What Happened in Havana: A Sin to Stay in Havana

Havana, the city of colours and aromas, once again filled with the smoke of exquisite Habanos. From February 24 to 28, 2025, the 25th Habanos Festival brought together cigar enthusiasts from every corner of the globe, offering them a journey filled with luxury, tradition, and craftsmanship.
 

The Opening of the Gates: Romeo y Julieta and the Celebration of Love

The first night of the festival took place at the Salón de Protocolo Cubanacán, where history met the present. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Romeo y Julieta, guests were presented with a revelation: the Romeo y Julieta Amantes, a cigar that captures the romance and elegance of the brand. With a ring gauge of 53 and a length of 153 millimetres, it offers an unparalleled experience of smoothness, leaving notes of wood and cocoa on the palate.

Evenings Under the Cuban Sky: H. Upmann and the Art of Maturation

Two nights later, at the impressive National Capitol of Havana, H. Upmann captivated guests with the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019. This is a full-bodied, balanced cigar, with tobacco leaves that matured for five years before reaching the hands of aficionados. Guests savoured its refined notes while pairing it with aged rum and fine wines, as the evening flowed with jazz melodies wafting through the warm Cuban air.

Cohiba Behike: A Gala Worthy of the Legend

The curtain fell with a dazzling gala evening dedicated to the most legendary brand of all: the Cohiba Línea Behike. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the new Cohiba Behike 58 up close, a cigar with an impressive ring gauge of 58 and a length of 178 millimetres, designed to deliver a deep, rich smoking experience. The highlight of the evening was the auction of a special Cohiba Behike 15 Aniversario humidor, which sold for €4,600,000, benefiting the Cuban public health system.

The Edición Limitadas That Ignited the Flame of Passion

Amidst this smoky atmosphere, two new Edición Limitada for 2025 were unveiled, leaving cigar aficionados breathless.

The first, the Montecristo Elba Edición Limitada 2025, pays tribute to the 90th anniversary of Montecristo. Inspired by the island of Elba, this cigar (146mm, ring gauge 54) offers a unique balance of leather, spices, and toasted nuts.

The second, the Punch Princesas Edición Limitada 2025, comes to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the Punch brand. This elegant and powerful cigar (135mm, ring gauge 52) reveals intense aromas of nuts and pepper, making it ideal for those seeking depth and character.

The End of a Dream… Until the Next Festival

As the last cigar is extinguished and the lights of Havana flicker like memories, the 25th Habanos Festival came to a close, leaving a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for the following year. Guests departed filled with experiences, aromas, and promises for their return to the island where time flows slowly, accompanied by the smoke that dances in the air.

And now we begin the countdown to next year, 2026. A year ending in 6 signifies a milestone year for cigar enthusiasts! Shall we take a quick flashback to 1966? Well, you guessed it—the next Habanos Festival promises to be an even more special year, as Cohiba celebrates its 60th anniversary, and Cuba prepares for an unforgettable celebration worthy of its most legendary brand.