Hunters & Frankau Unveil Exquisite House Reserve Collection at Exclusive London Event

Since the late 20th century, Hunters & Frankau has been quietly curating some of the finest Havana cigars, ageing them under perfect conditions for their prestigious House Reserve collection. These rare and remarkable cigars, released only in the most limited quantities, embody the company’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, heritage and patience. On 15 October 2025, leading figures from the UK…

The 25th Festival del Habano 2025: Havana’s Grand Celebration of the Habano

From 24th to 28th February 2025, Havana pulsed with cigar smoke, rhythm, and celebration as the world’s cigar aficionados converged on Cuba for the XXV Festival del Habano. This landmark 25th edition brought together Habanos S.A., distributors, retailers, connoisseurs, and fans from around the world for five days of factory tours, plantation visits, tastings, galas, and…

Rumoured Habanos Cigar Releases for 2025

Each year, the global cigar community eagerly awaits the announcement of new Cuban cigar releases from Habanos S.A.— the state-owned company behind the world’s most prestigious cigar marques. From the legendary Festival del Habano in Havana to limited regional editions, new vitolas and packaging innovations often define trends for collectors and aficionados alike. The 2025 Habanos releases promise to…

Cuban Cigar Prices Explained: Why Your Favourite Cigars Just Got More Expensive

If you’ve recently browsed Havana cigars online or in-store, you’ll have noticed a sharp increase in prices. Many UK smokers are asking the same question: why have Cohibas, Trinidads and other favourites suddenly jumped so high? The answer lies in a new global pricing strategy announced by Habanos S.A., the Cuban state-owned cigar company, and it’s reshaping the…

The Global Shortage of Cuban Cigars

The world of Cuban cigars has always balanced supply, demand, and the artistry of handcrafting. But over the past few years, a perfect storm of challenges has left tobacconists’ shelves bare. Strong demand brought on by the “lockdown effect”, coupled with under-production in Cuba and Covid-related logistics issues, has led to an unprecedented global shortage. Even Habanos…

Montecristo: 80 Years of Cuba’s Best-Selling Cigar

Few cigar brands have achieved the iconic status of Montecristo. Its famous crossed-sword logo and distinctive aroma are known across the world — from the cigar terraces of London to the rolling fields of Vuelta Abajo. But the story of Montecristo’s rise to fame is every bit as captivating as the cigars themselves. A Bold Beginning…

Cohiba Cigars 50th Anniversary

The exact origins of the Cohiba are somewhat obscured by a half century or so of cigar smoke, but this year has been chosen as its 50th anniversary. However, my great discovery (or, rather, rediscovery) has been San Cristóbal, a much less widely known marque – a state of affairs I hope will remain that…

Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado Cuban Havana Cigar Now Available

The new Hoyo de Monterrey Hermosos No.4 Añejado havana cigar have been released by Habanos S.A and is now available in Havana Cigar Specialists and selected catering outlets across the UK. Following on from last year’s successful introduction of the Añejado concept (with the Romeo y Julieta Pirámides and Montecristo Churchill), the Hoyo de Monterrey will…