 |
Festival del Habanos 2005
FESTIVAL DEL HABANOS 2005
MITCHELLS DIARY
Sunday 20th February
Habanos Festival...here we go
again...the highlight of my years travel calendar :) ...a chance to meet
old friends and new from within the cigar industry as well
as aficionados and connoisseurs.
The VIIth Festival is already interesting, before we have arrived, the
Cuban Government apparently having passed law to ban smoking in public
places (are they becoming politically correct?!) ..... we are assured by
Hunters and Frankau that allowances will be made for the Festival.
Meeting up with John Darnton (sales Director of Hunters & Frankau) and
the Hunters and Frankau Group at Heathrow airport, our flight to Madrid
was just about on
time and the first laugh of the trip was to find that I was sitting next
to Adrian Leslie of Cigar Unlimited!.. Unlimited and Ltd next to each
other (LOL) I understand Adrian has an excellent specialist cigar shop
in Fulham that is well worth a visit.
10 hour flight from Madrid to Havana on Iberia...new
aircraft...delightful...same old air hostesses (groan) nevertheless I
was kept entertained by Vanessa from San Sebastien (duty free cigars if
my Spanish translation was correct ...which it rarely is!) who
constantly offered me sweets and chocolates throughout the flight ;-)
Finally arriving in Havana, I went through the usual slow passport
control and rapidly on to change up my Sterling to the convertible Pesos
(no more US Dollars here unless you want to blow 10% on the exchange
rate!)
Hopped on the Hunters coach to the Hotel Nacional, check in was
remarkably smoother than previous years and at last.....almost 24 hours
of travelling later, it was time for a Puros.
Out to the terrace at the Nacional on a warm and breezy night...could
there be a better spot for a cigar ? ( well I know one or two but I was
happy to slum it here tonight!) Met up with Nick Foulkes (extremely
witty journalist), Edward Sahakian (extremely professional and suave
cigar merchant from Davidoff in London) and Simon Chase (ummm....walking
encyclopaedia and Marketing Director of Hunters & Frankau) and some
other thoroughly nice chaps from the Hunters & Frankau group. Some 7
year old Havana Club together with a 7 year old H Upmann Corona... the
perfect start to my trip ;-)
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Simon Chase relaxing at the Nacional |
Guy Hancock Decent Cigar Emporium Dublin
relaxing at Commodoro cigar shop. |
Mirecki enjoys pizza at the Melia Habana! |
Nick Foulkes journalist...need I say more
?! |
Monday 21st February
Sun is shining and
it's around 75F....a beautiful day in Havana. I don't want to work too
hard so I headed for the Robaina shop at the Melia Habana Hotel for
coffee and smokes. Andreas the manager was helpful and welcoming, the
coffee was strong and was complimented with some custom blends that I
had made by Yolanda last February that were just about ready to smoke
now. These cigars are not for the faint of heart as I had asked Yolanda
to make them "Mas Fuerte"...not the best idea for me as a I prefer mild
cigars! Nevertheless, they were full of flavour and little nicotine. The
vitola was "Trabuca" (my spelling may be wrong based on the fact that
Yolanda does not speak English and my Spanish...........!) Think of an
overgrown Siglo VI and you're on the right lines!
Popped into the 5th Avenue Casa Del Habanos and said Hi to the manager
Osmany briefly and checked if my cigars were maturing well. I've been
laying down
cigars in Havana for the last 8 years and have enough mature cigars to
last me for the next 8 years !
The cigars shops are full of stocks, regular and Edicion Limitada but
alas nothing that we don't already have in the UK market. No sign of
Ramon Allones Belicosos which I am pleased are only available in the UK.
The new Romeo book of Fabulosos can be found but you have to look very
hard for them as they are few and far between.
No sign of the eagerly awaited Partagas Serie D Reserva although I have
tried it and can confirm it is a most splendid cigar. The second band on
the cigar says 2000 i.e. the filler tobacco is aged from 2000!...now you
know why the cigar is excellent.
