This year, Cohiba—the flagship brand of Cuban cigars—celebrates its 60th anniversary, and aficionados around the world are eager to show their support.
On March 25th, part of this celebration took place at a memorable dinner held at the West Park Hotel in Harrogate, hosted by James Barber Tobacconist. Aficionados travelled from across the UK to attend the event, which also served as a fundraiser for the Music Fund for Cuba, a charity that has, for many years, championed a solidarity campaign in support of Cuba and which is part of the Cuba Vive, Medical Aid Appeal.
Guests were welcomed on arrival with a Cohiba Siglo I. Despite the cold evening, everyone enjoyed the opening cigar, which set the tone perfectly for the night. Later, in the elegant Blundell Suite, a delicious three-course meal was served before guests returned outside for the final cigar of the evening—the Cohiba Robusto.
The cigars selected complemented the flow of the evening beautifully: the elegance and subtle sweetness of the Siglo I provided a refined welcome, while the richer, more rounded character of the Robusto offered a fitting conclusion. The progression was thoughtfully curated, allowing guests to fully appreciate the balance, elegance, and distinctive character of Cohiba.
A small exhibition of special Cohiba cigars enhanced the evening, featuring the Grand Reserva 2017 Espléndidos, Behike 56, the Línea 1492 range, and the Cohiba 55th Anniversary cigar.
A box of Cohiba 55th Anniversary cigars, signed by Ms Jemma Freeman, Executive Chairman of Hunters & Frankau—the exclusive importer of Cuban cigars in the United Kingdom—was auctioned for £4,000. In addition, a raffle prize of a watch, generously offered by Watts on Watches, added another exciting moment and contributed to the impressive total of £6,380 raised during the evening.
Among the attendees was José A. Cejas, Corporate Director of Hunters & Frankau and former Deputy Manager of the Laguito factory, the home of the Cohiba brand. He commented:
“The ambience and the cigars made this evening a perfect tribute to Cohiba. The generosity and solidarity shown by aficionados in support of Cuba and its people is greatly appreciated.”
