Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Havanoscope IADC 2015
Havanoscope IADC 2015
amateur de cigare
2015
PARTAGAS 8-9-8:
THE HABANO OF THE YEAR
H. UPMANN
IN FINE FETTLE
The reference guide REVIEW OF ALL HABANOS
for all habanos,
in English for the
first time.
HISTORIC:
THE FALL OF
LUSITANIAS!
Printad LIGHTER aw_p.pdf 1 09/06/2014 2:10 PM
CONTENTS
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE PARTAGAS
4 50
BOLIVAR PUNCH
6 59
CUABA QUINTERO
18 64
MONTECRISTO VEGUEROS
43 87
HABANO 2015
This is the Cuban cigar of the year, as selected by the Havanoscope’s panel.
PANEL’S CHOICE
A mark of distinction for the cigars that particularly impressed us, either by their body or their range of flavors.
THUMBS DOWN
A black mark against certain cigars that are resting on their laurels and that have disappointed us.
PRICES
All prices stated are accurate when the Havanoscope went to print (October 2014).
They are subject to price increases during 2015.
ABBREVIATIONS USED
€ = Euro; £ = Pound sterling; FS = Swiss franc; CUC = convertible peso.
Benelux: The prices stated for Benelux apply to Belgium and the Netherlands.
For Luxemburg, allow for a 5% surcharge on average.
SIZES
In Cuban factories, cigars are divided into 80 categories by their size (diameter, length, and weight).
The “vitola de galera” (factory names) differ from the model names commonly used by aficionados.
In this edition, we have added them between brackets next to their common name.
Cohiba Esplendidos
Cohiba Robustos Supremos
H. Upmann Connoisseur N° 1
H. Upmann Magnum 46
H. Upmann Upmann N° 2
Juan Lopez Seleccion N° 1
Partagas 8-9-8
Partagas Seleccion Privada
Por Larrañaga Montecarlos
Ramon Allones Gigantes
Vegas Robaina Famosos
Cohiba Panetelas
Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro
THE BIG WINNER THE BIG LOSER THE PANEL’S SPECIAL PRIZE
H. UPMANN. TRINIDAD. RAMON ALLONES.
With no fewer than three cigars chosen This brand, which is highly symbolic in Here we have rewarded coherence,
as the “Panel’s choice”, this is an the Cuban cigar landscape (the grand enthusiasm, and character.
exceptional year for H.Upmann. panatella was the legendary cigar With an extremely streamlined range
This historic manufacturer has shown that Fidel Castro offered his (just four cigars), the brand has proved
that hard work, know-how, and full distinguished guests), has fallen from that a small company is perfectly capable
flavor always pays off. grace. A shadow of its former self, it is of mixing it with the big boys – the
Nothing fancy, nothing bling-bling, no difficult to find a single Trinidad that Gigantes may well be the best double
fleeting ranges. In its own inimitable boats coherence and stability. corona currently available on the market.
style, H. Upmann has devoted itself to Its cigars no longer have the same Of course, Ramon Allones has a long
Cuban classicism and is the most reliable magnitude, and there are those that were history and a lot of experience, but its
of benchmarks. delisted with no real explanation or maturity and its ability
creations that don’t seem to make sense to surprise us are a joy to behold.
(the Vigia). Being a part of the
mythology of Cuban cigars from the very
start really seems to represent a
challenge. Staying at the top is no mean
feat. Trinidad is wavering on the edge.
BOLIVAR Bolivar
Belicosos Finos
C alm waters for this classic Cuban house. Most of the items presented
maintain their ratings and manage to remain average. All cigars are
above the one-ring mark. Yet, there is one loss: the – temporary ? –
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (campanas)
F : € 12 ; D : € 11,50 ; AND : € 7,98 ;
BNL: € 12,40 ; C :€ 5,95 (CUC 7,65) ;
downfall of the beautiful Coronas Gigantes Churchill. This downgrading
SP : € 10,20 ; GB : € 23,27 (£ 18,20) ;
causes Bolivar to lose one of its « five rings ». Nevertheless, the Petit I: € 12,80 ; P : € 11,60 ;
Coronas reassures us by climbing passed the average rating. One can only CH: € 13,25 (FS 16)
be appreciative of this well established brand, even though the products For experienced smokers
listed in its catalog are at times somewhat uniform and lacking in aromatic
AAA
complexity and depth.
The Finos looks
Bolivar The brand Bolivar was officially launched in 1921. But we have reasons to believe attractive with its dark,
that the label created by Fernández Rocha already existed at the beginning of the 20th century oily and nicely taut
(1901). Its name, a reference to the liberator of Latin America, was chosen for Cuba’s recent wrapper. The pre-light
emancipation of 1902. Between the two great wars, the brand is steered by Rafael Garcia. It experience is promising:
then owns nine properties, among them El Rosario, Violeta Cinetina and La Covadonga. damp vegetal notes with
Emblematic of the Cuban terroir, it enjoys a good reputation until 1944. That year, following in a hint of peat.
the footsteps of La Gloria Cubana, its fate turns with the Cifuentes takeover. Starting in 1960, Lights quickly,
the cigars will be made in the Partagas factory. The Limited Edition Super Coronas is born in producing plenty of
2014. smoke. Medium
strength.
Next the Bolivar releases
a woody bouquet
of flavors, becoming
increasingly roasted and
resinous. Pepper and
dark cocoa work well
together but without
imparting great
complexity.
