Gastronomy | Habanos
HABANOS VINTAGE - The new concept of exclusive ageing in the Habanos S.A. portfolio
| 2024-06-05 |     |
Habanos, S.A. has an extensive portfolio that includes the oldest brands on the market. Its history and tradition do not leave enthusiasts and collectors worldwide indifferent, many of them opting to keep Habanos launched decades ago because they have unique properties that make them the perfect choice for ageing.
Markets such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hong Kong have a deep-rooted tradition of ageing Habanos. This process enhances the product's biochemical and organoleptic characteristics, creating a unique smoking experience without altering its original traits. Experts attest that Vintage Habanos offer a smoother, more delightful taste, with delicate and sweet notes complemented by woody undertones.
The ageing of Vintage Habanos is not related to the ageing of the tobacco leaves nor to when they were harvested. Vintage Habanos are Habanos already rolled in their original wooden boxes, sealed, and marked with the month and year of manufacture. These Habanos are left to age for years in perfect conditions of conservation, and this process is established and monitored by the Regulatory Council of the Protected Appellations of Origin of Habanos, P.A.O. which is unique in the world of premium tobacco.
From Habanos, S.A. and under the supervision of the Regulatory Council, it is considered that 5 years is the minimum time for the benefits of ageing to be appreciated. The conservation conditions required for ‘Vintage’ categorisation are temperature (between 16ºC and 18ºC), humidity (between 65% and 75%) and atmosphere (free of odours, fumes and any environmental element that may alter the conditions of the product). No less important is the arrangement of the product during the resting period, as it may be packed in original crates intended for sale, in wooden crates, in bundles or contact with cedar sheets or cedar boxes.
The Regulatory Council of the Protected Appellation of Origin Habanos defines four Vintage categories according to the years of ageing:
Vintage 5: Habanos aged for more than 5 years and less than 10 years, counted from the date they were rolled and laid to rest. Vintage 10: Habanos aged for more than 10 years and less than 15 years, counted from the date of rolling and laying at rest. Vintage 15: Habanos aged for more than 15 years and less than 20 years, counted from the date of rolling and laying at rest. Grand Vintage: Habanos aged for more than 20 years, counted from the date of rolling and laying at rest.
The first Vintage Habanos hit the market, this time with the launch of a limited series of humidors in collaboration with the renowned Parisian firm S.T. Dupont on the occasion of Trinidad's 55th anniversary.
This is a numbered series of 1,000 copies, each containing 55 Trinidad Fundadores Vintage 10, which will only be for the delight of the luckiest Habano enthusiasts. Each Habano elegantly dressed with the brand's signature band, a special and unique foot band that shows its vintage category, and an additional foot band designed exclusively for this launch.
The humidors are inspired by the magnificent travel boots that became popular among the upper class in the early 20th century. They draw on S.T. Dupont's experience and history as a maker of some of the finest pieces of that time. Their modern design, with a pattern based on the brand's distinctive logo, creates a perfect link between tradition and the avant-garde.
Of this series of 1,000 humidors, 55 pieces have been created under the artistic direction of the prestigious designer Charaf Tajer, founder of the fashion brand Casablanca, who puts his stamp on it through an attractive and colourful design with the Trinidad logo as the protagonist.
Charaf Tajer
‘As a Habanos enthusiast and collector, I have been an avid fan of Trinidad, so it is my dream to partner with her in collaboration with S.T. Dupont. My passion for Cuba, developed through my travels to the island over the years, has inspired me to create this exclusive collection of 55 humidors to pay homage to one of the most internationally acclaimed Habanos brands’.