Habanos Festival 2023

After a two-year hiatus, cigar enthusiasts from around the world descended on Havana for the infamous Festival del Habano. The Festival, which was held from Monday, February 27th to Friday, March 3rd 2023, marked its twenty-third edition and featured visits to tobacco plantations, cigar factories, tastings, masterclasses, competitions, and best of all: news on exciting new releases. The spotlight was on three heavyweight brands: Montecristo, Bolivar, and Partagas - with their latest lines showcased at the event. Smokers in the UK can anticipate the arrival of these new releases later in the year, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try them out.

Montecristo Open Slam

Montecristo, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of cigars, holds the distinction of being the best-selling handmade cigar brand globally. Among its illustrious collection, the No. 4 stands tall as the UK's most popular individual size, often considered the gold standard of taste against which all other handmade cigars are compared.

In 2009, Montecristo introduced the 'Open' series as a new addition to their portfolio, featuring a lighter flavor profile compared to their classic Medium to Full blend. The Open Slam, joining the ranks of Eagle, Master, Regata, and Junior, offers a medium-bodied experience for cigar aficionados seeking a distinctively different yet equally delightful smoke from Montecristo's esteemed offerings.

• Name: Open Slam
• Factory name: Idilicos
• Dimensions: 5 ⅝” (142mm) x 52 ring gauge
• Presentation: Labelled box of 20 cigars

Check out the product page - Montecristo Open Slam

Bolivar New Gold Medal

It's no surprise that a cigar brand paying homage to the legendary 19th Century Venezuelan revolutionary, Simon Bolívar, who liberated six South American countries from Spanish rule, is revered by many for its robust and rich flavors.

The original Bolivar Gold Medal cigars have a storied history that predates the 1959 revolution, experiencing varying levels of popularity over the years. However, the new Bolivar Gold Medal retains its original length of 6 ½ inches while embracing a more contemporary ring gauge of 48. Notably, the foil adorning it now proudly bears the embossed name "Bolivar".

Connoisseurs seeking the refined taste of Bolivar's New Gold Medal can indulge exclusively at La Casa del Habanos, a fitting destination for aficionados seeking the epitome of Cuban craftsmanship.

• Name: New Gold Medal
• Factory name: Partagás 15
• Dimensions: 6 ½” (165mm) x 48 ring gauge
• Presentation: Labelled box of 10 cigars

Check out the product page - Bolivar New Gold Medal

Partagas Linea Maestra

The Linea Maestra, comprising of three distinct sizes, stands out as a truly unparalleled addition to the prestigious Habanos portfolio. Each cigar boasts a "Cabeza Tumbada", or a "dropped head" finish, a traditional technique last witnessed on the esteemed Ramón Allones Hunters & Frankau 225 release back in 2015.

Just as Cohiba has its iconic Linea BHK, Montecristo has the revered Linea 1935, and Romeo y Julieta has its distinguished Linea de Oro, for Partagas, the Linea Maestra represents the epitome of luxury. Habanos itself acknowledges it as "the brand's most premium line".

Furthermore, what sets this new Partagas line apart is that, for the first time in the brand's history and the entire Habanos, S.A. portfolio, the vitolas will be crafted using 100% tobacco cultivated exclusively in San Luis, located in the famed Vuelta Abajo plantations in the Pinar del Río region. This unique origin imparts an exceptional aromatic complexity to the cigars without compromising the brand's distinctive character, truly making the Linea Maestra a one-of-a-kind offering.

• Name: Maestro
• Factory name: Deleites
• Dimensions: 5 ⅜” (132mm) 56 ring gauge
• Presentation: SPB of 20 cigars

Check out the product page - Partagas Linea Maestra Maestro

• Name: Rito
• Factory name: Gustosos
• Dimensions: 6 ⅝” (168mm) x 52 ring gauge
• Presentation: SPB of 20 cigars

Check out the product page - Partagas Linea Maestra Rito

• Name: Origin
• Factory name: Bondadosos
• Dimensions: 6 ⅛” (154mm) x 46 ring gauge
• Presentation: SPB of 20 cigars

Check out the product page - Partagas Linea Maestra Origin