Cigars.ie

L’ Alma de Cuba

I am in the bar of the Park Centrale Hotel in the center of Havana, on day 2 of the Habanos Festival. The atmosphere here is magical; being in Habana is like travelling back in time. The people, the buildings, the music, the cars, the time seems to have stopped in a different age. No matter how many stories you have heard, how many pictures you have seen, or how many times you have watched Buena Vista Social Club, you will find Havana breathtaking.

We spent our first day walking around the old town, visiting the Casas, drinking rum and smoking custom rolled cigars. The highlight of the first day was the opening night, a night dedicated to Partagas and its two new vitolas; the Partagas E2 and the D5.We arrived in the Gran Teatro shortly after 7, for the traditional presentation, which this year included a 3D clip of the cigars that will be launched in the festival week; the Partagas E2 and D5, the H Upmann Half Coronas and the Montecristo Gran Reserva. Leo Brower and his orchestra kept all attendees entertained, until 9pm, when we moved in the huge lounge to sample the new Partagas. We all received our goody bag, which included a box of 3 Partagas E2, as well as an E2 and a D5 to sample on the night.

I only smoked the Partagas E2, and I have to say I was impressed. Very sweet and unusually creamy for a Partagas, but maintaining the spicy finish and the full body, the E2 was really enjoyable. It is a great addition to the brand, in a size (Canonazo) that keeps getting more and more popular.

The internet here reminds me of the dial-up era, and is definitely a waste of time trying to upload high res photos and videos… they will just have to wait till we get back in Dublin! In the meanwhile, enjoy some photos of the new Partagas E2 and D5.

Plans for the rest of the evening? Chill out in the terrace of the Nacional Hotel, smoking cigars and drinking Rum. Cuba is great!

Asta Luego!