Cuban Cigars

Diplomaticos Grandes ER Alemania 2021 (Germany)

The Cigar

The Diplomáticos Grandes is a cigar made exclusively for the German market—Alemania is the Spanish name for Germany—and the 7 9/16 (192mm) x 40 vitola is known as a Laguito Especial, a size that is perhaps best known for being the same vitola as the legendary Trinidad Fundadores.

Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides LE 2003. Made from 2 year aged leaves and using the high part of the leaf gives the dark colour and intense flavours. Truely unique.

Quai d’Orsay was established in 1974 for the French market. The brand takes its name from the avenue in Paris beside the river Seine that used to be home to the headquarters of SEITA, the then state- owned tobacco importer for France who with

Cubatabaco (now Habanos s.a.), joined forces to produce an elegant Cuban brand with a certain je ne sais quoi.

In 2017 the brand received a make-over and two new modern sizes were introduced (No. 50 & No. 54) to join the one remaining surviving vitola (Coronas Claro). Since  then the brand has gone from strength to strength with Quai d’Orsay selected by Habanos s.a.to join the Habanos Limited Edition family in 2019 (Senadores) and by numerous Habanos Distributors around the world to represent their market as a Habanos Regional Edition.

The No.52 is a new vitola within the standard Habanos portfolio and like its two counterparts, is named after the ring gauge it boasts. It is perhaps closest in size to the Montecristo Double Edmundo, sharing its length but with a two-point wider girth.

Classified as light bodied, this is a delicate, well- balanced and thoroughly modern Habanos.

The Cigar

Habanos SA is introducing a new extension to its Montecristo Edmundo line with the Montecristo Wide Edmundo.

Montecristo Edmundo is a series under the Montecristo line named after Edmund Dantes, the title character from The Count of Montecristo.

Keeping to the theme of 50+ ring gauge the Montecristo Edmundo releases are known for, the Montecristo Wide Edmundo is a Duke No. 3 measuring 54 x 125 mm (54 x 4 59⁄64″).

It will be presented in ten and 25-count boxes. Habanos SA says a tube offering will also be offered.

Montecristo No.1

The Cigar

The lead size of Montecristo when it was initiated in 1935.The standard bearer for the medium to full, tangy taste that conquered the world. A treasure for the cognoscenti of Havana cigars.

monte

Do not overly concern yourself if the Mille Fleur looks familiar, it shares its dimensions and blend with the ever-popular Petit Corona within the same brand.

As Juliet herself may have said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.
Measuring 5 1/8” (129mm) x 42 ring gauge, the Mille Fleur has been produced in Cuba for over half a century. However, up until 2002 it was a machine-made cigar and not imported into the UK. Now they are all made entirely by hand using long-filler tobacco leaves, Tripa Larga – Totalmente a mano.

The French name translates into English as ‘thousand flowers’ and, as you would expect with such a name, it is a cigar with a generous floral bouquet. Serendipitously, it has arrived in the UK at the start of springtime.

Romeo y Julieta is one of the most loved and respected Habanos brands with its elegant, medium-bodied aromas blended from some of the finest tobaccos grown in the Pinar del Rio region of Cuba.

Read a review by Greg Horvath

Bolivar Belicosos Finos

The Cigar

As one would expect from a brand that is named after such a powerful figure, this cigar is full bodied. Bolivar is simply one of the richest and most commanding brands within the Habanos portfolio. Although not for the novice, these traits are what make it one of the most sought-after names amongst more experienced cigar smokers.

The full gauge of the Belicoso Fino, combined with the tapered end of this Campana shape, which means “bell” in Spanish, creates the ideal format for a robust blend of leaves. The Belicoso Fino is presented either in labelled boxes or Cabinet Selection bundles of 25 cigars. The cigars in bundles are now banded.

In 2007 Cigar Aficionado described this cigar as “A gorgeous torpedo gleaming with oils. It has a near perfect draw that imparts a luxuriously textured smoke rich with profound wood and tobacco flavours”. Then, when revisiting the cigar in 2010 went on to say “The smoke has a velvety texture and is full of toast, earth and cedary flavours that cohere to a floral, herbaceous finish”. They also scored it an impressive 92 out of 100.

