Those of us lucky enough to have travelled around the world will know that the standard of venues where one can enjoy a Cuban cigar varies greatly from place to place. The disappointment of finding the “comfortable smoking terrace” to be two deckchairs on the pavement outside a bar, or the “well-stocked humidor” to contain a handful of dried-out petit coronas cannot be underestimated. Luckily, there is a name and distinctive logo we can look for and be assured that when we find it, we will have located a place of luxury and quality. A venue granted permission to call itself La Casa del Habano will always match the standards worthy of the finest cigars.
The first La Casa del Habano was opened by Habanos SA in Cancun, Mexico in 1990. Since then almost 160 franchises have spread out across the globe, offering smokers a place to buy and sample Cuban cigars safe in the knowledge they are receiving the highest quality and the highest standards of service. The criteria for selection as a franchise holder in the La Casa del Habano programme are strict: staff must be highly knowledgeable in all aspects of cigars; stores must have a minimum space available of 60 m2, with the provision of lockers for clients to store their collections on-site and a sampling lounge in which to enjoy them. A walk-in humidor for customers to view and select their sticks is also a must. In return for this, owners will be granted the right to bear the branding of the chain – setting them out in the market as experts in the field – as well as being given access to the highest standards of training from Habanos SA and first option on all new products arriving to their national or regional distributor.
As well as all this, arguably the most valuable benefit of being selected for this prestigious network is access to the range of exclusive La Casa del Habano Edition cigars. These are special vitolas from some of the most popular marcas, rolled and packaged especially for LCDH specialists and dressed with a second band indicating their exclusivity. Some magnificent releases have been prepared for this series, including the legendary Partagas Salomones and, more recently, a special San Cristobal de La Habana celebrating the brand’s 20th anniversary. With so many venues and special releases to choose from, deciding which to try first can be a touch overwhelming. Here are a few recommendations to help you on your way.
The Place – La Casa del Habano London
On the lower floor of the legendary Harrod’s department store, tucked away beside some truly outstanding wine and spirits selections, is the LCDH London, operated by the team behind JJ Fox in St. James’s. As one would expect from Harrods, the facilities here are beautiful – the extraction in the sampling lounge is simultaneously imperceptible and absolute; the selection of cigars is impressive and the service from the team is subtle, but attentive. One of the best places in London to spend an afternoon smoking and shopping.
If using the lounge at Harrods to catch up with friends, or impress a new client, what better occasion to try the consumate sharing Habano. Notes of nutmeg, pepper, oak and cedar will please the tastebuds, and the collaborative nature of this unique vitola will elevate the occasion.
The Place – La Casa del Habano, Brussels European District
This is actually the second LCDH to be opened in the Belgian capital by the same owners; the first is located amidst the luxury shopping of Avenue Louise. The European District location is modern, chic and marvellously well-stocked. The bar has a fine array of whisky and rum to pair with your smoke, and the lounge is cosy and welcoming.
The Cigar - Juan Lopez Selección Especial
This mighty stick was released in honour of Juan Lopez and La Casa del Habano celebrating their respective 150th and 30th anniversaries in 2020. It is already collectable and slightly hard to find, but when you have the chance to smoke one, you should. Well over 90 minutes will be spent enjoying notes of nut, bread and spice.
The Place – La Casa del Habano Bangkok
Strictly speaking, LCDH venues should occupy a space in a luxury setting. Settings do not come much more luxurious than the Bangkok Mandarin Oriental. The hotel is set in a huge plot on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, and the lounge is all dark wood and darker leather Chesterfield furniture. In the height of summer the aircon in the store is a Godsend, but in the evenings and cooler months guests can select their smoke from the LCDH humidor before strolling to the adjoining terrace on the banks of the river. Watching the ferries and boats move gently back and forth while the sun goes down is possibly one of the greatest settings in which I have ever enjoyed a cigar.
The Cigar – Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos
Such a special setting deserves a special cigar, and the Escogidos is exactly that. An almost regal vitola which will smoke long into the evening, and bring gentle body with notes of cream and nuts. The perfect accompaniment to a warm, humid Bangkok night.