// By Richard // On February, 01st 2010 // 2:50 pm

Having just reviewed our favorite smokes of 2009, the questions begs; how do you rate a great cigar? Is a great cigar a cigar that is expensive, rare or produced in very limited quantities? Does it's intended status of rare or limited guarantee it to be a great cigar? My personal belief is no. I have smoked many cigars that were produced in very limited series or were only produced for one specific event (Dinner of the Century, Habanos Festival, etc..) and they have not been great smokes and in many cases, these tended to be pretty average smokes. Does a properly aged cigar guarantee a great smoke? Again, difficult to say yes or no. The positive side is that when you smoke an aged cigar you will get the bouquet intended by the blend master when the blend was developed. But most people palates are not tuned to the subtlety of aged blends and find them light and lacking in depth. An aged cigar can be frustrating as they often suffer from draw problems. The criteria we used for classifying a great smoke is simple; Was it a memorable smoking occasion? I believe that the cigar itself is one aspect of this experience and it is the environmental influences that make the smoke great or not. I have smoked many regular production cigars that have been memorable experiences because of whom I smoked with and where and why I was smoking. On the other hand I have smoked special cigars (limited lines or aged) that have given me the ultimate 'Cigar smoke'. My belief is that there are special cigars and that there are special smokes. Both bring different pleasures and both could qualify as being great. Your memory will dictate which of the above ticks the boxes for your idea of great. Give us your thoughts.

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// By Richard // On October, 30th 2009 // 1:59 pm

Now Available on TopCubans.com!!!!

The Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva

Factory size (Vitola de Galera): Cañonazo, ring 52 x 150mm
Comercial Name (Vitola de Salida): Cohiba SigloVI Gran Reserva 2003
Presentation: 5000 numbered boxes containing 15 cigars, double banded Cohiba and Gran Reserva

'Habanos S.A is pleased to present the "Gran Reserva", launched for the first time ever in "Cohiba", the most prestigious premium cigar brand in the world. It is the first ever Habanos Gran Reserva elaborated with the best Cuban tobacco leaves from San Juan y Martínez and San Luis harvested in 2003, and carefully aged for five years before reaching the cigar rollers hands. The eagerly awaited Cohiba Gran Reserva reaches finally the most select markets in the World. This first ever Habanos Gran Reserva enhances the unique character of Habanos as a “Denominacion de Origen Protegida” (protected Denomination of origin). The Gran Reserva concept means the best of what Habanos has ever made. The best Cuban tobacco leaves harvested in 2003 have been selected, fermented and inspected for a long period of five years. All the leaves used to make up a Habano -the wrapper, the filler and the binder have undergone this meticulous 5 year process. Those precious leaves, after five years of care, are then laid in the skillful hands of Cohiba´s expert Cuban cigar-rollers at "El Laguito" factory in order to create this exquisite Habano for the most distinguished smokers. Furthermore, the emblematic vitola "Siglo VI" (girth 52 x 150mm length) has been chosen for the production of this first Habanos Gran Reserva. Every part of the process respects the criteria that one would demand of such a unique product. From the careful process of fermentation using the best tobacco from San Juan, Martinez and San Luis, to the exquisite blend selection process supervised by 50 testers, all elements are checked to combine so as to respect the unique character of Cohiba.'

Habanos.com

You can see:
Habanos S.A.
C.A.'s James Suckling rates the Cohiba Gran Reserva 100/100

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// By Richard // On August, 27th 2009 // 9:55 am

The Cuban cigar has had its up's and down's over the years, no one can deny that. Everyone can remember the end of the 90's and a real drop in construction quality due to rushed and over production. Certain year's have had better or worse quality harvests caused by a numbers of factors, leading to certain year's productions being superior, almost wine like Millesimes. That said, the undeniable quality of Cuban tobacco consistently gives us cigars of character with complex and sophisticated blends matched by no other. We are experiencing an interesting period in Habanos's history, as the Cuban tobacco giant tries to adapt its production to the wishes and needs of the modern smoker. On the one hand we are getting fantastic new sizes, exciting new blends and regular supply of the full Habanos catalogue, on the other we are noticing slight problems with rolling. The economic situation has hit Cuba too, with factories closing for part of the Summer. Is this slight fumble in quality caused by these factors only, hard to tell. One thing is for sure, now is the time to rely on your official Habanos retailer. Only an official Habanos retailer will perform all the necessary checks on your cigars to assure you a quality smoke, as well as guarantee the origin of the product. The black mark in all this is the sad reality that the market is still being flooded by second rate copy cigars introduced by so-called cigar merchants, unfortunately many of them claiming to be based in Geneva's Free zone (stay well away form any site who claims this!!!). These 'pushers' who claim they are selling Cuban cigars could be the reason for the general impression of a drop in quality of Cuba cigars. Help save the Cuban cigar by saying no to these thieves. Our passion is being ruined by a bunch of lowly con men. Let's not let this happen! Give us your thoughts.

