Hunters & Frankau showcased three new cigars, and one new pack size, at the recent Ignite Show & Conference. They are all now available across the UK from Havana Cigar Specialists and a select number hospitality venues.
On the final day of the show Ana Lopez (H&F’s Head of Marketing for Habanos & Special Projects) conducted a presentation on the history of Montecristo to members of the Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists (A.I.T.S) before inviting them outside to preview the latest addition to the range, the Montecristo Open Slam.
Montecristo Open Slam
Flavour profile: Medium
Dimensions: 5 5/8” (142mm) x 52 ring gauge
Presentation: Dressed box of 20 cigars
Factory name: Idilicos
Established in 1935, Montecristo is the world’s most popular Havana cigar house and, for many Havana smokers, forms the benchmark against which all other brands are measured.
The Open Series was introduced in 2009 with four vitolas and a lighter, medium-bodied, flavour. The Slam now makes that five.
Today there are three líneas within the Montecristo range, the Classic (medium to full), the 1935 (full) and the Open (medium).
Trinidad Robusto Extra
Flavour profile: Medium
Dimensions: 6 1/8“ (155mm) x 50 ring gauge
Presentation: Luxury boîte nature boxes of 3 cigars
Factory name: Dobles PT
Trinidad was originally intended to be used as a diplomatic gift from the Cuban government. Launched in 1969, it only become available commercially in 1998 with the introduction of the Fundadores.
This remained the only cigar in the range until 2003 when the Reyes, Coloniales and Robusto Extra were added.
The Robusto Extra was only available for nine years before bowing out. However, that was long enough to make a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to smoke one. Happily, it returned in 2024 when it was showcased at the Habanos World Days, London.
This much admired cigar is presented in elegant luxury boîte nature boxes of three and is adorned with three bands: the traditional Trinidad band, a commemorative band marking the brand’s 55th anniversary and a foot band embossed with the instantly recognizable “T“ motif.
Partagás Mille Fleurs
Flavour profile: Full
Dimensions: 5 1/8“(129mm) x 42 ring gauge
Presentation: Dressed box of 25 cigars
Factory name: Petit Corona
Partagás is a well-known and much loved Habanos brand which has captivated cigar aficionados around the globe for almost two centuries. Its cigars are full of character and instantly recognizable by their distinctive rich, earthy flavours and aromas. At the heart of the brand lies its flagship vitola, the Serie D No. 4, widely regarded as one of the world’s most popular Cuban cigars.
Mille Fleurs have long been a vitola included in the Partagás portfolio and are now finally making their debut in the UK. Measuring 5 1/8″ length x 42 ring gauge, these Petit Corona sized cigars are offered in traditional boxes of 25.
Vegueros Centrogordos
Flavour profile:Medium to full
Dimensions:3 7/8” (100mm) x 54 ring gauge
Presentation:Tins of 16 and packs of 4 cigars
Factory name:Centro Gordos
Although not a new cigar, it was also announced that the Vegueros Centrogordos is now available in packs of 4 . It also remains available in the tins of 16 already on the market.
These four new releases have something for all palates and preferences.
All of these cigars have been made ‘Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga’ – totally by hand using long filler – and are rolled with selected leaves grown in the Vuelta Abajo zone, a region of Pinar del Rio in Cuba, known for producing the finest tobacco in the world.
