Cigar Jars Part 2. A look at personal favorites.

Favourite Jars and Packaging

     My previous article delved into the history of the humijar. This article will pinpoint some of my favorite pieces. 

H.Upmann Noellas Jar

     This jar with its gold label, red band and sheer glass is a constant collector’s item no matter what year you buy the release. This jar was first released in the 1980’s. However, in 2009 the jar was re-released by Habanos S.A. to much acclaim. What makes this jar so wonderful is the jars classic silhouette. The Noellas cigars are of medium flavor with a woody sweet profile that carries through each third. These jars were of limited production of 5000. The jars were released under the La Casa del Habano name that were only available in La Casa del Habano shops worldwide. The jars were again released in 2010 and 2013, however it seems unclear if the latter was released were part of the 2009 issue of 5000. With the jars sleek style and the fact that the Noellas cigar with its 42 ring gauge and 5 3/8” length this is a smoke for any type of cigar smoker.  

San Cristobal de La Habana Torreon

     The second jar that a serious cigar collector should not leave out of their collection is the San Cristobal de La Habana Torreon. The cigar itself bears a thick 54 ring gauge and 57 7/8 length. This is a Cuban cigar of wonderful proportions and dynamic flavors of cedar wood, sugar crème and earthy soil. The factory name of this cigar is Geniales. This was a ceramic jar of 25 cigars released in 2012 with yellow and gold bands circling the jars lid. 

     What greets your eyes across the face of the jar is of Havana’s port and you are soon transfixed to the cities glory. The most wonderful aspect of the jar is the gift that comes with an ashtray. The only negative is the jars fragility when being shipped. When I worked at LCDH Toronto we would receive many cracked or broken jars usually where the ashtray meets the lip. When purchasing this jar always check whether or not the jar is in fine shape.

     Partagas Serie P No. 1 Jar

     One of the first jars I had the joy to discover was the Partagas Serie P No. 1. A ceramic jar of 25 cigars in a short or Petit Piramides with a 50 ring gauge and a 5 inches in length. Pepper abounds within this tiny miracle of Cuban tobacco. Classic Partagas colors of red and black crosses the band of the cigar. The box is in black with black rope handles and the silver Partagas logo of embossed image. The jars silhouette bends at the waist and the jars beauty is only what is to come in the enjoyment of the cigar within.

     2012 Juan Lopez Regional Edition for Germany

     During my writing of this article I came to remember a cigar I had seen on my travels. This amazing cigar was the regional edition of Germany of 2012, Juan Lopez.

     A quick recap about Regional cigars.  The brands are chosen amongst the seventeen multi-local and local brands.  They are usually sizes and profiles not usually seen by the brand in question.  Once produced, the Regional Edition cigars are only (in theory) available in that specific market. These releases are not promoted worldwide, however, they somehow find their way in reputable cigar shops around the World.

     The Juan Lopez Regional Edition is a cigar of exquisite beauty. The factory size is called a Romeo and its sleek perfecto size bends in the middle within a 52 ring gauge and a 6 and 3/8 length.

     The jar is colored in blended gold bands with glistening palm trees drawing you into warm days as the title Flor de Juan Lopez bends like a rainbow above the green trees. The blend is unique as it is built with 3 parts Seco to 1 part Volado and 1 part Ligero. This blend develops a unique taste of vanilla, oak wood and a smooth earth tone.

The Bolivar Regional Edition to China 2008

     The final and fourth choice for the finest in packaging is not a jar however a red box tied in a gorgeous band. The cigar is shapes in the spirit of the Cuaba Distinguidos. The size is a 7 inches in length and 57 ring gauge. A double perfecto and the factory name is the Armonias or translated in English, Harmonies. 2,008 of these were produced in a red container which mimics how tea is wrapped in China. Tea does in fact, age well much like Cuban tobacco. The wonderful aspect about these containers is that the 8 Bolivar cigars are snug inside the exquisite packaging. The flavor profile of the cigars, as in most Bolivar regionals, tend to fall in the milder taste. However, with it’s one of a kind packaging the Bolivar Regional Edition to China is not only a collector’s item but a wonderful smoking cigar. 

NOTE:  We did not have one of these beautiful Bolivar Armonia editions on hand to take photos of, however, our friends over at Halfwheel.com posted a wonderful article and includes great photos of the piece.

     The packaging of cigars from Cuba are unique in their construction. With these well rolled cigars, that are either first editions or limited series products, they enhance the enjoyment of this packaging. The jars with their rich history are wonderful for collectors. The cigars inside are developed even for those that are brand conscience. Those who love the brands of Cuban cigars that speak to them, either for taste or for their history.