2019 Cigar year in Review; a look back at notable Habanos S.A releases we became familiar with this past year.
Below is a list of cigars and description, in no particular order. Aside from the 2 Cuban Regional Edition cigars, this list does not include other Regional Edition cigar releases.
Here we go.
San Cristobal de la Habana “Prado” – Petit Piramide, 50 x 127mm (5”)
Rumours about this cigar circulated as early as November 2017, it’s official announcement coincided with the 20th Festival del Habanos in February of 2018. However it wasn’t until 2019 that we became fully acquainted with the Prado, the 5th release of the Habanos specialist line. This newest addition to the San Cristobal line matches the brand’s flavour profile, boasts an excellent construction and has inspired comparisons with the La Punta.
Romeo y Julieta “Petit Royales” TUBOS – Corona Extra, 47 x 95mm (3.74”)
The Petit Royale is the latest addition to Romeo`s regular production line originally launched in 2017. This past year, the 3 tube pouch variation finally hit the shelves. Following the success of the Petit Churchill launched in 2012, it should be no surprise that the brand has opted to make it`s shortest regular production cigar yet, a heavy gauge one. The new tube format brings more attention to this newest vitola that has been described as rich, punchy and full of flavour.
Vegueros “Centrofinos” – Robusto, 50 x 130mm (5.12”)
Vegueros have accrued a cult following since this `local` brand known for its competitive pricing was resuscitated in 2013 by Habanos S.A following a complete re-branding. This 2018 release, made widely available this year was long anticipated by many, adding variety to the “affordable” robustos available on the market today. The Centrofino retains the complexity of its premium brand peers, while incorporating a rustic element of harshness reminiscent of custom rolled cigars.
Read a review on the Vegueros Centrofinos HERE
Romeo y Julieta “Anejado Churchill” TUBOS – Julieta No.2, 47 x 178mm (7”)
This edition of Romeo`s most iconic cigar is the 2nd Churchill size, (following the Montecristo Churchill) released under the Anejado program since it was launched in 2014.
Anejado releases have taken the cigar world by storm with publications continuously scoring these exclusive vitolas very highly. These Romeo AnejadoChurchill is aged for at least 10 years, with the vast majority of the boxes carrying a `Feb 07` stamp underneath. The ambiguity shrouding where the tobacco for the Anejado line is procured from, as well as it`s precise age, make these releases particularly alluring. These secrets reveal themselves to enthusiasts only upon smoking, making them an attractive release amongst aficionados and collectors.
See our review of the Romeo y Julieta Anejados Churchill Tubos HERE
H. Upmann “Propios” Edicion Limitada 2018 – Mareva Gruesa, 46 x 120mm (4.75”)
Arriving in Canada at the tail end of 2019, the Propios are unusually small for the Limited Edition line. The wrapper on these Corona Extras is a striking dark brown, indicating optimal maturation of this Vuelta Abajo blend. Initial impressions have indicated that this vitola does not require further aging to be fully enjoyed.
Hoyo de Monterrey “Escogido” LCDH – Pacos, 49 x 180mm (7.125”)
News of the arrival of the Escogidos was very welcome, for those of us still lamenting the reduced production of the Hoyo Double Corona. The elegant presentation of this La Casa Del Habano (LCDH) exclusive housed in black lacquered boxes, matches the name granted to the cigar. `Escogido` is a Spanish term connoting exclusive or selective. The Esocogido’s Paco vitola is a rare size that follows in the footsteps of lesser known cigars such as the San Cristobal El Morro. This LCDH exclusive distinguishes itself from other Hoyos as a medium bodied cigar. The Escogido offers a fine balance between bitter and sweet notes that gradually picks up strength by way of the Hoyo brand’s distinctive creamy texture.
Quintero “Favorito Tubos” – Concha No.2, 50 x 115mm (4.5”)
The Quintero Favorito has on the market since 2012, following a great demand for a low priced, robusto sized cigar. In 2019 the new TUBOS format granted this budget robust the elegant presentation typical of its premium counterparts. This move will be appreciated by Quintero lovers offering the smoker a more cylindrical cigar and one that can be transported and aged with ease.
El Rey Del Mundo “Imperio” 2018 Collection Humidor – Double Piramides, 54 x 180mm (7.1”)
The craftsmanship of this year’s Rey Del Mundo replica commemerative humidor, is one of exceptional beauty. It stands out even amongst previous favourites such as Hoyo’s Maravillas No.1 cabinet humidor from 2012, with its striking tessellation style carvings, and a finish on the wood that needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Released on the occasion of the brand’s 170th anniversary, this special humidor contains 50 cigars, and is one of a series of 450 produced. The front of the cube shaped humidor opens up revealing two shelves of cigars, each housing 25 Rey del Mundo Imperios.
Take a closer look and learn more about this special El Rey Del Mundo Imperio Humidor HERE.
Trinidad “Topes” – Topes, 56 x 125mm (4.87”)
Amongst the heaviest gauge Cubans released, the Topes started off as a 2016 Limited Edition release, indicating tobacco aged for at least 2 years. The first Topes became known for its alluring gauge, dark wrappers, and complex medium bodied flavours placing baking spice and woody notes front and center. Being the most successful smoke of the 3 limited editions released in 2016, Habanos S.A decided to bring this vitola into the regular arsenal of this year, for the 50th anniversary of the brand. Early impressions of the 2019 Topes indicate a lighter smoke that remains loyal to the profile of the Trinidad line.
