One of the true highlights of the Festival del Habano is the announcement (and often the debut) of new additions to existing brand ranges as well as the new limited edition cigars -- the latter always with great anticipation from cigar enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Habanos Edicion Limitada

For those unfamiliar with the Habanos Edicion Limitada, here's a quick tutorial: There were certainly private label and limited production Havana cigars before the creation and release of the first Habanos Edicion Limitada collection in 2000. Most notable were the now-legendary 1492 Humidor, of which a scant 500 numbered boxes containing 50 specially created, nonbanded cigars were released in 1992 (to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus discovering the Americas), as well as the 30th anniversary Cohiba jar (1,000 jars of 25 cigars) released in 1996.

However, in November 2000, Habanos SA launched the first of an annual (except 2002), double-banded, limited-production selection of cigars, termed Edicion Limitada. This ongoing offering of one-off special cigars is produced in limited quantities, and in all manner of brands and sizes. To add to the desirability and charm of these puros, all the tobacco used (binder, filler and wrapper) is aged a minimum of two years.

2008 Highlights

Two new cigars were presented at this year's festival: The first was H. Upmann Mágnum 50, a 50 x 6 1/3 extension to the H. Upmann Mágnum line. The 50, which started out as an Edicion Limitada in 2005, now joins the popular and classic Mágnum 46. The second was the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, a 50 x 5 expansion to the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure line, which joins the venerable Epi Nos. 1 and 2.

H. Upmann Mágnum 50...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: It's everything a light and floral Cuban cigar should be. I loved this rock star from beginning to end, never getting enough of it. The Epi Especial, was alas, not so special. Fans (myself included) of the Epi No. 1 and No. 2, do not run out and buy this cigar -- it is boring to the point of being flavorless. I fear even added time in a box would not improve its disposition.

Three Edicion Limitada series are slated for 2008: The Cuaba Pirámides, Partagas Serie D No. 5 and the Montecristo Sublimes, all announced at the festival. They won't be released, however, until much later this year (though some samples did make their way around to lucky attendees). While I did get a chance to smoke one example of both the Partagas and Montecristo, there is no way to proffer an educated opinion on only one cigar apiece. It has been my past experience, however, that the Edicion Limitada cigars are among the very best Havanas on the market, and well worth exploring.

Complete Edicion Limitada Index 2000-2008

2000
Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares
Montecristo Robusto
Partagas Piramide
Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No. 2

2001
Cohiba Piramide
Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares
Montecristo Double Corona
Partagas Serie D No. 3
Romeo y Julieta Robusto

2002
n/a

2003
Cohiba Double Corona
Hoyo de Monterrey Piramide
Montecristo C
Partagas Serie D No. 2
Romeo y Julieta Hermoso No. 1

2004
Cohiba Sublimes
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial
Partagas Serie D No. 1
Romeo y Julieta Hermoso No. 2

2005
H. Upmann Mágnum 50
Montecristo D
Romeo y Julieta Petit Piramide

2006
Cohiba Piramides
Montecristo Robustos
Partagas Serie D No. 3

2007
Hoyo de Monterrey Regalos
Romeo y Julieta Escudos
Trinidad Ingenio

2008
Cuaba Pirámides
Partagas Serie D No. 5
Montecristo Sublimes

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