A three-day celebration in London to mark the 55th anniversary of the Trinidad brand
Once more we convene, dear reader, and today we cast our gaze upon joyous tidings. I am thrilled beyond measure to announce my attendance at this year's Habanos World Days in London. Allow me to elaborate on this splendid affair.
In a remarkable fusion of tradition and festivity, Hunters & Frankau, in partnership with Habanos S.A., are poised to host a magnificent three-day extravaganza in London, celebrating the esteemed 55th anniversary of the Trinidad brand. From June 20th to 22nd, 2024, lucky aficionados from around the globe will converge upon the UK for what has been named the Habanos World Days—the first such event to ever grace a venue outside the warm embrace of Cuba.
The festivities will commence with a grandiose Cocktail Party on Thursday evening, which artfully combines the charm of an English garden party with the exuberant spirit of Cuba. This event promises to provide an engaging mix of sumptuous cocktails, premium Havana cigars which I will list below, live music, and a plethora of other surprises, all designed to captivate the senses and enrich the minds of those in attendance.
Cigars of the evening:
Fundadores (40x192): As the name "Founder" implies, this was the inaugural size of Trinidad introduced in 1998. Known for its medium-bodied, fragrant blend, it was crafted by Master Blender Raul Valladares at El Laguito.
Robusto Extra (50x155) : The much-acclaimed Robusto Extra makes a welcome comeback. Originally available for only eight years, it left a lasting impression on connoisseurs. Guests will receive three Robusto Extra cigars, with two presented in a distinctive Bosquet leather case.
As the event transitions to Friday, the atmosphere will shift towards a more contemplative ambiance with a comprehensive Seminar & Exhibition. Here, distinguished speakers from both the UK and Cuba will lead a thought-provoking round table discussion, diving deep into the intricacies of the tobacco industry. This intellectual feast will be complemented by an exhibition that highlights the historical and current significance of Trinidad cigars, showcasing some of the rarest and most exquisite specimens ever produced by the brand. Additionally, the winner of the UK ‘Trinidad Perfect Pairing’ competition will unveil their expert pairing, further enriching the experience for all present.
Cigars:
Reyes (40x110): First introduced in London in 2003, this cigar delivers a classic Cuban leaf flavor in an aromatic, fragrant, medium-bodied style.
Media Luna (50x115): Introduced in 2019, this cigar offers a multi-layered flavor profile in a concise and compact format.
Topes (56x125): This cigar belongs to the exclusive group that transitioned from an Edición Limitada in 2016 to a staple in the brand's classic range by 2019. It will be featured for tasting by the victorious team at the Trinidad 'perfect pairing' event.
In the evening, the celebration will expand nationally with 55 tasting events taking place across the United Kingdom. This widespread celebration will allow enthusiasts from every corner of the nation to partake in the revelry and honor the legacy of the Trinidad brand.
The culmination of the Habanos World Days will occur in grand style on Saturday night with a lavish Gala Dinner set in a historical and visually stunning location. This black-tie affair will not only celebrate the world launch of the Trinidad Cabildos (2024 Limited Edition) and its ‘Premier Edition’ but will also include a charity auction and several unexpected delights that are sure to thrill the Habanos passionados fortunate enough to already have a ticket as this event is currently sold out.
Cigars:
Vigia (54x110): This cigar presents a robust silhouette that contrasts with its elegant and refined character. Introduced in 2014, the Vigia offers a distinctive size within the Habanos portfolio.
Cabildos Limited Edition 2024 (46x162): The Cabildos will make their debut at the Gala dinner as a Limited Edition release. Every component, including the filler and binders, undergoes a two-year aging process prior to the cigars' assembly. The first 50,000 cigars will be presented in a specially numbered leather case, crafted exclusively for the UK market.
I earnestly hope that the weather will be gracious, blessing us with warmth and steering clear of rain. A notable hiccup, however, lies in the UK’s indoor smoking regulations, which means that during the gala dinner, guests wishing to savor a cigar will need to step outside.
This event extends an invitation to genuine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a festivity that masterfully blends British hospitality with the deeply authentic traditions of Cuban cigar culture. This assembly is set to be a profound, unforgettable tribute to the art and culture of cigar appreciation—an enriching experience not to be missed.