All About Habanos
Cuba was witness once again to the largest annual international event celebrating the Habano culture.
The XVIII Habanos Festival came to an end last month with the celebration of the Gala evening that paid tribute to the Cohiba brand on its 50th anniversary, with exclusive tastings of its new releases. the gala hosted 1,200 guests, who enjoyed live performances from Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdes; the Spanish flamenco singer, Estrella Morente; and the uruguayan singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler.
This year the traditional humidor auction of seven collector items reached a total of €865,000 which will be entirely donated to the Cuban Public Health system. This edition has been especially unique thanks to the auction of the first humidor (01/50) of the exclusive special series “Cohiba 50 Aniversario”, which raised €320,000.
The piece that was auctioned is part of a unique and exclusive series of 50 humidors, with 50 Habanos each, all custom designed and individually numbered. This unique humidor is made of different precious woods such as Makassar ebony, sycamore and Guarea Cedrata or Scented Guarea.
The innovative external marquetry decorating its doors is the result of a long process of experimentation in which carefully selected authentic “ligero” Vuelta Abajo leaves are coated with 24-carat gold leaf. One of the key releases this year is the Cohiba Medio Siglo, in a vitola forming part of the Línea 1492 that pays tribute to the Cohiba brand’s 50th anniversary.
Further to the launch in the brand’s regular product portfolio, Cohiba also presented two important special editions. The first consists of a special edition of vintage-style humidors limited to 1966 numbered drawers, with the exclusive Cohiba Majestuosos 1966vitola and in a unique format (58mm ring gauge x 150 mm length).
Meanwhile, at the press conference presided by Leopoldo Cintra González,Commercial Vice-President of Habanos, S.A. and Javier Terrés Ercilla, Vice-President of Development of Habanos, S.A., the year’s other major launches were presented, such as the Cosecha Reserva 2012 from the Hoyo de Monterrey brand, in its famous Epicure No 2 Vitola; the new Magnum 54 from the H. Upmann brand, which becomes part of the regular portfolio within the successful Magnum Range; and the special edition commemorative Cuaba 20 Aniversario.
Finally, the 20th Edition of the Habanos Awards was held. Valerio Cornale received the award in the Communication category. Dominique Gyselinck was awarded in the category of Business and Manuel Tuero was the winner in the Production category.