A well-constructed but
very predictable habano.
Bolivar Bolivar
Royal Coronas Super Coronas
124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) Limited edition 2014
Robusto (robustos) 140 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
F : € 10,20 ; D : € 9,60 ; AND : € 7,64 ; F : 14,50 € ; D : 13,50 € ; I : 11,40 € ;
BNL : € 10,80 ; C : € 4,90 (CUC 6,30) ; CH : 15,57 € (18,80 FS)
SP : € 10,85 ; GB : € 20,45 (£ 16) ; For experienced smokers
I : € 11,40 ; P : € 11,60 ;
CH : € 10,43 (FS 12,60) AAAA
For experienced to very
experienced smokers This corona gorda
boasts a handsome
AAAA A maduro-colorado
wrapper. Pre-light, it
A magnificent robusto, exudes hints of fresh
well designed and mushroom. The flavors
assembled with care. appear immediately with
A nice smooth opening smooth notes of dried
with caramelized notes fruit and wood. The
and touches of progression is well paced
underbrush and spice. and interesting and the
The flavors subsequently strength is under control.
become deeper and more Toasted flavors are
sophisticated: precious released, but as the
wood complemented smoke progresses this
by dark cocoa. Bolivar becomes more
A full-flavored, austere. Touches of dry
well-balanced and very earth and tangs
mellow (honeyed reminiscent of gunflint
fragrances) cigar. appear at the finish. Still
This Royal Corona is young, but a promising
extremely measured. cigar. For fans of classical
An excellent after-lunch cigars.
habano, whatever the
season!
COHIBA Cohiba
Coronas Especiales
S ometimes uneven, the luxurious Cohiba label is on a roll this year! It
gives us an outstanding performance. The savoring of these costly yet
delectable and well-groomed cigars has been delightful. The result? One
152 mm × 38 (15,08 mm)
Panatella (laguito n° 2)
F : 14,60 € ; D : 19 € ; AND : 12,40 € ;
decline (the Panetelas falls below average) but four progressions. The BNL : 17,60 € ; C : 9,88 € (12,70 CUC) ;
SP : 19,30 € ; GB : 27,74 € (21,70 £);
Esplandidos Churchill earns unanimous praises and secures a fifth crown. A
I : 17,60 € ; CH : 23,19 € (28 FS)
complex range, at times rich, full of flavors with millimeters-thin wrappers. For all smokers
In short, Cohiba definitely lives to its reputation this year. Bravo!
AAA
Cohiba Fidel Castro discovered this cigar by accident in 1963. At the time, it was only a fuma A panatella in an
– a term used by torcedores to designate the cigars they used for their own consumption – made impeccable maduro
by Eduardo Rivera. For almost a year, Rivera single handedly produced the Comandante’s cigars. wrapper offering pre-
Fidel Castro shared them with his cabinet members, among them the Che. Ernesto Guevara light touches of tea and
soon declared that he « had never smoked anything that good ». At the end of 1964, Rivera spices. The start is mild
became the first director of the Torcedores school where his máximo cigars were made. In 1966, and slightly woody.
the puros, until then known as Fidel’s cigars, were renamed Cohiba by Celia Sánchez, Castro’s Gradually supplemented
consigliere. The word means the tobacco plant in taino dialect. A few months later, the school by notes of pepper and
moved to El Laguito, a mansion Sánchez still occupies in the posh residential neighborhood of leather this pleasant cigar
Cubanacán. The lounges were turned into galeras. Along with Castro’s favorite long and thin then becomes stronger,
cigars, two more formats were created. In January 1970, the school became a full fledge factory. offering up touches of
But Cohiba waited until the end of the decade to be introduced on the market. Its international musk and fresh walnut.
launch happened in 1982. Six years later, three new vitolas complemented the brand. In 1992, Stays perfectly balanced
they were followed by the first five Siglos. The superb Siglo VI was introduced on the French right up to the finish.
market in 2004. In 2007, a new 3-sizes line, Maduro 5, was added. Besides being expensive, all Bursting with finesse and
Cohibas have one thing in common: the famous third fermentation of the leaves, which refines dynamism. Now’s the
the aroma and eliminates nitrous oxides products and tar excesses. In 2010, topping its time to try this
unequaled prestige, Cohiba surprised the cigar world by launching a trio called Behike BHK. A distinctively Cuban!
fourth leaf called Medio Tiempo harvested at the very top, above the ligero, enriches and
reinforces the liga. An amazing success story.
AA AAAA AAAAA
A nice fat stogie In terms of aesthetics,
wrapped in a soft and what’s not to like?
It may bear a prestigious smooth maduro Perfect proportions, a
name, but this habano wrapper. Pre-light, we nice caramel wrapper,
very definitely lacks care. get spices and black tea. and tightly packed. With
It is often rolled too tight The draw is initially very pre-light notes of spices
making for a bad draw. loose, which is often the and dry wood. The first
The first few puffs are case with this type of few puffs are lively but
harsh and bitter. Once cigar. The smoke is smooth. Oodles of
this Panetelas finally abundant and aromatic smoke with notes of
loosens up, it offers up with notes of walnut wood and fresh hazelnut.
indulgent flavors of black husk and a hint of Then red peppercorn, a
licorice with the roasted pepper. In the second hint of wet earth and
touches characteristic of third this Cohiba tanned leather further
the brand. Sadly, the becomes more full- enhance the flavor
final third is flat. Very bodied, offering up profile. The overall feel is
over-priced for a quality scents of tanned leather warm and consistent but
level that is by no means and cocoa. The strength not dull. Superb burn
certain! What are they is measured throughout and draw.
playing at? a composed and Precision + power
sophisticated final third. + taste = a great habano.