Trinidad “Media Luna” – Petit Robusto, 50 x 115mm (4.5”)
The Media Luna is the smallest ring gauge of the 3 Trinidad releases announced this past February at the 21st Festival de Habanos. The versatile size falls on the lighter end of the Trinidad spectrum, bearing the iconic pigtail and construction quality we’ve come to expect from the brand.
Partagas “Maduro No.2” – Short Piramides, 55 x 120mm (4.75”)
The Maduro No.2 has been a long awaited since the Partagas Maduro line was announced. News of these additions was well known in festival circuits, however it has taken almost a full 5 years since the Maduro No.1, for the No.2 to be commercially available. In 2019, Habanos S.A has fulfilled the promise of an entire Partagas Maduro line, establishing itself as the one since the Maduro 5 line was launched by Cohiba in 2007. The exceptional dark oily wrappers on the Partagas maduros are the product of longer fermentation that imparts a roasted sweetness that compliments the cigar’s strong profile. The No.2 is a prime example of torcedero workmanship, the short torpedo tapers off beautifully.
Partagas “Maduro No.3” – Robusto Extra, 50 x 145mm (5.75”)
Completing the Maduro series is the No.3, Robusto Extra, a cigar that rounds off the series well with similar robust notes of leather, earth, and dark chocolate which are frequently identified with the No.1 and No.2. The extra care taken to the Maduro series, can be seen as a culmination of expertise dating back to the mid 19th century. It was founder Don Jaime Partagas who is credited as being the first to experiment in tobacco aging and fermentation, from which various shades of wrappers can be produced. Considering this, it is surprising that Partagas did not launch this Maduro line sooner.
Hoyo de Monterrey “Double Corona Gran Reserva” – Prominentes, 49 x 194mm (7.62”)
The ever-dwindling list of double coronas, has put these Hoyos at a premium. 2019 has been an exciting time for the Hoyo enthusiast, with the release of the Hoyo Escogidos and now with the double coronas given the gran reserva treatment. Harvested from the 2013 crop, each leaf of this cigar has been meticulously handpicked, in accordance to optimal curing and maturation potential. What is selected is the famed Cuban black tobacco that maintains the highest levels of organoleptic contents and oils upon its 5 year maturation period. This is the first Hoyo to bear the Gold and Black gran reserve label.
Learn more about the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona Gran Reserva HERE
Romeo y Julieta “Maravillas 8 Year of the Rat” – Robusto Extra, 50 x 155mm (6.12”)
Following in the footsteps of Davidoff, Habanos launched a special release commemorating 2020, the Chinese year of the Rat. If the care taken in the presentation of this limited edition is any indication of the quality of the cigar inside, aficionados would no doubt clamour to get their hands this release. The Maravilla humidor is red lacquered, with the Romeo Y Julieta crest embossed in gold. Romeo’s iconic trim is displayed in gold along the entire perimeter of the humidor’s lip. This uncommon release from Habanas S.A is not the first time the company has forayed into Chinese inspired packaging, the previous being the 2008 Chinese regional, the Bolivar Armonia. This gargantuan figurado, just like the Maravilla come in 8 counts, the number carrying cultural connotations of wealth and luck. Early impressions of this commemorative release indicate the Maravilla as a particularly refined take on the classic Romeo profile.
Learn more about the Romeo y Julieta Maravillas 8 Year of the Rat HERE
Montecristo “Gran Piramide” Collection – Pyramid, 57 x 160mm (6.25”)
With only 2000 produced, this Habanos Series Book Humidor housing 20 piramides is bound to be a sought after item for collectors in the coming decades. The book a unique vitola the augmented Montecristo No.2 featuring a thicker 57 ring gauge rather than the classic 52 and an extra 4mm in length. Originally released in 2017, these “tomos” have been long anticipated, with limited numbers hitting the shelves this past year.
CUBA Regional Editions
Punch “La Isla” Cuba Regional Edition – Robusto, 50 x 124mm (4.87”)
Being the one Habanos brand unavailable in Canada due to a legal dispute regarding the rights to the name, the new Punch Cuban regional may be of particular interest to North American cigar enthusiasts. 2019 was a big year for Cuba editions with this Punch being one of 2 Cuban regionals released within the latter half of the year. The Punch La Isla being the 5th Cuban exclusive since the launching of the regional Edition project in 2005. Punch enthusiasts would be correct to feel some déjà vu with this classic robust sized cigar. The brand seemingly specializes in this vitola considering the sheer amount of mid-sized sticks the brand has released. The limited availability 2011 Portuguese regional, the Descobridores comes to mind, as does the brands’ original 2007 “Robusto” exclusive to the Swiss market.
San Cristobal de la Habana “La Cabana” Cuba Regional – Dobles, 50 x 155mm (6.12”)
This latest San Cristobal completes the regionals for the year, marking the 6th Cuban exclusive to be released. Housed in varnished boxes of 10, only 10,000 units have been released, placing them high on m. The previous year has been a milestone for the brand, as San Cristobal celebrated 20 years of existence. Coinciding with this occasion, two commemorative San Cristobal releases have been announced at the 2019 Habanos Festival that are yet to be publicly available; the LCDH Exclusive 20 Anniversario and the incredibly limited grandiose 1519 humidor marking the 500th year jubilee of the city of Havana.
If you’ve tried any of these, please go ahead and leave your comments below.
All photos taken by Cuban House of Cigars, except Punch La Isla and San Cristobal de La Habana La Cabana, which were sourced from Habanos.com
