With all eyes on Behike and other high-profile launches, it was easy to overlook some truly remarkable cigars announced this february.
Hello dear reader,
Every year, the Habanos Festival brings excitement, unveiling some of the most anticipated Cuban cigar releases. While the spotlight was firmly on Behike and other major announcements, there were several unexpected surprises, releases that didn’t steal the limelight but certainly deserve our attention.
From revived historic vitolas to exclusive humidor editions, these cigars are significant milestones in the legacy of Habanos. Let’s explore these hidden gems and what makes them so special.
Montecristo Elba Limited Edition 2025
Vitola: Encantos (54x146mm) – Limited Edition
Montecristo, one of the most important brands in Cuban cigar history, continues to honor its literary roots with the Montecristo Elba Limited Edition 2025. The name "Elba" is a direct reference to the Isle of Elba, famously tied to Napoleon’s exile in The Count of Montecristo. This is a symbol of turning points, resilience, and grand returns, themes deeply woven into both the Montecristo brand and its rich storytelling tradition.
The vitola, Encantos (54x146mm), is a modern format that aligns perfectly with the rich, medium-bodied character of Montecristo. While full details on the blend remain undisclosed, expect the complexity and balance that Montecristo is known for, with a deeper, refined intensity fitting for a Limited Edition release.
Punch Princesas Limited Edition 2025
Vitola: Edmundo (52x135mm) – Limited Edition
This release is a tribute to one of Habanos' oldest brands, Punch, marking its 185th anniversary with a vitola that revives the Princesas name from the 1960s. Punch has always been a brand that balances strength and refinement, and this Edmundo-sized Limited Edition looks to deliver a robust, nostalgic experience.
The original Princesas vitola was a fan favorite during its time, and bringing it back in a larger format shows an interesting shift towards modern preferences without losing its old-world charm. As a brand, Punch has been selective with Limited Editions, making this release a potentially rare and valuable collector’s item.
Trinidad Villa
Vitola: Julieta No.3 (47x170mm) – LCDH & Habanos Specialist Exclusive
Trinidad cigars always carry a sense of exclusivity, and the Trinidad Villa continues this tradition. Designed only for La Casa del Habano (LCDH) and Habanos Specialists, this release is about prestige. If I’m not mistaken this is the first ever Trinidad to bear the band of LCDH and HS.
Named after Cuba’s colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this long, elegant Julieta No.3 vitola (47x170mm) is a nod to classic Cuban cigars. Expect smoothness, complexity, and the refined signature of Trinidad’s blend, making it an excellent addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of connoisseur cigars.
Bolívar Royal Gigantes – Colección Habanos
Vitola: Mitos (53x174mm) – 3,000 Limited Edition Humidors
Among collectors and full-bodied cigar enthusiasts, Bolívar has always held a special place. This year’s Colección Habanos entry, the Bolívar Royal Gigantes, is an absolute powerhouse release. With only 3,000 humidors produced, this 53x174mm vitola, named Mitos, aligns with the brand’s legacy of rich, bold, and aging-worthy cigars.
Colección Habanos humidors are highly sought after, and given Bolívar’s cult following, this one is destined to appreciate in value. If history repeats itself, this will be one of the most desirable Bolívar releases in years, commanding impressive secondary market prices.
La Gloria Cubana LCDH 35th Anniversary & 140 Years of the Brand
Vitola: Rodolfos (54x180mm) – 750 Numbered Humidors
Few brands carry the boutique charm of La Gloria Cubana, and this special edition humidor marks both its 140th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of La Casa del Habano (LCDH).
Presented in a stunning, collectible humidor, only 750 numbered units were produced, each containing 35 Rodolfos cigars (54x180mm). This rare, large format vitola further cements La Gloria Cubana as a brand that blends elegance and depth in every release.
Given the limited number of humidors, this is an investment piece that is both a smoking treasure and a collector’s dream. I know I will hunt one down.
Diplomáticos Cancilleres
Vitola: Centrofino (52x130mm) – Standard Production
Not every exciting release has to be a Limited Edition or a humidor-exclusive cigar. The Diplomáticos Cancilleres marks a significant addition to the regular Habanos portfolio. Diplomáticos has seen a cult resurgence, and this new vitola (52x130mm) fits the brand’s tradition of rich yet balanced smokes.
Diplomáticos cigars have always been fantastic for aging, and this Centrofino vitola will likely be no different, offering a refined, medium-to-full smoking experience that rewards patience. Centrofino sounds like a vitola destined for the Vegueros brand but seems like that one has been off Habanos radars for a short while now.
Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Luis
Vitola: Fragancias (52x160mm) – Standard Production
I’m very excited for this one. Hoyo de Monterrey is known for elegance and smoothness, and the Le Hoyo de San Luis continues that legacy. This new standard-production vitola (52x160mm) will undoubtedly become a go-to for aficionados who appreciate refined complexity.
A welcome addition to the Le Hoyo series, it provides a longer, richer experience while maintaining the brand’s signature creamy, woody profile. The Le Hoyo series cigars are very special as their filler, binder and wrapper come from the same plantation, which is a rare occurrence even if Cuba has over 50 DOCs.
What These Releases Mean for Aficionados.
With so much attention on headline-grabbing launches, it’s easy for true gems like these to fly under the radar. But for those who appreciate the finer details of Cuban cigar history, these releases are some of the most exciting of the year.
Collectors will be keeping a close eye on the Bolívar Royal Gigantes and La Gloria Cubana humidor, while everyday enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the Diplomáticos Cancilleres and the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Luis as fantastic regular production additions.
The future of Habanos is looking more refined than ever, and if these cigars are any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be a fascinating year for Cuban cigars.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company—until we meet again.