Despite its impressive
size this is an engaging
habano with a likeable
personality!
DIPLOMATICOS Diplomaticos
N° 2
T his brand manages to survive with a very small
catalog. A child of the Montecristo house, it
hasn’t changed much. The N° 2 obus (« coup de
156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (piramides)
F : 10,70 € ; BNL: 11,40 € ;
C : 5,83 (7,50 CUC) ;
cœur » 2014) is still well received even though it
GB : 23,65 € (18,50 £) ;
seems stuck in an average range. We don’t see CH : 11,76 € (14,20 FS)
how Diplomaticos could rival the other Cuban For experienced smokers
labels. Its only merit is to exist.
AAA
Diplomaticos The label was created in 1966 as a replica This attractive cigar,
of the Montecrito brand. First produced for the French market, with its veined, rustic
it started with five formats identical to the Montecristos N° 1 wrapper starts with
to N° 5. Ten years later, 6s and 7s which production was soon grassy notes. The smoke
stopped followed them. Today, only the N° 2 survives. Diplomaticos arrives quickly thanks to
are rather sleepy. a good draw. Already
medium-strength, the
first third is quite
intense. The progress is
measured. The flavor
profile is more and more
woody, with notes of
black pepper, and a little
peat and warm coffee.
Despite real dynamism,
overall it is monotonous
although not lacking in
roundness. The finish is
spicy, robust, and a tad
invasive. A good smoke
– a real tryer.
FONSECA Fonseca
Cosacos
T his unassuming Cuban brand is
not in top shape. Fonseca finds it
hard to shine when it comes to
135 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Corona (cosacos)
F : 4,70 € ; D : 5,65 € ; AND : 3,32 € ;
aroma and flavor. Too often, the BNL : 5 € ; C : 2,96 € (3,80 CUC) ;
SP : 4,65 € ; GB : 15,21 € (11,90 £) ;
cigars offered are timid. Most of the
CH : 5,63 € (6,80 FS)
catalog habanos are below average For all smokers
– the lonsdale N° 1 loses two rings
this year. The Fonsecas are AA
nevertheless very well rolled, and
On removing the silky
generally have smooth and neat paper cover, we reveal a
wrappers. Their prices stay low, a thin, drab maduro
real asset, as budgets are wrapper but a well filled
body. The cold draw
increasingly tight serves up leather and
spice. Lights briskly and
Fonseca Founded in 1891 by Francisco the first puffs are on the
Fonseca, the brand was first produced by a rough side with rather
small Havana factory. Poet Federico García overpowering smoke.
Lorca celebrated it: « I will go to Santiago with The initial emphasis is
the blond head of a Fonseca… » Francisco vegetal, then shifting to a
Fonseca is responsible for wrapping the cigar woodier accent but
in a very thin Japan leaf and presenting it in without depth of flavor.
individual tubes. He also came up with the The structure leaves
idea of creating a tasting room in his factory. much to be desired at
Thus his customers got to taste different blends times. Not a lot of clout
chosen for them. The brand specialized in the or appeal in this Fonseca.
production of cigars for banquets, parties, clubs, Post-coffee only.
etc. Today, four formats are available under
the Fonseca brand.
A AA AA
Not very aesthetically This short panatella, Pre-light, we pick up
appealing (rough-veined, wrapped in thin filmy notes of sawdust and
darkish wrapper with a paper seems to suffer earth. A tentative and
hard feel), this small from inconsistent very measured start.
corona doesn’t thrill the production – the draw Notes of cork and dried
palate either. Although on some of those tested fruit appear but don’t
the draw and burn seem was too firm. The start is really mark the palate.
good, the tone is pleasant, quick and Gradually a woodier
essentially vegetal; wet lively. Flavors of earth character is established
grass with a few toasted and wood mingle. This (cedar). The strength is
and roasted notes. habano then becomes very subdued and the
Overall a poor smoke increasingly earthy and smoke could be thicker.
that lacks spirit. The peaty. Medium strength, Attractive hints of
strength is under par and but well balanced. Not hazelnut creep in but
doesn’t manage to ostentatious, very progression is poor. In
breathe life into this “not simplistic, not very the final third the
so delicious” Delicias. complex, but far from strength falters, leading
unpleasant. to excessive bitterness
and a muddled finish.
Hoyo de
HOYO DE MONTERREY Monterrey
Churchills
T his beacon of a brand was in a relatively good shape last season. It is not
at the top of its game this year, in spite of the new, innovative Hoyo de
San Juan. Only the Epicure N°1 seems to be strong while other items (the
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm)
Churchill (julieta 2)
F : 13,60 € ; AND : 9,10 € ;
Churchills and the Double Coronas) lose steam. The label still enjoys its aura C : 6,61 € (8,50 CUC) ; SP : 14,95 € ;
GB : 29,27 € (22,90 £) ;
but doesn’t have a five-rings cigar. In short, disappointing results for Hoyo.
CH : 16,06 € (19,40 FS)
It will have to show more enthusiasm and aromatic richness to stay in the For experienced smokers
race.
