Cuba’s 2011 Regional Cigars—Who Has Them, Who Doesn’t

France has just received its Quai D’Orsay Robusto Embajador.

Gregory Mottola
Posted: October 11, 2011

If you’ve ever wondered what a Quai D’Orsay would taste like in a robusto form or how a Ramon Allones would smoke as a giant pyramid, then this year’s series of Cuban Regional Edition cigars might inspire you to call your travel agent and start shop-hopping across the world.

But don’t book those tickets just yet.

While some of Cuba’s Regional Edition cigars for 2011 have been released, many have not. Although France has just received its Quai D’Orsay Robusto Embajador (shown) and Mexico has a new Edmundo Dantes Conde 54, Italy is still waiting for its La Escepción Selectos Fino, and there’s no word at all on when the United Kingdom will receive its 2011 regional smokes.

The program started in 2005, giving Cuban cigar distributors from around the world the chance to create their own cigars by choosing a smaller brand from the Habanos profile and customizing it to a unique size and special blend altered to the tastes of one specific country or region.

The limited availability makes these cigars very attractive to collectors, but also gives retailers a chance to bring brand awareness to a specific market.

For a rating and tasting note on Switzerland's Regional Edition Ramon Allones, plus the full story on which countries have what Regional Editions, and which don’t, see today’s Cigar Insider.

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Comments 6 comment(s)

Christian A — October 11, 2011 1:10pm ET

Waiting anxiously for today's Insider. I can't wait to read the tasting notes and hear about what is currently out in the market. I would like to try the Quai D' Orsay in a robusto. I picked up the Sancho Panza ER in Germany two weeks ago but did not see the Juan Lopez distinguidos yet. Very sporadic releases. It certainly is giving us a lot of news to read.

Shlomo E. — Montreal, Kebek, Canada, — October 11, 2011 7:29pm ET

I am pretty sure the UK REs are out already...maybe not all, but most.

GREGORY MOTTOLA — NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, — October 12, 2011 10:14am ET

Shlomo,
The UK regionals for 2011 have NOT been released. Neither of them. I spoke to Hunters & Frankau yesterday. One of the releases, will probably be postponed until next year to coincide for a special event. Full story in the Insider.
Greg

Christian A — October 12, 2011 11:26am ET

Thanks for the info. I think speaking to the distributors directely and fact checking beats hersay. Lots of prominent news in this weeks Insider.

Jimmy McGhee — London, England, — October 14, 2011 3:45am ET

No 2011 UK Regional Editions have been released yet - none are in the country and arrival dates are still to be confirmed. Greg is spot on.

JM

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