The Tax-Free World Association Exhibition (TFWE) is a landmark event in the Duty-Free and Travel Retail industry, and its 30th edition, held from October 3-7, 2016, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, was no exception. Among the most highly anticipated exhibitors was Habanos, S.A., the world-renowned Cuban cigar company, which brought a touch of Havana’s rich tobacco heritage to the French Riviera. This year’s showcase was particularly special as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Cohiba brand.
A Star is Born: The Cohiba Selección 50 Aniversario Travel Humidor
The undisputed star of the Habanos, S.A. booth was the Cohiba Selección 50 Aniversario Travel Humidor. This exclusive product, limited to just 10,000 units, was crafted to cater specifically to the Duty-Free and Travel Retail market. Designed as an elegant and functional travel case, the humidor held eight meticulously selected cigars, each representing one of Cohiba’s four iconic lines:
- Pirámides Extra (Classic Line): A medium-to-full-bodied torpedo that’s rich in cedar, nuts, and subtle spice.
- Siglo VI (Linea 1492): Velvety smooth with flavors of coffee, honey, and cocoa, a must-try for aficionados.
- Genios (Maduro 5 Line): With its dark wrapper, it delivers indulgent notes of chocolate, coffee, and earth.
- Behike 56 (Behike Line): The epitome of luxury, with a creamy, leathery profile and a hint of pepper.
Handcrafted with tobacco from the esteemed Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, these cigars ensured a top-tier experience for every smoker.
Spotlight on the Classics and New Additions
In addition to the travel humidor, Habanos, S.A. introduced other highlights of their 2016 portfolio:
Upmann Magnum 54
The new Magnum 54 added heft and depth to H. Upmann’s celebrated Magnum Line. With its robust 54-ring gauge and a length of 120 mm (4.7 inches), this light-to-medium-bodied cigar offered notes of toasted almonds, cedar, and cream—perfect for both seasoned smokers and newcomers.
Epicure No.2 del Hoyo de Monterrey Reserva Cosecha 2012
This robusto-sized gem, measuring 50 x 124 mm (4.9 inches), represented the essence of Hoyo de Monterrey. The tobaccos used for this Reserva had been aged for at least three years, resulting in a smooth, flavorful smoke with hints of chocolate, caramel, and floral undertones.
Cohiba’s 50th Anniversary Special Vitolas
To mark Cohiba’s golden anniversary, Habanos, S.A. unveiled three exceptional vitolas:
- Medio Siglo: A compact yet complex cigar, measuring 52 x 102 mm (4 inches), offering rich flavors of honey, cedar, and roasted nuts.
- Cohiba Majestuosos 1966: This unprecedented size (58 x 150 mm / 5.9 inches) delivered a luxurious blend of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper.
- Cohiba Grandioso: With its impressive 60-ring gauge and a length of 178 mm (7 inches), the Grandioso was the largest ring gauge ever produced by Habanos. Limited to just 50 humidors, each containing 50 individually numbered cigars, these masterpieces were crafted by the renowned French artisans at Elie Bleu. Smokers could expect rich, layered flavors of leather, wood, and molasses—a true connoisseur’s delight.
The 2016 Limited Editions
Adding to the excitement were three Limited Edition cigars:
- Montecristo Dantés: A medium-bodied Hermoso No.1 (48 x 167 mm / 6.6 inches) with classic Montecristo flavors of wood, leather, and sweet spice.
- Romeo y Julieta Capuletos: A Sobresalientes (53 x 153 mm / 6 inches) offering rich notes of dried fruits, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Trinidad Topes: With its 56 ring gauge and 125 mm (5 inches) length, this cigar combines earthy, woody notes with the creamy sweetness of cocoa.
The Gala Dinner: A Tribute to Cohiba
As a grand finale, the annual TFWE Gala Dinner paid tribute to Cohiba’s 50th anniversary. Guests enjoyed an evening celebrating Cohiba’s rich heritage and craftsmanship—a symbol of luxury for fifty years.
A Celebration of Cuban Excellence
Habanos, S.A.’s participation in TFWE 2016 reflects its commitment to quality and innovation. From the Cohiba Selección 50 Aniversario travel humidor to the introduction of bold new vitolas, their offerings captured the essence of Cuban craftsmanship. For cigar aficionados around the world, this showcase in Cannes reaffirmed why Cuban cigars continue to be a global symbol of luxury and refinement.
