The vast range of Cuban cigars is filled with special releases and Limited Editions which excite and delight collectors. Commemorative creations, regional exclusives and aged Reservas fly off the shelves of retailers almost as soon as they land there. The small numbers in which they are produced, the extra care taken with their construction and the ultra-high grade of tobacco used mean they are all a step above even the usual high standard of Havana puros. The rarest of them all, featuring exquisite vitolas from the most famous brands in extremely limited numbers, is the Colección Habanos series.
The series was launched in 2001 with the Cuaba Salomones, initially featuring just 10 cigars housed in a specially-created and decorative book-shaped cedar box. Subsequent releases then generally featured 20 sticks, with boxes never numbering more than 3,000. A new release is not guaranteed every year, meaning those which do come to market are considered extremely desirable. Vitolas used are usually unique to the book – although that first Cuaba Salomones has, of course, now gone on to be an incredibly popular regular release for the brand – and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Aficionados looking to invest in sticks that will gain value over time will find few opportunities as good as the Colección Habanos – here are a few of our favourites...
Hoyo de Monterrey Maravillas – 2015 Book
2015 saw the second Hoyo de Monterrey book – after the Extravaganza, back in 2003 – and it features a mighty 55 ring gauge by 9 inch Maravillas vitola. Only 2000 boxes were produced, each containing 20 cigars. The sticks are dressed with a special commemorative Maravillas band, and will easily provide up to 3 hours of silky, creamy smoking pleasure. With the extra time to age since their release, these cigars will be an exquisite treat for those lucky enough to light one up.
Romeo y Julieta Fabulosos No. 2 – 2016 Book
The Fabulosos No. 2 from Romeo y Julieta followed directly on from the Maravillas and was also the second edition of the book series from the brand. While not as gargantuan as 2015’s effort, the 7 ½ inch by 52 ring gauge Cañonazo No.2 vitola is impressive nonetheless. Again released as 2000 boxes of 20, and again extremely collectable, these cigars exhibit the familiar medium body of the brand and will smoke for about 2 hours.
Montecristo Gran Pirámides – 2018 Book
It is only fitting that the most popular Cuban cigar brand in the world be included in a series of the most exclusive releases, and the Gran Pirámides was an excellent choice. What it lacks in length, at a relatively short 6 ¼ inches, it makes up for with its thick 57 ring gauge. Notes of dark chocolate, leather and dark-roast coffee will thrill the palette, meaning opening this particular book now will bring considerable smoking pleasure, while allowing the cigars to age a little longer could bring a significant return on your investment.
The inclusion of the Trinidad Casilda in the Colección Habanos series, as with the smaller Torre Iznaga in 2008, is something of a feather in the cap of the brand. By placing it on a par with the other famous names considered for this series, Habanos SA could be seen to be recognise the love felt for Trinidad across the globe. At 7 ¼ inches by 53 ring gauge it is unusually large for a Trinidad, but it does sport the pigtail cap which has become their signature. As is also the Trinidad way, the box contains 24 cigars instead of 20, meaning that the 2,000 produced represent slightly more for us to smoke.
The most recent addition to the series was announced at the inaugural Habanos World Days earlier this year and was part of the celebrations for the 55th anniversary of Cohiba. At 56 ring gauge, and just a hair under 7 inches long, it’s an imposing stick and is the second to have 3,000 boxes made instead of 2,000, after 2020’s H. Upmann Super Magnum. As is so often the case with Cuba – and has been heightened by the lack of transport off the island in recent months – their arrival has been delayed. Hope is on the horizon though – tourism should resume by mid-November, according to the government, so hopefully the aircraft bringing holidaymakers back to Europe will also be laden with cigars in the cargo hold. Rest assured that, when they do arrive, EGM Cigars will be among the first to bring them to you.