Commercial Name: Belicosos Finos
Factory Name: Campana
Dimensions: 5½” (140mm) x 52 ring gauge
Flavour category: Full

Production method: Totally handmade using long filler with all leaves sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba Presentations: 25-cigar Cabinet (SLB)

Bolivar Coronas Junior

The Cigar

A small cigar with a full 42 ring gauge that makes it an option even after a rich dinner if time to smoke is limited.

Vitola: Minuto
Ring Gauge: 42
Length: 43/8 inches - 110 mm
Strength : Full

Production method: Totally handmade using long filler with all leaves sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba

Bolivar Petit Coronas

The Cigar

Simon Bolivar was one of the great historic figures of the 19th Century who liberated much of South America from Spanish rule.

The Bolivar brand was created in 1902 and is based today in the Partagas factory which is in the heart of Havana. 

It is perhaps not surprising that a Habano named after such a powerful figure is blended to match his might. Bolivar is among the strongest, most full bodied of all Habanos. It boasts an unrivalled richness of flavour in its blend of Vuelta Abajo zone filler and binder tobacco that makes it one of the most sought-after marques amongst experienced smokers. 

Length: 5 1/8" 
Ring Gauge: 42
Flavour: Full
Vitola: Mareva

As one would expect from a cigar brand named after such a powerful figure, this cigar is rich and full bodied. It is simply one of the richest and commanding brands within the Habanos portfolio. Although this is certainly not a cigar for the novice, these traits are what make it one of the most sought-after marques among more experienced cigar smokers.

The full gauge of the Royal Coronas (known as a Robusto within Cuban cigar factories) creates the ideal format for this muscular blend of leaves, creating a cigar of exceptional balance.

Cigar Aficionado recently reviewed this cigar, scoring it an impressive 94 out of 100 saying “Current Bolivar RCs (Royal Coronas) seem to take their inspiration from what we consider one of the golden ages for Cuban smokes, the late 1980s and early 1990s. That was when Cuban cigarmakers created and made some of their best cigars. “They also made it their Cigar Of The Year in 2006.

Min Ron NEE, in ‘An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post Revolution Havana Cigars’ describes the royal Coronas as ‘Suave’ with ‘earthy and peppery flavours’. He goes on to add ‘Bolivar is one of my favourite brands. If I was condemned to smoke only one brand, I have no hesitation that Bolivar would be the choice’.

Commercial Name: Royal Coronas
Factory Name: Robusto
Dimensions: 4 7/8” (124mm) x 50 ring gauge
Flavour category: Full
Production method: Totally handmade using long filler with all leaves sourced from
the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba
Presentations: Labelled box of 25 untubed and labelled box of 10 tubed cigars

Cohiba Coronas Especiales

The Cigar

A well balanced cigar perfect for beginners seeking to cultivate their palate with more complex flavors. Fresh flower, moist wood and roasted nut aromas make this cigar a crisp and revitalizing smoke.

The name is an ancient Taino Indian word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that Columbus first saw being smoked by the original inhabitants of Cuba – the earliest known form of a Habano.

Line: La Linea Classica
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Laguito
Ring Gauge: 38
Length: 6 Inches / 152mm

Cohiba Esplendidos

The Cigar

Cohiba's brilliant Churchill size., first seen in 1989. Beautifully presented in mid-tone wrappers. Make time for this stately cigar, the king of the Linea Clasica

Line: La Linea Classica
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Julieta No.2
Ring Gauge: 47
Length: 7 Inches / 178mm

Cohiba Exquisitos

The Cigar

A cigar for the morning, with plenty of taste to sharpen the palate. The favourite size of former El Laguito (the home factory for Cohiba) Director Emilia Tamayo, the first women ever to manage a Havana Factory

Line: La Linea Classica
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Seoane
Ring Gauge: 33
Length: 5 Inches / 125mm

The most substantial of the Maduro 5 line. The dark wrapper, specially aged for 5 years, brings a touch of sweetness to its medium to full blend. Great personality for seasoned smokers. 