AAA
Hoyo de Monterrey Together, José Gener, Zino Davidoff and Hoyo De Monterrey embody Looks beautiful. The
more than one hundred years of history. At the origin of the brand is an unrelenting, fiercely first few puffs are
ambitious, autocratic Catalan. José Gener is thirteen years old when he emigrates to Cuba. He smooth and polished.
is thirty-three in 1851 when he partners with his uncle to start his own factory and create his The strength is very
new brand La Escepción (thus spelled by its owners when they patent it), soon a resounding contained but then
success. Gener then buys a famous vega, Hoyo de Monterrey, in the municipality of San Juan y adequate, producing
Martínez – the gate is still there. In 1867, he parts way with his uncle to start a company bearing vintage touches of
his name, with his brothers. Together, they launch Hoyo de Monterrey. The brand has a particularity: precious wood and oaky
the coat of arms of its customers sometimes appear on the rings. Three years go by before the moss. A great opening
tyranical Gener decides to fly solo at the helm of José Gener y Batet. His brothers are demoted but then it becomes less
to the rank of simple employees. José will remain the sole director for the next 30 years and will convincing: lacks punch
commercialize Hoyo de Monterrey, José Gener and La Escepción in the US. When he dies in 1900, and the sweet flavors
the Hoyo de Monterrey factory is the largest in Cuba, employing 350 people and producing more (toast, chocolate, spices)
than fifty millions cigars per year. His widow, then his daughter, take over before the company are too subdued.
is sold to Ramón Fernández and Fernando Palacio, who already own Punch and Belinda. Surprising, as this Hoyo
In the 40s, the Hoyo de Monterrey brand will elaborate the famous cigars with Bordeaux really could do better.
vineyards names (Margaux, Lafite, Latour, Haut-Brion and Yquem) for Zino Davidoff. The Better luck next time...
Châteaux Hoyo de Monterrey series will adopt the Davidoff name in 1967. Presented this year
in Cuba, the last born of this great Cuban label, the Hoyo de San Juan, is made of filler leaves
grown in the macro-terroir of San Juan, in the Vuelta Abajo region.
Hoyo de Hoyo de
Monterrey Monterrey
Palmas Extra Petit Robustos
140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 102 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Corona (cremas) Petit robusto
F : 4,10 € ; D : 5,10 € ; AND : 2,86 € ; (petit robustos)
C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; I : 4,60 € F : 8,90 € ; D : 8,60 € ; AND : 6,08 € ;
For all smokers BNL : 9,20 € ; C : 4,51 € (5,80 CUC) ;
SP : 8 € ; GB : 17,51 € (13,70 £) ;
AAA I : 9,90 € ; P : 9 € ;
CH : 10,35 € (12,50 FS)
The Palmas Extra, sleek For experienced smokers
and well filled, provides
some very peppery first AAAA
puffs. Light strength with
some nice notes of wood, A short and stocky
oaky moss and Hoyo that is over in a
mushroom creeping in. flash. Very easy on the
The overall feel is eye. Pre-light we get
pleasant and smooth. It’s earthy and sweet notes.
a shame that this cigar An easy start with great
drops its guard in the plumes of rich smoke.
final third. Though not Then this Petit Robustos
completely bland, the yields an appetizing
flavor profile becomes range of roasted flavors,
less expansive and the gingerbread and wet
Hoyo appears somewhat earth. Overall a little
weak. Narrowly misses restrained and all over
out the fourth band! too quickly. With a
Nice nonetheless. touch more complexity
and strength this would
be a sublime habano.
MONTECRISTO Montecristo
Edmundo
A slight improvement for this famous habano brand which has one of
the richest catalog on the market. Although its cigars rarely reach for
the stars, they are homogeneous and recognizable. Montecristo cultivates
135 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Grand robusto (edmundo)
F : 14,80 € ; D : 12,20 € ; AND : 9,40 € ;
an authentic yet aging smoke. Good news however: the Edmundo leaves BNL : 12,80 € ; C : 6,65 € (8,55 CUC) ;
SP : 13,40 € ; GB : 25,82 € (20,20 £) ;
the red zone while five other items are rising. Only the Petit Tubos loses a
I : 14,20 € ; P : 14,50 € ;
ring and ends up with a below average grade. To summarize, Montecristo CH : 13,58 € (16,40 FS)
sails without shining but with a laudable consistence. For all smokers
AA
Montecristo As the most famous Cuban label, Montecristo owes much to its creator,
Benjamín Menéndez García. After attending a US university, Menéndez is hired by General This large robusto is
Cigar. Back in Havana, he reunites with his brother Félix and starts working for Parra. By 1913, very attractive with its
he runs the company and renames it Menéndez y Cía. The brothers’s investments and initiatives compact body nicely
are numerous. They dabble in oil and cigarette production but are not yet involved in cigar contoured in a thin
making. It all changes in 1923 thanks to their uncle Alonso who joins them with his cigar colorado wrapper. Hard
maker « Pepe » García. The Montecristo adventure can start. Determined to conquer exports, to believe that such a
the Menéndez y García team acquires the Particulares cigar factory in 1935. The same year, good looking
they decide to launch their own brand. They aim for a seamless fabrication and a luxurious Montecristo could be
yet simple presentation. Montecristo is born. Several versions exist as to the origin of the such a disappointment to
name. One thing is certain: both Englishmen and the Hunters company worked hard to the palate! The start is
convince Cubans to adopt it. In 1937, Alonso Menéndez buys the H. Upmann factory and promising with notes of
transfers the entire Montecristo production there. The label enjoys a meteoric success. In dry wood and a few
1955, the archbishop of Havana himself shows up to bless the factory headquarters! The traces of pepper. Then,
Alfred Dunhill company, which handles the distribution in the US and the UK creates its own although the smoke
series in the 40s under the name Montecristo Dunhill Seleccion Suprema. The brand will last seems full-bodied, the
until 1982. cigar remains linear, a
Two formats, the Joyitas and the Especial were added to the other five – the Nos 1 to 5 which touch arid, willfully
already existed – in 1969. The legendary Montecristo A was born two years later. New formats austere. Clearly lacking
such as the Edmundo, the Petit Edmundo and the Double Edmundo followed. Four years ago, in strength and flavor.
