin: Costa Rica
Manufacturer: El Septimo Geneva
Flavor Notes: Red wine spice, oak, dark fruit, cedar, earth, leather, subtle sweetness
Pairing Notes: Rioja wine, tempranillo, espresso, dark rum
Privada Storytelling
El Septimo does not make quiet cigars.
The Culinary Art Collection was built around the idea that tobacco could interact with the world of fine dining and luxury beverages the same way wine interacts with food. Spain Rioja takes that concept directly into the heart of Spanish winemaking.
This 5 x 50 robusto was inspired by the bold character of Rioja reds, with tobacco aged in Rioja barrels to absorb subtle wine driven nuances without turning the cigar into a gimmick. The goal was structure, spice, and depth, not artificial sweetness.
The result is a cigar that feels rich and layered while still remaining approachable.
This is not a flavored cigar.
It is a cigar shaped by environment and aging.
Flavor Journey
The opening introduces oak, earth, and red fruit spice with a warm, wine like richness sitting underneath the smoke. As the cigar develops, cedar and leather begin building structure while subtle sweetness rounds the sharper edges.
Midway, dark fruit and spice become more pronounced, creating a profile that mirrors the layered depth of Rioja wine without overpowering the tobacco itself.
The final third settles into oak, earth, and lingering warmth with a balanced finish that stays smooth despite the cigar’s full bodied nature.
Why It Belongs in Privada
Because this is an example of barrel influence done with restraint.
Spain Rioja is not trying to imitate wine. It is trying to complement it. The aging process adds character and texture while allowing the cigar to remain tobacco first.
That balance is exactly what makes it interesting.
Production Notes
Part of El Septimo’s Culinary Art Collection inspired by global culinary and beverage traditions. Tobacco aged in Rioja wine barrels to develop additional aroma and complexity. Rated 90 points in Cigar Aficionado’s September 2025 issue.
Highlights
Inspired by Spanish Rioja wines
Tobacco aged in Rioja barrels
5 x 50 robusto format
90 point rated release
Full bodied luxury profile