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// By Richard // On August, 12th 2009 // 10:04 am

This new Trinidad Robustos T (ring gauge 50, length 124 mm) is destined for the experienced smoker and rekindles the past glory of complex, medium bodied cigars. Creamy from the on set, the lovely aromas of wood, leather and gentle spice make the initial phase of this cigar very pleasant. The power starts to kick in during the second phase, but the aromas match the mounting strength. The finale is powerful, what you expect from a cigar of this shape and size. The delicate golden wrappers, so familiar to the Trinidad family, give an aura of class to this beautiful cigar. Will no doubt quickly become a firm favorite for any smoker of Habanos. Now available in Cabinets of 12 or 24 cigars.

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// By Richard // On August, 03rd 2009 // 2:58 pm

The new 2009 Habanos Edicion Limitada have been released and look as though they will no doubt be very popular. Habanos continue on their short, fat cigars for the EL series, with the new -

Romeo y Julieta Duke (ring gauge 54 x 140 mm in the length). This new size will delight the senses of the true Habanos lover in a delicate combination of passion and excellence. Available in labelled boxes with 10 sticks in one layer. (Habanos.com)

Bolívar Petit Belicosos (ring gauge 52 x 125 mm in the length). This brand is presented within the Limited Edition for the first time. One of the most full bodied Habanos that boasts an unrivalled richness of flavour that makes it one of the most sought-after brands amongst experienced smokers. Cigars will be packaged in labelled boxes comprising 25 units. (Habanos.com)

H.Upmann Magnum 48 (ring gauge 48 x 110 mm in the length). Always regarded as a light to medium-flavoured smoke, this cigar stands out for its smooth flavour and delicate aroma. Cigars will be presented in SLB boxes containing 25 units. (Habanos.com)

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// By Richard // On June, 21st 2009 // 12:00 am

The 2009 Habanos S.A. Festival in February saw the launch of the new Montecristo Line of cigars. The four Montecristo Open sizes include the Junior, 38 ring gauge by 110mm (4 1/3 inches), the Regatta (Figurado), 46 by 135mm (5 1/3 inches), the Master, 50 by 124mm (4 7/8 inches), and Eagle, 54 by 150mm (5 7/8 inches). The four cigars carry the traditional brown and cream Montecristo band, but they also have second green band with gold and white lettering. The Open line has been created for outdoor sporty smoking and has a blend which is fresher than the usual Montecristo spicy bouquet. These new Montecristo cigars will be available in the near future. Look out for the TopCubans.com Newsletter to be the first to try these cigars.

You can see:
Cigar Aficionado's James Suckling on the Montecristo Open

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// By Richard // On March, 31st 2009 // 10:17 am

In a continuing effort to thwart the counterfeiting industry, Habanos S.A., the worldwide distributor of Cuban cigars, has introduced a new security seal with additional safety features to validate the authenticity of its highly counterfeited product. (C.A. March 18th)

You can see:
Habanos S.A.
Cigar Aficionado article

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// By Richard // On March, 18th 2009 // 10:13 am

Watch out for more changes on certain Habanos. The old white Hoyo bands (Double Corona and Churchill) are now to be replaced by the standard smaller red Hoyo bands. Look out for these on more recent productions. After RyJ and Hoyo, who will be next to modify the bands?

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// By Richard // On March, 17th 2009 // 11:15 am

Fantastic new arrival of Habanos Packs on TopCubans.com. These are unique packs made by Habanos S.A. to celebrate anniversaries, product launches or new formats. Very popular at the moment is the Estuche Habanos X Festival pack, a selection of 10 cigars that have marked the first 10 Habanos Festivals. The Habanos Retail travel pack is also a beautiful selection, each cigar comes in its individual clear tube, with humidification system and punch cutter built in. Perfect for gifts or a treat for you!

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// By Richard // On October, 20th 2008 // 5:40 pm

Arrival of the all new Bolivar Legendarios Regional Production 2008 for the Swiss market. Rarely have I seen in recent times a Habano with so much character and potential. So oily and so rich, this cigar is a must for lovers of power smokes and enthusiasts of aging. Remember, it is a Habanos S.A. Regional Production, so it is only available from official Swiss Habanos S.A. merchants and for a short time only.

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