The " Edicion Limitada " originally made its appearance in 2001 with the launch of the Partagas Piramides - still regarded by some as one of the best cigars to date. Characterized by a specially prepared and aged dark Maduro wrapper the cigars sported a unique gold and black band with the year of production. The distinctive wrapper leaf for these cigars receives an additional mini fermentation for a period up to 25 days at higher than normal temperatures to achieve the unique dark, marbled texture. This additional fermentation also serves to impart approximately 10% more strength to the cigar as indicated by the "toasted" taste of the tobacco.

The entire process is very much an ongoing experiment conducted by agronomists within TabaCuba - the agricultural production division responsible for the cultivation of tobacco leaf in Cuba. Each year since 2001 Limited Edition cigars have been produced in selected marques and vitolas. Once these prestigious and rare cigars have been distributed and sold Worldwide they pass into the annals of cigar history. Inevitably the more popular cigars specially created within this format will appreciate in value by virtue of scarcity alone.

This year (2006) we are treated to a repeat of three of the most popular sizes from previous years in SBN presentation boxes using filler from 2003 crop including the Montecristo Robusto and Partagas Serie D3 (Corona Gorda size 5 5/8" length and 46 ring gauge) in addition to the excellent Cohiba Piramides - which will not arrive until the Autumn.