Guide to Cuban cigars (Havanas)

The "Havana" is the ultimate cigar reference. Rolled in Cuba from 100% Cuban tobacco, it embodies centuries of craft and a unique terroir. Here's the essential to understand and choose your Cuban cigars.

A unique terroir: the Vuelta Abajo

Western Cuba, especially the Vuelta Abajo region (Pinar del Río), grows the world's finest tobacco thanks to its soil and climate. A Havana is a puro: wrapper, binder and filler are all Cuban, giving its inimitable aromatic signature.

The great brands

• Cohiba — ultimate prestige, created for Fidel Castro.
• Montecristo — the best-selling brand, balanced and reliable.
• Partagás — full-bodied, earthy, full of character.
• Romeo y Julieta — floral elegance and classicism.
• H. Upmann — finesse and pastry notes.

What flavour profile?

Havanas are often medium to full, with leather, coffee, cocoa and that famous Cuban "earthy" note. To start, a Montecristo No. 4 (Petit Corona) or a Romeo y Julieta are excellent entry points.

Spotting a real Havana

An authentic Cuban cigar bears a finely printed band, a second green Cuban state warranty seal and the wording "Habanos s.a. / Hecho en Cuba". Beware of prices that are too low: counterfeiting is common.

Catalogue your Havanas on Youmidor and track their peak window to smoke them at the right time.