No sign of the new Partagas P2 although I have tried that as well :) The
P2 is a piramides with a regular wrapper not Edicion Limitada and not
maduro. (Same size and shape as a Monte 2) The blend is balanced but the
cigar is fresh. It shows great promise and is sure to be extremely
popular although patience and humidor time is required.
I understand that we may well be seeing an extension to the San
Cristobal range with 4 new vitolas ....baffling marketing decision by
Habanos but who am I to pass judgement.
Great jazz and entertainment at Casa del Musica in the evening (with Guy
Hancock from The Decent Cigar Emporium in Dublin...be sure to visit his
shop if you visit Ireland!) complimented with rather copious quantities
of Havana Club 7 and Montecristo No.1´s from 1970 (nothing like smoking
aged cigars in Havana!)
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Simon Chase |
Che photo in the factory |
The Hunters and Frankau coach! |
A rather excellent Russian cigar
sommelier! |
Tuesday 22nd February
Early start as I'm off to Pinar Del Rio (literally Pines of the River)
with the Hunters and Frankau group led by Simon Chase, John Darnton and
Anna Lopez.
Luxury coach (better than the hotel in fact...I almost stayed in it for
the rest of the week!) with a bar at the back (...well Crystal beer and
Havana Club rum!) and the tour guide very kindly advised that "smoking
was forbidden but hey guys....leave it all up to you."...off we went in
a puff of smoke!
Constant wit and amusement was provided by Bill Knott journalist or as
he prefers recovering chef...(previously Green street of Mayfair) as
well as the one and only Nick Foulkes....dressed in his inimitable
fashion.
Pinar Del Rio has some 15,000 hectares of prime tobacco growing area and
this year Habanos expect to crank out some 3 million hand made cigars of
better quality than ever before.
70% of the tobacco in Cuba comes from the Pinar Del Rio and this has
been the driest year in the last 75 years which has been very good for
the crops.
We drove past San Luis Y Martinez and the Hoyo De Monterrey plantation
where I was surprised how late the harvest was, as there was still
plenty of tobacco
in the fields. Expect excellent cigars from this years vintage.
Inspecting the curing barns I learned that last seasons hurricanes had
no affect on the industry to speak of.
As reported last year, Habanos are now laying down bales of tobacco for
ageing and use at later dates....we should see some awesome smokes over
the next
few years.
Back to Havana and dinner at the Nacional gourmet restaurant ....bit of
an oxymoron but the atmosphere and ambience was excellent.....I don't
think much has changed here for the last 50 odd years except the faces
of the diners.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No shortage of tobacco this year :-) |
Simon spamming his book "Cultivating a
Tradition" |
My hero :-) |
How does he do that?! |
Wednesday 23rd February
The trade fair opens at the convention centre and I'm there from the
off. I love to meet up with antiques collectors (especially my friend
Valerio Cornale who has the best collection the world...apart from him
being a thoroughly nice chap!)
Bought my ticket for the raffle...prize is a Limited Edition Montecristo
humidor...will I ever win ???!!!
Plenty of exhibitors this year including Montecristo fashions,
aftershave and colognes (which are remarkably good) and cigar arts and
crafts. Couldn't resist buying more of the glass cased baseball bats
made of tobacco!...hope they don't fall to pieces in my suitcase on the
way home!
Bumped into the Italian Mafia :0) and was invited to their cigar evening
at the Hostal Conde de Villa Nueva on Thursday.. how could I refuse? The
Havana Italian cigar smoking community are the coolest I know. (Thanks
Massimo, Angelo and Alex..Boss, Under boss and Consigliore!)
Off to Club Havana for a smoke with Christoph Wolters. Decided on some
1969 Partagas Lusitanias that I just happened to have with me (!)....
Christoph poured the Roederer champagne and we decided that this was how
the life of a cigar merchant should be :) I congratulated Christoph on
the wonderful new Bolivar Gold Medals as we discussed other limited
production cigars that we would love to see recreated...watch this space
;-)
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| It may look like a post card but it's
real!. |
Thursday 24th February
Well....today is Whisky and Cigars challenge day hosted by Damien Riley
Smiths excellent Whisky magazine.
