The best cigars to elevate your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, featuring a curated selection of luxurious Habanos and perfect pairings for unforgettable holiday moments.
Hello dear reader,
As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves in the season of celebration, moments filled with family, friends, and the joy of reflecting on the year past. For a cigar aficionado, no holiday gathering is complete without a fine cigar in hand, elevating the festive atmosphere to something truly extraordinary. Whether it’s the warmth of Christmas or the glamour of New Year’s Eve, here is a curated selection of cigars that are as special as the occasions they’re meant to celebrate.
1. Trinidad Fundadores (Laguito Especial 40 x 192)
A timeless classic, the Trinidad Fundadores embodies elegance and subtlety. Its delicate cedar notes are perfect for moments of quiet reflection during the holiday season. Paired with a glass of aged Champagne, this slender cigar becomes XXXX
2. Cohiba 55th Anniversary LE 2021 (Victoria 57 x 150)
A cigar that commands attention, the Cohiba 55th Anniversary 2021 Limited Edition is a celebration in itself. With its bold notes of leather, cocoa, and spices, this vitola is perfect for ringing in the New Year. Pair it with a glass of old Single Malt for an unforgettable experience.
3. Hoyo de Monterrey Monterreyes no4. (Maravilla no4 55 x 145)
This is a standout cigar for a festive dinner party. Its balanced profile of creamy almond and toasted bread pairs beautifully with a rich red wine, making it a versatile choice for both Christmas feasts and New Year’s revelry. For me this cigar also stands out from the entire Hoyo cigar line up, a very special release.
4. Partagás Rito (Gustosos 52 x 168)
The Partagás Rito, with its medium-to-full-bodied profile, is a bold addition to any celebration. Packed with earthy notes and spices, it pairs exceptionally well with an elegant rum, adding a touch of intensity to your holiday evenings.
5. Quai d’Orsay Especial d’Orsay (Sobresalientes 53 x 153)
With its creamy texture and subtle hints of vanilla, the Quai d’Orsay Especial d’Orsay is a refined choice for any festive occasion. Pair it with a glass of elegant Champagne to enhance its light and elegant profile.
6. Trinidad Cabildos LE 2024 (Ilustres 46 x 162)
The newly launched Trinidad Cabildos is already making waves. Its rich, complex blend offers layers of cocoa, dried fruit, and coffee, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory toast. A dark rum like Havana Club Don Navarro, Maximo or Tributo will beautifully complement its bold flavors.
7. Hoyo de Monterrey Maravilla (Maravillas 55 x 230)
The 2015 Hoyo de Monterrey Maravilla is perfect for the aficionado seeking a lighter-bodied cigar with exceptional nuance. Its floral and honeyed notes pair wonderfully with a crisp champagne, making it an ideal choice for daytime holiday gatherings. Not to mention that this vitola will last you the entire day. You light this one up on December 24th after dinner and Santa will be able to catch you still enjoying it long after midnight.
8. Cohiba Novedosos (Robustos No.2 50 x 156)
The Cohiba Novedosos is a statement piece, offering a complex blend of cedar, coffee, and roasted nuts. A true masterpiece. Pair it with a well-aged Cognac to create a perfect end to your 2024 celebrations.
9. Cohiba Espléndidos Gran Reserva (Julieta no.2 47 x 178)
A cigar for the ultimate experience, the Cohiba Espléndidos Gran Reserva is as rare as it is luxurious. Its silky smoothness, combined with layers of leather and sweet spice, makes it a perfect pairing for a Petrus Pomerol or a celebratory toast with champagne.
10. Montecristo 80th Anniversary (Maravillas No.2 55 x 165)
The Montecristo 80th Anniversary is a cigar that exudes prestige. Its deep, bold profile of dark chocolate, black pepper, and espresso is best enjoyed with a rich espresso martini or a fine single-malt whisky while the sky is filled with fireworks. Imagine the sparkles reflection on your cufflinks while you savour this amazing habano during the first seconds of 2025. Now that’s something to look forward to.
Honorable Mentions
For the collectors, consider savoring a Cuban Davidoff or any aged Habanos from your humidor. These treasures are moments frozen in time, perfect for marking the end of one year and the beginning of another.
Reflecting on the Year
As I look back on 2024, it’s been a year filled with incredible cigars, unforgettable moments, and a shared love for the artistry of Habanos. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy global events like the Trinity of Trinidad or spend quiet nights in Havana with new and old friends. This year has reminded us all why cigars are a way of life. So here’s a toast to the future.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, may your celebrations be filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, exceptional cigars. Here’s to a new year of rich flavors, lasting memories, and shared moments of indulgence.
From my humidor to yours … Happy Holidays! and wishing you rich flavors and good company, until we meet again.