the Montecrito Open series appeared to modernize the label with four vitolas. The objective The blend offered in this
was to boost the sales. A small figurado, the Petit N°2 completed the catalog last year. Montecristo just isn’t
good enough. A crying
shame!
Montecristo
Montecristo Montecristo
Especial
192 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) Especial N° 2 Double Edmundo
Grand panatella 152 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) 155 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
(laguito n° 1) Panatella (laguito n° 2) Grand robusto (dobles)
F : 12,10 € ; D : 14,70 € ; AND : 8,88 € ; F : 10,70 € ; D : 11,80 € ; AND : 8,40 € ; F : 15 € ; D: 13,50 € ; AND : 9,95 € ;
BNL : 14,40 € ; C : 8,09 € (10,40 CUC) ; BNL : 11,70 € ; C : 6,50 € (8,35 CUC) ; BNL : 12,90 € ; C: 7,55 € (9,70 CUC) ;
SP : 13,50 € ; GB : 23,78 € (18,60 £) ; GB : 19,56 € (15,30 £) ; SP : 13,50 € ; GB: 29,79 € (23,30 £) ;
CH : 14,90 € (18 FS) I : 12 € ; CH : 11,59 € (14 FS) I: 14,70 € ; P: 16 € ;
For experienced to very For experienced smokers CH : 15,40 € (18,60 FS)
experienced smokers For all smokers
AAA
AAAA AAA
This Montecristo, with
This exceptional habano its thin, oily, dark This latest addition to
comes in a chocolate maduro wrapper, offers the Edmundo family is
wrapper finished with pre-light notes of wood, exceptionally attractive.
the famed perilla. Nice leather and black tea. A The pre-light experience
and soft to the touch, the nice smooth start with is promising: damp
pre-light notes are peat softwood and mocha vegetal with a hint of
and humus. A pleasingly flavors. Then the smoke musk. After a calm start,
delicate opening: refined becomes rounded but the cigar opens up
smoke with woody and slightly spicy. Excellent smoothly with a touch of
earthy notes. Then the draw and burn. As the spice. Then it gets
Especial becomes strength increases the creamy, milky even,
distinctly peppery, flavors become more fusing woody, earthy
gaining in strength and virile (wet earth, leather, notes with fresh
richness of flavor. The toasted hazelnut, spices). hazelnut. The flavors
final third (dark cocoa, A warm and dynamic become a little more
dried fruit, strong peat) smoke. This Cuban is roasted, and sadly there
is spirited, very dark and very good company. is less complexity in the
even austere on the last final third. The finish
puffs. A beautiful habano ends up muddled and
and a special moment. the cigar loses its
mellowness and
grandeur. One to watch.
PARTAGAS Partagas
8-9-8
G reat stability for the venerable Partagas House. Most of its –numerous-
values remain stable even though it suffered a big and unexpected
blow: the immutable Churchill Lusitanias, celebrated for ages in the
170 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Lonsdale (dalias)
F : 12,90 € ; D : 13 € ; AND : 9,20 €;
Amateur de Cigare and the Havanoscope lost his 5th ring this season. As BNL : 14,40 € ; C : 5,91 € (7,60 CUC) ;
SP : 12,75 € ; GB : 24,42 € (19,10 £) ;
for the other cigars, the ups and downs cancel each other. It’s worth
P : 14 € ; CH : 14,74 € (17,80 FS)
noticing the lonsdale 8-9-8’s excellent performance: it was unanimously For very experienced
voted the Havana of the year 2015. Partagas continues to play the classic smokers
yet slightly macho card. 100% Cuban character.
AAAAA
Partagas It is the most famous Havana factory, the most visited by tourists and one of the
most prestigious. The label was created in 1845 by a clever and tyranical Catalan by the name
of Jaime Partagás, who established himself in the Cuban capital in 1827. Partagás soon owned A superb Lonsdale, the
several plantations in the Pinar del Río area. Mindful of the aficionados’ needs, he succeeded flagship of the Partagas
in taking his cigars to the very top of the chain. He selected the tabaccos himself and brand. Elegant and
experimented with several fermentation methods. Rumor has it that he was the first one to distinguished, it offers
hire a reader in his factory galera in 1860. In 1859, the brand was universally recognized. up a few hints of mocha
Thus the quote engraved on the front of the factory building on Industry Street, « Real Fábrica and cedar on the cold
de Tabacos » (Royal Tabaccos factory), does not lie. It is simply the oldest factory in Cuba. draw. The first
Jaime Partagás was murdered in 1868. The crime was never solved. Jaime’s son José took over. impression is one of
Lacking his father’s energy and flair, he was incapable of keeping the Partagas ship afloat. He depth, with notes of
filed for bankrupcy a few years later. The brand was acquired by José A. Bances. In 1900, coffee, humus, and
Bances retired and ceded the brand to two dynamic scions of some of the biggest cigar pepper. Highly
dynasties: Ramón Cifuentes Llano and José Fernández López. The partnership was soon sophisticated, this cigar
denounced and replaced by Cifuentes and Co. The Fidel Castro takeover sent the Cifuentes develops its dynamic side
great-grandson to the United States. N 1995, Habanos S.A. celebrated its 150th anniversary. without compromising
A Limited Edition was created in 2010: the Partagas Serie D Especial. In 2011, a new series on taste. Notes of suint,
christened E, was born with a big Robusto, the N° 5, as a first format. This year, it is the Serie wet earth, grilled tones
D N°6’s turn to be launched along with the Seleccion Privada, which earmed a heart. and mocha create a
sublime blend of flavors.