 Line: La Linea Maduro 5
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Genios 5
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 5 1/2 Inches / 140mm

Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos

The Cigar

A stocky cigar with a dark countenance added by 5 years ages wrapper taken from the upper leaves of shade-grown plants. Rich, spicy and with a great draw. Suits aficionados with limited time. 

Line: La Linea Maduro 5
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Magico 5
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 4 1/2 Inches / 115mm

Cohiba Panetelas

The Cigar

The smallest of the three Cohiba originals. The true taste of Cuba's most prestigious brand for a few precious minutes.  It is similar to other Cohibas from the classic range only with stronger bean flavours and hints of smoky leather.

Line: La Linea Classica
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Laguito No.3
Ring Gauge: 26
Length: 4 1/2 Inches / 115mm. 

The Cigar

The rich, sweetish Maduro 5 flavour in a compact size, which burns well and delivers an intense aromatic taste. A little jewel. 

Line: La Linea Maduro 5
Flavour: Medium to Full
Vitola: Secretos 5
Ring Gauge: 40
Length: 4 3/8 Inches / 110mm

Cuaba Divinos

The Cigar

Strictly speaking this is a ‘perfecto’ size not a double figurado because the cigar’s head is rounded not pointed. It has a particular intensity of taste that makes it the perfect accompaniment to a morning espresso

Flavour: Medium To Full
Vitola: Petit Bouquet
Ring Gauge: 43
Length: 4 Inches - 101 Mm

Cuaba Exclusivos

The Cigar

This was the largest of Cuaba’s original sizes when it was introduced at a glittering dinner at Claridge’s Hotel in London in 1996.

Flavour: Medium To Full
Vitola: Exquisito
Ring Gauge: 46
Length: 53 /4 - 145 Mm

Cuaba Tradicionales

The Cigar

A particularly elegant, slender double figurado shape that was the size and shape of most of the Havanas smoked during the second half of the 19th century. Enjoy an encounter with the past when you light up this cigar.

Flavour: Medium To Full
Vitola: Favorita
Ring Gauge: 42
Length: 4 3/4 Inches - 120 Mm

El Rey Del Mundo Demi Tasse

The Cigar

A fine example of the smallest format made by hand in Cuba. Plenty of leather and pepper, yet still as light and easy going as you'd expect from the world renowned cigar brand. Tiny but tasty

Flavour: Light to Medium
Vitola: Entreacto
Ring Gauge: 30
Length: 4inches - 100 Mm

H.Upmann Connossieur No.1

The Cigar

Virtually a robusto, but slightly thinner and longer, this cigar merits the title ‘connoisseur’ for its delicate light flavour, great balance and elegant aroma. Once presented without a band, now it sports Upmann’s distinctive red and gold colours.

H.Upmann Half Corona

The Cigar:

The first 31 /2 inch (90mm) Havana to be introduced since the Second World War. Its forebear, called the Half-a-Corona, was in its day the biggest selling Havana size by far.

H.Upmann No.2

The Cigar

A classic Piramide that has lived for many years, undeservedly, in the shadow of its better known half-brother the Montecristo No.2. Less punchy in taste, but distinctly aromatic with all the burning qualities that the shape bestows

Hoyo De Monterrey Double Coronas

The Cigar

A mighty cigar with a surprisingly subtle and creamy flavour. It rocketed to stardom when the second issue of Cigar Aficionado rated a late ‘80s example 99 out of 100. Still a cigar to be reckoned with.

Jose L Piedra Conservas

The Cigar:

Another country-style cigar offering excellent value for what is virtually a Corona.

Montecristo Double Edmundo

The Cigar

Introduced in 1971, this commanding shape remains the longest in production in Cuba. A mythical vitola that rewards the aficionado with a mounting richness of taste.

Montecristo Edmundo

The Cigar

Named after Alexandre Dumas’ hero Edmundo Dantes in ‘The Count of Montecristo’, the Edmundo was one of the first extra heavy gauge, parejo sizes produced in Cuba in the 21st century. Big and rewarding.