I was judge at round 1 at Floridita in London last month and gladly
participated, or should I say enthusiastically participated, in round 2
and the final at the convention centre today :-)
I'll leave it to Whisky Magazine to report in full but I can tell you
that I guessed 1 of the cigars correctly which was the Siglo V but the
second cigar which I was certain was a Partagas 898 was in fact a
Bolivar Inmensas... I am absolutely floored! I have always liked the
Inmensas and will soon be offering my friends and clients a very special
deal on these splendid Puros. The winning Whisky was I believe a
Glenrothes (hic)!
Have to head to the pool to top up the tan...more news from the Festival
dinner follows soon assuming the computers hold out at The Nacional
Hotel!
This evening I'm attending a
party thrown by the Cigar Clubs of Italy Association at Hostal Conde De
Villa Nueva in Old Havana.
This hotel has it's own Casa Del Habanos which has been refurbished
since I was last here and looks better than ever.
Fantastic Cuban band, good food and plenty of fine libations. The event
was held in the courtyard on a beautiful warm dry evening.
Chatted with James Suckling from Cigar Aficionado and Max Gutman the
official importer from Mexico who kindly gifted me a rather old Cohiba
Lanceros :-) I think he enjoyed my late 60's Montecristo No 1 :-)
Sat with a load of guys including Valerio (the most famous Cuban antique
collector) and Salvatore Parisi the famous cigar collector (diary note
must take Italian classes this year!) Swapped a late 1960's Montecristo
No 1 with an enormous Diademas from Alex :-)
Thanks to all my Italian friends including Angelo Bigi for such a
pleasant evening.
11 PM and it's off to the Boisedales party ...somewhere near Miramar in
a Paladar.
More bands ..dancing and copious quantities of single malt Whisky. Great
to see my friend Mike Mirecki of Cuba Welcome Travel there.
Thanks to Ranald McDonald of Boisdales and Floridita for a great
evening. Be sure to visit his excellent restaurants in London!
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No shortage of wrapper! |
|
Hanging up to cure |
|
 |
 |
|
|
| Bill, Mitch and Simon enjoying a lunch
time cigar (Ramón Belicosos thanks H and F!) |
Rafael Bernardo |
|
|
Friday 25th February
Late start and I'm off to the Partagas factory Casa del Habanos. The
Manager Abel greets me warmly as ever. Said hi to Kiki and Jose who
kindly gave me a La China salomones with an awesome maduro wrapper.
Smoked it on the spot! strong sweet and perfectly crafted. Accompanied
by a couple of strong espressos...I'm now fully awake!
Next stop La Corona factory Casa del Habanos where I bump into Ajay
Patel from Broadweighs cigars who's chilling out at the bar.
Said hello to Toboada (probably the best roller in Havana) and asked him
to make me a bundle of maduro piramides and he gladly obliged:-)
Well....the big night is here and it's time for the Gala dinner!
Hopped on the Hunters and Frankau coach and the rain started to pour!
Luckily the event was not open air as it was last year!
Greeted by beautiful statuesque girls serving Champagne and Partagas
Shorts I headed into the dinner where I am told 900 people attended from
all over the world.
Chatted with loads of folks I know both from the cigar industry and
cigar aficionados. Hot topic was the supposed smoking ban in Cuba which
seems to be almost universally ignored I am pleased to say. Perhaps just
a token gesture from Fidel to appear politically correct?
Sitting between Simon Chase and Jemma Freeman and opposite David Lewis
(Chairman of Hunters and Frankau) was an honour in itself.
A few speeches as usual as well as Habanos Man of The Year Awards.
Congratulations to Vahe Gerard of Geneva for winning retailer award. Do
visit his excellent cigar store at the Noga Hilton if you find yourself
in Geneva.
English actor Jeremy Irons made a short speech that went something like
this, " Cigarettes are like having sex ...cigars are like making love"!
Bizarre but very funny! Nice chap...I had my photo with him!