Not content with being
wonderfully complex,
the 8-9-8 exudes a
powerful smoothness,
and persuasive taste.
Hats off to a great
habano.
2015
habano
of the
year
Partagas Partagas
Mille Fleurs Partagas de Luxe
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Corona (cremas)
F : 3,90 € ; D : 4,85 € ; AND : 2,98 € ; F : 5,80 € ; D : 6,70 € ; AND : 4,16 € ;
BNL : 4,20 € ; C : 2,53 € (3,25 CUC) ; BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 3,46 € (4,45 CUC) ;
I : 4,80 € ; P : 4,95 € ; SP : 5,90 € ; I : 6,60 € ;
CH : 5,13 € (6,20 FS) CH : 7,29 € (8,80 FS)
For all smokers For all smokers
AAA AAAA
Wrapped in a coarse This cigar has a cold
colorado wrapper, this draw punctuated by
little corona gives off a suint and black pepper.
whiff of cedar on the The start is full-bodied
cold draw. The first third with a strong mouthfeel.
has dark, woody tones. Nothing fancy, but
The flavors are strained, consistent. As you pull
the draw not always the through, it becomes
easiest. The Mille Fleurs much more harmonious
picks up drier, toasted (roasted cocoa, fresh peat
notes as you go along. and black pepper).
Balanced and well-paced, Stronger by the minute,
but lacking depth and the Partagas de Luxe
complexity. Linear proves its worth as a
smoke to the finish. well-balanced, satisfying
A solid, good smoke. This moderately-
value-for-money habano. priced cigar is a real
treat.
Partagas Partagas
Shorts Super Partagas
110 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Très petit corona (minutos) Corona (coronas)
F : 6,10 € ; D : 6,20 € ; AND : 3,16 € ; F : 4 € ; D : 4,60 € ; AND : 3,10 € ;
BNL : 6,40 € ; C : 2,65 € (3,40 CUC) ; C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; SP : 5,15 € ;
SP : 3,50 € ; GB : 13,29 € (10,40 £) ; P : 4,70 € ; CH : 4,97 € (6 FS)
I : 7,20 € ;P : 5,50 € ; CH : 6,62 € (8 FS) For experienced smokers
For all smokers
AAA
AAA
From the moment you
The pre-light draw is light up, this Partagas is
unassuming and it takes on. The first pull or two
a while to really get are slightly bitter and dry
going. The first few pulls your mouth. Featuring
are mild, giving off wet fairly strained woody
vegetal and earthy notes. and earthy flavors, the
As it progresses, you pick Super Partagas doesn’t
up more balsamic and ooze character. Despite
roasted flavors and the being somewhat linear,
strength is just right. it’s a more than decent
Increasingly full-bodied, smoke. Good robust
it curiously becomes very flavor without overdoing
monotonous. The last it. After a warm second
third lacks aromatic third, the cigar tires
appeal and magnitude. toward the end with
Been there, done that… bitter undertones. This
Must do better. old-fashioned stick has
its limits, but manages to
hold its own.
Punch Punch
Coronations Double Coronas
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Double corona
F : 5 € ; D : 6,30 € ; C :3 € (3,85 CUC) ; (prominentes)
GB : 14,19 € (11,10 £) F : 14,50 € ; D : 16 € ; BNL : 16 € ;
For all smokers C : 8,48 € (10,90 CUC) ;
GB : 33,24 € (26 £) ;
AA CH : 18,71 € (22,60 FS)
For experienced smokers
Out of the box, this cigar
is nothing to look at. The AAA
pre-light aroma is
slightly floral, while the Zero points for
first puff introduces aesthetics. On the other
grassy tones. Subtle hints hand, the cold draw is
of wood and spice are no nice and tasty (wet
match for the overall vegetal, spices and sweet
bitterness as you notes). The opening is
progress. The last third is calm and full-bodied.
a bit more balanced, but The smoke sends out
this cigar’s blend is just vegetal, woody and spicy
not up to scratch. aromas before timidly
moving into more
roasted and tanned
leather tones. Not
enough strength or
complexity. This cigar is
monotonous and low on
energy. Better luck next
time.
Punch QUAI
Serie d’Oro N° 2
Limited edition 2013
D’ORSAY
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Grand robusto (campanas)
F : 13,50 € ; AND: 9,60€ ;
C: 8,21 € (:10,55 CUC) ;
B ad news for the aficionados: the
production of the Imperiales,
beacons of the brand, was canceled.