Montecristo Especial

The Cigar

Introduced in 1971 and sharing its dimensions with Cohiba’s Lanceros, the Especial offers a slightly more intense flavour in this elegant size.

Montecristo Especial No. 2

The Cigar

Another vitola that Montecristo shares with Cohiba. Slender ring gauges may not be in vogue these days, but 38 is sufficient to house the full Montecristo blend in a dapper shape

Montecristo Joyita

The Cigar:

The third size that Montecristo has shared with Cohiba since 1971. A short, intense sip of Montecristo’s famous blend of tobaccos.

Montecristo Media Corona

The Cigar

As just 3 1/2 (90mm) long, this is as short a cigar you will find being made in Cuba today. However, despite its lack of length it is still able to deliver plenty of Montecristo taste. Ideal for when time is an issue.  

Montecristo No.2

The Cigar

If ever one brand has come to dominate a particular vitola, this is it. The classic Pirámide or ‘torpedo’ size. Easy burning with a controlled release of faithful Montecristo flavours; many devotees look no further than this.

Montecristo No.3

The Cigar

Another of the original Montecristos; this one a Corona. From start to finish it maintains the true taste of this brand.

Montecristo No.4

The Cigar:

Simply the most popular individual handmade cigar in the world. Its rich, tangy, medium to full flavour acts as the benchmark for most smokers embarking on the journey to find their preferred Habano. Many return to it.

Montecristo No.5

The Cigar:

The smallest of Montecristo’s original, tightly defined range. A good pressed cigar with a flavour and aroma that develops during smoking. A faithful companion almost anywhere.

Montecristo Petit Edmundo

The Cigar

Edmundo’s little brother blessedly burst onto the scene just ahead of the smoking ban, so that devotees of heavy gauge, intense flavoured cigars had a shorter alternative.

 Montecristo Petit No.2

The Cigar

All the medium to full character of the classic No.2 in a shorter smoke. A welcome additon to Montecristo’s line-up, which is also dressed in the new band.

Partagas Maduro No.1

The Cigar

Adorned with an additional band and dressed in a distinctive dark (maduro) wrapper the Maduro No.1 was an innovative extension to the range when it was released in 2015. It remains available exclusively in Casas del Habanos and in Havana Cigar Specialists. 

Partagas Maduro No.3

The Cigar:

Despite its name this was the second of the Maduro Linea to be released in the UK. The dark wrappers add a slight sweetness as a top taste and helps create an innovative cigar of depth and character that still remains true to the classic Partagas taste. 

Partagas Petit Coronas Especiales

The Cigar

A slightly extra length Petit Corona that offers good value for money and a taste that is true to the Partagas brand.

Partagas Serie D No.4

The Cigar

Many see this as the definitive Robusto. With its controlled, rich, complex taste and distinctive red and gold band, they have a good point. A pure bred Havana.

Partagas Serie D No.5 

The Cigar

Following the success of a limited edition version of this size in 2008 the Serie D No.5 joined the ranks of Partagas’s standard sizes in 2011. Its tobacco leaves are selected and aged according to the normal criteria for the brand.

Partagas Serie P No.2 

The Cigar

A rich, earthy, full flavoured ‘torpedo’. This easy drawing, satisfying size was a welcome addition to Partagas when Habanos S.A. introduced it in 2005. The P stands for Pirámide – its factory name.

Partagas Short

The Cigar

One of the great small Havanas. It punches above its weight, so to speak, giving the impression of a larger size. Good after a meal or to take on your travels.

Por Larranaga Montecarlos

The Cigar

Although cigars of this shape are now often overlooked in favour of something wider, anyone picking up a Montecarlos will discover an elegant and chic, light to medium bodied smoke full of subtlety and nuance. For the discriminating smoker

Punch Punch

The Cigar:

The signature Corona Gorda size that has been a big player amongst heavy girth Havanas for five decades. You can depend upon it to deliver the vivacious notes that separate Cubans from the rest. Now in aluminium tubes.