Ask any aficionado to name the finest cigars in the world and you’ll almost always hear the same answer: Habanos. Cuban cigars have become the global benchmark, admired for their craftsmanship, tradition, and unmistakable flavour. But what is it that makes them so special — and why do UK smokers, in particular, hold them in such high regard?
The Magic of Terroir
Just as wine is shaped by the soil and climate where the grapes are grown, cigars are defined by their terroir. Cuba’s unique combination of red clay soil, tropical climate, and generations of cultivation in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río produces tobacco with a richness and balance that no other country has been able to replicate.
From the earthy, full-bodied strength of a Partagás Serie D No.4 to the creamy elegance of a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2, Cuban tobacco carries a signature character: bold yet refined, complex yet smooth.
A Tradition of Craftsmanship
Every Cuban cigar is Totalmente a Mano — totally handmade. The skill of the torcedores (cigar rollers) is legendary, passed down through decades of practice. A torcedor’s work is so respected in Cuba that their names often become known among connoisseurs.
From sorting the leaves to bunching, rolling, pressing, and applying the final cap, each step is performed by hand. This craftsmanship ensures not only flavour and aroma but also the beautiful construction that allows a Cuban to burn evenly from first puff to last.
Legendary Brands
Cuba is home to some of the world’s most iconic cigar brands:
- Cohiba – The flagship brand, once reserved exclusively for diplomats and Fidel Castro himself.
- Montecristo – Famous for its balance and elegance, particularly the Montecristo No.4, one of the world’s best-selling Havanas.
- Romeo y Julieta – Known for accessible, medium-bodied blends beloved by Winston Churchill (and inspiring the Churchill vitola).
- Partagás – Powerful, earthy cigars with serious character.
- H. Upmann – A classic Cuban brand with a smoother, more aromatic profile.
For UK smokers, these names carry prestige and a sense of tradition. Thanks to Hunters & Frankau’s EMS guarantee, cigars sold in the UK are individually inspected to ensure authenticity and quality.
The Flavour Journey
So what makes smoking a Cuban cigar different? It’s the journey.
- First third: Bold introductions, with flavours of spice, earth, cedar, or cream depending on the brand.
- Middle third: The cigar evolves, complexity builds, and balance emerges.
- Final third: Stronger, more intense flavours, often with roasted, nutty, or leathery notes.
Every Cuban tells its own story — one that develops with each puff.
An Experience Beyond Tobacco
Part of the allure of Cuban cigars is the ritual: selecting a stick from the humidor, cutting the cap cleanly, toasting the foot with care, and savouring the slow draw. It’s about taking time — something increasingly rare in modern life.
For many UK smokers, a Cuban cigar marks a celebration: weddings, promotions, holidays, or simply a quiet evening with a glass of whisky or port. The cigar becomes more than tobacco; it’s a tradition, a memory, a marker of life’s milestones.
Top 5 Cuban Cigars to Try First
If you’re new to Cuban cigars, here are five classics that every UK aficionado should experience:
- Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill – Medium-bodied, accessible, and perfect for beginners. A reliable all-rounder.
- Montecristo No.4 – The world’s best-selling Cuban cigar, offering balanced flavours of cocoa, coffee, and spice.
- Partagas Serie D No.4 – A bold Robusto with rich earthiness and spice — perfect after dinner.
- Cohiba Siglo II – Elegant, creamy, and complex, with Cohiba’s prestige in a manageable size.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 – Smooth and aromatic with subtle sweetness, ideal for an afternoon smoke.
These cigars offer a balanced introduction to the variety of flavour and strength profiles Cuba has to offer.
Final Puff
So what makes Cuban cigars so great? It’s not one thing — it’s the perfect combination of soil, climate, craftsmanship, and history, wrapped up in a ritual that connects smokers across the world.
Whether you’re enjoying a Cohiba Siglo VI, a Montecristo No.2, or a humble Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill, each cigar carries with it a piece of Cuba’s soul. And that’s why Habanos remain the gold standard.
Explore our range of Cuban cigars and discover for yourself why nothing compares to a true Havana.