Various entertainment provided by singers, dancers and a rather bizarre
magician! Followed by Chuchu Valdez on piano....awesome and then Spanish
dancer Joachim Cortez.....incredible!
It's already 1 in the morning and Simon Chase starts the charity auction
(proceeds to the National Health service in Cuba) 6 beautiful lots all
sold rather smoothly this year and Simon was an excellent auctioneer!
Full details of lots and photos to follow.
We smoked Partagas Petit Corona Especiales and 898 during the meal and
the new Partagas P2 after the meal. This is sure to be a popular cigar.
Attendees were gifted a delightful varnished box containing 3 of the new
Partagas cigars.
Thanks to Hunters and Frankau for all their help during my trip to the
Festival this year.
....and to think I have to do this all again next year ;-)
Hope you enjoy the photos.
Best
Mitchell
Orchant |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Whisky and cigar Challenge |
Whisky and cigar challenge |
I really do excel in some things...like
whisky and cigars :-) |
Bill Knott
recovering chef (!) |
Final round Whisky and cigar challenge |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
Angelo Bigi at Conde De Villa Nueva CCA
night |
James Suckling European editor Cigar
Aficionado magazine at Conde De Villa Nueva CCA night |
Nobuhiro at Conde De Villa Nueva CCA
night |
Valerio at Conde De Villa Nueva CCA night |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Partagas LCDH |
Bernard from South Africa at Boisedales
party |
Caught trying to take these leaves out! |
Edward Sahakian Davidoff of London |
Partagas LCDH |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| The panel included the British ambassador |
Bill relaxing with a good cigar or two or
three.... |
|
|
|
WHATS ON
The organisers' extensive programme starts
on the 23rd of February, with the III International Habanosommelier
Competition, a very popular event among the growing number of Habanos
enthusiasts who ask for the advice of the sommelier when choosing a
cigar. The participants in this international competition are the
winning sommeliers of the national encounters organised in each
different country.
As part of the Grand Finale, competitors will undergo a theoretical
exam, where they will have to prove their knowledge of the different
brands and vitolas. The finalists will then show their skills in a
practical test which demonstrates their cutting and lighting techniques
with Habanos, followed by a descriptive tasting session and the
association of these cigars with a range of different drinks.
The Whisky and Cigar Challenge, held for the second time this year, is
another favourite among Festival Week participants. On this occasion,
different marriages will be proposed between a variety of whisky brands
and Habanos cigars. The winner will emerge victorious from the votes of
over three hundred participants who will taste the
proposed combinations.
The programme also includes an International Seminar with lectures on
different subjects such as The World of Luxury. Present and Future, the
historic links of San Cristóbal de La Havana with the Habanos brand and
an interesting analysis of Literature, Cinema and Habanos.
PRACTICAL CLASSES
Festival participants this year will be given a practical class on the
art of rolling and making a Robusto cigar. In Cuba, where almost no
Habanos are machine rolled, a long tradition of "torcedores" or artisan
cigar rollers has developed over the years. The only tools these experts
use are a wooden board, a ring punch to cut the cap, a guillotine,
vegetable gum and a template to measure the length and girth of the
cigar and, of course their skilled hands. It takes years to become an
expert in this work, considered by many to be an art.
The day's practical class will be completed with an interesting Round
Table Discussion on Cigar Tasting, a subject that is becoming more and
more popular among Festival regulars. Participants will be given the
best advice and suggestions for full enjoyment of a Habanos.
Participants will come away full of useful recommendations covering how
to select, cut, light and enjoy the cigar.
Following the wise process, this ceremony turns smoking a Habanos into
delight for your senses. In the process of choosing a cigar, all of
one's senses are involved: the colour should be pleasing to the eye, the
perfect construction and correct conservation of the cigar should
welcome the touch, its aromas should delight your sense of smell and its
typical exclusive flavour should be pleasing on your palate.
