Much has been said recently, including on this blog, about the Cuban cigar price rise and what it means for smokers. Alternative smokes have been suggested to keep costs at a minimum, theories about the logic behind Habanos’ decision have been proffered, and a general sense of doom has engulfed the wider cigar community. When listening to the chats and dissections of the current state of affairs on the cigar terraces of London, it can be a touch disheartening.
We should not lose sight of one thing, however: a cigar is MEANT to be a treat. By their very nature they are opulent, extravagant – watching the wallet is all very well, and a sensible practice, but sometimes it is right to go overboard. Fine Havana tobacco is the best in the world and the best of it will carry a premium price, but every now and again it is good for the soul to hang the expense and buy the best. In honour of that sentiment, here is a collection of some of the finest cigars we at EGM have to offer. Crack open some champagne, bring out that 40 year old Macallan and let’s celebrate the finer things in life…
Cohiba Robusto Supremos Limited Edition 2014
So few of these were produced that to have a box available 8 years later is a fine achievement; cracking it open to brighten up your evening will be an enormous gift to self. The Cohiba band and statuesque 58 ring gauge girth scream opulence and grandeur, while the rich, spicy flavour profile will amaze your palette. If you’re going to have the best, start with the VERY best.
Partagas Legados Limited Edition 2020
The Partagas Legados have not been around for long, but their arrival was so delayed and their numbers so few that they are already a cigar which will make many collectors jealous when they see it in your humidor. They are full of Partagas power, bringing chocolate and coffee and leather and pepper to your tastebuds. The beautiful black lacquer box oozes drama and class, and the Hermosos No 2 vitola (48 ring gauge by a mammoth 6 ⅛″) will give it the feel in your hand of a truly special cigar.
Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016
Reserva series cigars are rolled entirely using tobacco which has been carefully aged for 3 years before it even reaches the torcedores tables. The Bolivar Belicosos Finos is a cigar which has almost cult status among connoisseurs, so it seems fitting that it was chosen to have the honour of this series bestowed upon it. Another cigar which is presented in a stunning black box, the real feast for the eyes is the contrast between the silver embossed Reserva band and the chocolatey colorado wrapper. The power of a normal Bolivar may be softened by the aging of the tobacco, but the earthy flavours will be refined, creating a magnificent smoking experience.
Amigos de Partagas XV Anniversary Jar
The Amigos de Partagas Festival in Matelica, Italy is probably the most important Cuban cigar festival outside of Cuba itself, and the commemorative jars produced by Habanos to mark each edition are always popular. The XV Anniversary offering contains 25 long, slender Romeo y Julieta Cazadores, a fine vitola which will smoke for more than 90 minutes. Peppery, leathery notes will abound for the duration of the experience, and the jar will even make a fine addition to your lounge when empty.
Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013
If three years of aging is not enough for you, Gran Reserva cigars are crafted from 5-year aged tobacco, selected as the finest of the harvest and carefully monitored in the Cuban capital. As a result they are even more rare and even more special. These Hoyo Double Coronas were first released in 2018 from the 2013 harvest, so the number of full boxes still around must have dwindled a great deal. The huge vitola, the unmistakable gold Gran Reserva band – these cigars really are a sight to behold and will have flavours to match. If flash and spectacle are what you’re after, few cigars will compare to these behemoths.
Cohiba Piramides Limited Edition 2006
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Limited Edition programme Habanos re-released the most popular edition so far, which had until then been the Cohiba Piramides from 2001. A slightly smaller size than the regular production Piramides Extra, these cigars will nevertheless feel like an occasion to smoke thanks to the old-style Cohiba band and LE band reading an astonishing 2006. The rarity of these cigars now cannot be understated, so you better be sure it’s the right time when you light it, but the complexity of the flavours after such a long period of rest will be unlike any Cohiba you’ve ever smoked before.
San Cristobal de La Habana 1519 Humidor
Until now, everything on this list has been an exceptional cigar with a high degree of rarity. This San Cristobal de La Habana commemorative humidor takes things to a whole new level. These exquisite works of art in wood were created to mark the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana; the brand were chosen for the fact it was also their 20th anniversary. The cigars themselves measure a giant 6 ¾″ by 57 ring gauge, bringing light-to-medium strength and a very impressive hand-feel. The real star, though, is the humidor itself – hand-carved by Cuban artisans in Okoume and cedar, only 500 of these were made. It will take you a fair few special occasions to get through the 100 cigars contained in each, but the humidor will remain a fine piece of furniture for your home long after you’ve smoked them all.