GB: 29,15 € (22,80 £) ;
P: 17 €; CH: 16,56 € (20 FS) Now the catalog only offers the
For experienced smokers Coronas Claro and two regional
AAAA France Editions. Three healthy,
balanced, delicate and aromatic
A handsome but sober- cigars benefiting from a good
looking Punch, which
price/quality ratio. Will that be
offers up notes of wood,
spices, vegetal in the cold enough to slow down the decline of
draw. East to light and a brand suffering from a chronic
mild. This balanced, full- image deficit? Try them, you won’t
strength Serie d’Oro
immediately produces be disappointed. And enjoy the few
very creamy woody Imperiales left still available in
flavors. As the cigar smoke shops. The only French-Cuban
progresses, its strong brand is always worth it.
personality is confirmed,
and it becomes deep and
spicy (pepper), exhaling Quai d’Orsay The Seita created the Quai
gamey notes. The final d’Orsay cigars in 1973 for the French market.
third is a little samey but Thus their name evoking the company’s old
balanced and virile address. The suave liga and its usually light
overall up to the finish. A wrapper make it a precursor of the modern
punchy Punch! habano. Yet it isn’t enough to free this elegant
label from the tiny niche it seems to be confined
in. A very small production could signify the
pure and simple disappearance of the brand.
This year, a third vitola, the Imperiales, was
discontinued. On the other hand, the Éditions
régionales France enjoys a well-deserved success.
QUINTERO
L ovely season for Quintero. The
brand produces modest, cheap
yet well balanced and made items.
The rather small catalog is
progressing. Let’s salute the petit
corona Londres Extra and petit
panatella Panetelas’s progress. They
win a ring. You won’t find complex,
deep or unforgettable habanos in
the Quintero House but it would be
unfair to ignore this rustic and
sympathetic Cuban label.
AAA AA
The first puffs of this This habano is firm to
pleasant-looking petit the touch and densely
panatella are slightly filled. The first puffs are
labored and astringent. It harsh and the draw is
gets better though, and uneven. Very quickly,
the Panetelas Extra let’s the strength overpowers
itself go. Light strength, a woody and grassy
with notes of toasted flavor profile. Poorly
almond on a pleasant constructed at times, this
woody base and graced cigar burns unevenly.
with touches of wet Too bad greater care
earth, cocoa and pepper didn’t go into this Perlas
throughout. One can before it left the factory.
hardly ask more of a
cigar whose format
doesn’t really promote
wild aromatic
expression.
Recommendable.
AAAA AA AAA
The cigar is very well The start is pleasant, The first puffs of this
built in its very smooth with dry earth and handsome Romeo,
and taught Colorado burned cocoa playing off colored by precious
maduro wrapper. each other. The cigar wood, fresh vegetal notes
It is densely filled and progresses smoothly with and spices, are very
pleasant to hold. The no major faults, but is pleasant. Medium
vitola is stocky but the somewhat monotonous. strength with flavors that
draw is good. It has a The finish tends to shift to roasted and
pre-light draw featuring overheat slightly. A quite earthy notes. The flavor
precious wood and forgettable, entry-level profile is OK but with no
spices. The first puffs are cigar. real depth. The Romeo
full-bodied and tranquil. N° 2 is a consistent but
Produces a good plume very predictable smoke.
of fragrant but sharp Friendly, good-natured,
smoke right from the and easy-going.
start. This habano gives
out notes of cedar and
dry leaves. It then
become rounder, with
notes of cocoa, humus,
and toasted hazelnut.
The finish is
sophisticated, persistent
and toasted. This Romeo
de Luxe is progressive
and expressive, and plays
a soft, deep and tasty
score.
.
AAA
I : 6,90 € ; P : 5,60 € ;
CH : 6,62 € (8 FS)
For all smokers
AAA AAA
On the cold draw, this This San Cristobal’s pre-
cigar whispers a few light profile features
hints of wood and oak undergrowth and gray
moss. The underbrush pepper. The first puffs
ambiance is confirmed are dynamic. Oily notes
by the first few drags. (hazelnut) intermingle
This San Cristobal is with hints of precious
smooth and subdued. woods. The smoke then
We keep waiting for becomes more full-
take-off, but it’s a no go. bodied. We detect cocoa,
The rest of the cigar is a pepper and dried fruits,
harmonious medley of but the flavors remain
woody, cocoa, and too strained. The result is
toasted flavors, yet these a lack of density and
aromas are depth. A good habano
underwhelming and nonetheless.
lackluster. A nice stick, Recommended.
relatively tasty but
uninspired. Give us some
backbone, complexity
and daring, please!
The pre-light draw on have fluttered. The petit corona Reyes AAAA
this little corona gives off lost it fifth ring. As a result, Trinidad
earthy notes. The initial no longer has a cigar at the top. The first puffs on the
impact packs a punch carefully rolled Coloniales
without knocking you What went wrong? With the are full-flavored and well-
out. A well-paced smoke newcomer Vigia, the label seeks to structured. The heavy
with notes of wet earth, reclaim an identity by positioning smoke satisfies in short
wood, and tea. The itself on the big formats market. To order. As you smoke
strength builds gradually, through this woody,
accented with an be continued… earthy habano, it picks up
occasional hint of spice. grilled and roasted tones.