AN EXCEPTIONAL EXCURSION
Cuba has the best land in the world for growing tobacco, but only a few
places, known as vegas (tobacco fields) are considered suitable for
growing the kind of tobacco used for making Habanos. Classed as "Vegas
Finas de Primera" (First Class Fine Tobacco Fields), they meet unique
soil-quality and micro-climate requirements, which make them unique for
tobacco cultivation.
One of the most prestigious vegas is located in Vuelta Abajo, considered
the best land in the world for growing tobacco. Vuela Abajo is the only
vegas that produces all kinds of leaves. But even here, only a small
portion, less than a quarter, of the productive land is classed as "Vega
Fina de Primera", a requisite for growing tobacco for
Habanos.
Once again, the Festival organisers are offering an excursion through
the major growing areas of this region: Pinar del RÃo, a province in the
west of the island where there are several famous plantations like those
of tobacco grower Alejandro Robaina. The excursion proposed by the
Festival will culminate with a visit to the "Real Fábrica de Tabacos
Partagas" (Partagas Royal Tobacco Works) in Havana. The prestigious
"Partagas" brand, one of the most celebrated cigars, are still made
here. This is one of the oldest cigar factories in Cuba and a mecca for
any cigar lover.
TRADE FAIR
In the week of the 22nd to the 27th of February, the city of Havana acts
as host to showcase the excellence of Habanos. The Festival organises a
Trade Fair that attracts all the leading professionals in the industry.
This unique encounter, perhaps the best cigar industry exhibition in the
world, allows participants the chance to purchase all kinds of Habanos
related products in the heart of Cuba.
Every year, the fair attracts over 40 exhibitors, from manufacturers of
humidors, articles for smokers and luxury items to gourmet products,
crafts, farming related products, machinery, among other products.
INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
The exceptional quality of the Cuban tobacco plant, which grows
naturally in some parts of the island, has won it a reputation that is
unrivalled anywhere in the world. Despite this, the Habanos S.A. company
is well aware of just how important it is to devote effort to scientific
development. These new discoveries are then applied to tobacco growing
in order to maintain the quality standards that have made its' products
famous throughout the world.
Habanos cigars are made from Cuban Black Tobacco, the direct descendent
of the plants that Columbus discovered in Cuba over five hundred years
ago. Since the early 20th century, scientific advancements have helped
to improve the wide range of seed varieties, identify their
characteristics and find resistant varieties. The Habanos S.A.
Corporation has a deep commitment to preserve and perfect the essence of
the true and unique Cuban seed; the seed that produces Cuban Black
Tobacco.
In this sense, the Festival also serves as an important forum for
discussion and for exchanging experiences among prestigious researchers
in the world of tobacco growing from all over the world. This year, a
Scientific Seminar will focus on aspects such as genetic development,
molecular biology, bio-technology, agricultural engineering and
alternative uses of tobacco.
As part of this seminar, Habanos S.A. Corporation will hold an
International Workshop with Cell death in plants: A challenge for the
new millennium as its central theme. Participants will include
specialists in Plant Pathology and Plant Physiology as well as students
and professors of applied biology and agricultural engineering.
CLIMAX
The VI Habanos Festival reaches its high point on the 27th with the
traditional Gala Dinner, a unique event that brings together over 800
cigar lovers from all over to celebrate the Habanos cigar in style. The
evening will include the Hombre Habano 2004 Awards, which commends
outstanding work in cigar-profession categories
such as Production, Communication, Retail Sales and Business.
Another high point of the Gala Dinner is the long awaited Humidor
Auction, an event to auction off unique examples of fine cedar work. As
in other years, the money raised from the bidding will go to the Cuban
Health Service.
With the unmistakeable aroma and flavour of this evening, Havana puts
the finishing touches to a frantic week in which the island opens up its
walls once again to welcome all those who love Cuba's most famous export
product.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Info on Partagas 2 |
Auction catalogue |
Auction catalogue |
Auction catalogue |
Auction catalogue |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Auction catalogue |
Partagas P2 presentation
case gifted to attendees of the gala dinner |
New Havana Club rum only
available in Cuba at this time |
|
Auction Catalogue |
|
|
|
Festival 2005
