Cigars.ie

2011 Habanos releases unveiled

It has been a terrific week so far, with the festival buzz being evident in every corner of Havana. After a successful welcoming event on Monday night, the crowds gathered early in the morning for the plantation tour. We decided in having our own trip to Pinar del Rio towards the end of the week, so we stayed in Havana, visiting the – quiet on the day - cigar shops and our friends in the city. It was great being able to visit the Casas and sit for a cigar and a drink in their empty lounges.

Wednesday was a hot and humid day in Havana, as the crowds headed in the Palacio de Conveciones for the traditional trade show. The centre of attention was the Habanos stall, where the new 2011 releases were displayed. The Cohiba 1966, the Ramon Allones Extra and the Hoyo de Monterrey were all there, as well as the new Montecristo No2 Gran Reserva, the H. Upmann Especiales and the Half Coronas.

I was surprised to see that the new Cohiba 1966 was a Canonazo Especial, rather than a torpedo as most attendees expected. The Canonazo Especial is a brand new size, with a size and shape similar to the Canonazo, but with a pigtail cap, similar to the BHK range. This new cigar is expected to retail in the UK and Ireland for about €50 (£45), making it more expensive than the BHK 56!

The Ramon Allones Extra is a fransisco, measuring 44 by 143 with an impressive green label, copied from the Old Allones label used until the early 70’s. The Allones Extra will be presented in dress boxes of 25. The 3^rd limitada is the Hoyo de Monterrey Short Piramide, a size similar to the belicoso, measuring 46 by 135 and presented in flat SLB boxes of 10.

Another cigar I wasn’t expected to see was the H.Upmann Royal Robusto, a new LCDH release for 2011. It took a while before we found someone to give us more details about it; it is a Robusto Extra, in dress boxes of 10 and will be available exclusively in the Casa del Habanos stores worldwide.

Later on that evening, the crowds headed towards the Salon de Protocolo de El Laguito, for the launch of the H.Upmann Half Corona. In an event full of Salsa rhythm, the attendees got the chance to try not only the tiny H. Upmann Half Corona, but also the H Upmann Robusto Especial and the Cohiba 1966. First impressions about the three cigars were positive, with the Robusto Espeial being a very pleasant surprise and the Half Corona being really strong! Views on the Cohiba 1966 were mixed, but everyone seemed to have agreed it is still too young and edgy.

Thursday is the day for the official factory tours, but we have something else in mind; a trip to another factory, away from the festival crowds. More details on that soon…

Asta luego!

Partagas E2 box of 10

Ramon Allones Extra EL 2011

…closeup of the Allones Extra

Cohiba 1966 EL 2011

…and the Pigtail

Short Hoyo Piramides EL 2011

Montecristo Gran Reserva

… Reservas close-up

H. Upmann Royal Robusto

… close-up

…and the always stunning Habanos Ladies!