The woody, earthy Trinidad For a long time small with only one The budding power
ambiance is rounded out cigar, the Fundadores, the brand evokes Trinidad, carries a dash of musk
with spicy (pepper) and the first Cuban city. For twenty years, only a (leather, suint) and
fresh hazelnut notes. It happy few had access to the legendary cigar: mushroom notes. In the
tones down to become a the Minrex’s (Cuban State Department) guests. last third, the body is
linear but very even Launched in 1969, the cigar was designed as a almost overpowering,
smoke at the end. A nice double to the Cohiba Lanceros. When it finally leaving the comfort zone
little Cuban to light up became wildly available in 1998, it didn’t garner and lessening the
with your coffee. the expected success. Lighter and tenderer than sophistication: delicate
the trendy cigars of the time, it embodied a lost palates beware! A virile
generation of habanos. Its high price confused Trinidad of the highest
the customers. In order to energize the label, order.
the Cuban government created three more
formats in 2004 with a slightly reinforced liga:
the Coloniales, the Reyes and the Robustos Extra.
A Limited Edition, the Short Robustos T, was
created in 2010. Unfortunately, these attempts
didn’t succeed in lifting the Pinar del Río-based
brand. Two cigars, the Robustos Extra and the
Robustos T were discontinued. However, a new
Robusto, the Vigia, was unexpectedly launched
this year.
Trinidad VEGAS
Vigia
110 mm × 54 (21,43 mm)
ROBAINA
Robusto (torres)
F : 12,50 € ; I : 11,20 € ;
CH : 13,25 € (16 FS)
M algré deux cigares à la hausse,
l’Unicos et le Famosos, lequel
retrouve ainsi sa cinquième
For experienced smokers
bague, Vegas Robaina suscite
AAA quelques interrogations : le
Pre-light, this robusto catalogue se réduit et le beau double
offers up touches of corona Don Alejandro qui se contente
leather and dust. The d’un vague surplace en milieu de
start is full of character,
tableau écope d’ un coup de gueule
with rich flavors of
pepper and leather. In cette année. Autant dire que le bilan
the next third is stronger, apparaît mitigé. Le label continue
tending to mask the malgré tout à cultiver une jolie
flavor profile, which is
limited to woody and couleur aromatique et une
earthy hints. The final esthétique appétissante. Cette
third becomes even marque jeune, qui n’avait cessé
stronger and the habano jusque-là de nous surprendre et de
is too dense and
completely lacking in progresser, marquerait-elle un peu le
enjoyment. This cigar pas ? À suivre.
chooses strength over
sophistication, but it
undeniably has a lot of Vegas
potential. One to watch. Robaina Alejandro Robaina, le plus célèbre
des vegueros cubains, qui a donné
son nom à la marque Vegas Robaina, est mort
à La Havane le 17 avril 2010. Lancées en juin
1997 en Espagne, les cinq premières vitoles
portant son nom ont fait leur entrée sur le
marché français en septembre 1998. Petit-fils,
fils, père et grand-père de tabaqueros, Alejandro
Robaina avait hérité de la finca familiale de San
Luis – où la famille s’était installée en 1845 –,
Cuchillas de Barbacoa, une petite propriété de
dix-huit hectares que l’État agrandit en offrant
à don Alejandro une dizaine d’hectares supplé-
mentaires. Paradoxe de la situation : Cuba, pays
socialiste, avait voulu ainsi rendre hommage
aux vegueros privés qui constituent l’ossature
de la production de tabac. La famille Robaina,
qui s’est spécialisée dans la culture de feuilles
de cape sous tapados, obtient des résultats
uniques. Plus de 70% de sa production est agréée
pour l’exportation, alors que la plupart des fincas
dépassent rarement les 20 ou 30 %. C’est
aujourd’hui Irochi, le petit-fils d’Alejandro, qui
gère la propriété.
Vegueros Vegueros
Mañanitas Tapados
100 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 120 mm × 46 (18,26 mm)
Petit figurado Corona gorda
(mareva gruesa) (mareva gruesa)
F : 5,50 € ; D : 4,70 € ; BNL : 4,50 € ; F : 6,50 € ; D : 6,20 € ; BNL : 6 € ; I : 4,60 €
I : 4,60 € ; P : 4,25 € ; P : 5,80 €
CH : 4,55 € (5,50 FS) CH : 6,21 € (7,50 FS)
For all smokers For all smokers
AAAA AAA
Launched last year, this This unattractive
petit figurado starts of Tapados offers up hints
energetically. Medium of humus and wet earth
strength with notes of on the cold draw. The
wood and underbrush. start is full-bodied and
The cigar then becomes smooth (notes of lichen,
smoother and creamy salted butter caramel,
with hints of spice, and hints of pepper).
toasted hazelnut, and a Then the cigar becomes
few touches of cocoa. We stronger, but retains a
like its rhythm and its good range of flavors.
spirit. Not exceptionally The final third is a bit
full-flavored but good feeble, with an
body! inconsistent flavor
profile and an aggressive
finish. An excellent
Vegueros… until the
final third. Good value
for money. THE TASTING COMMITTEE
Chaired by Jean-Alphonse Richard
Arthur Adam, Jacques Chevalier,
Alban Cordier, Philippe Dupont,
Jean-Paul Kauffmann, Una Liuktus,
Gabriel Valentin.
CREDITS
Director of publication : Seth Martin
Editor in chief : Seth Martin
Art director : Quentin Préau
Digital editor : Hélie Valat
Circulation manager :
Aurélien Honoré
a.honore@internationalamateurdecigare.com