Cohiba Humidor sold for $2.7 million (Image: CigarAficionado)
On the 28th of February, a Cohiba humidor was sold for a whopping $2.7 million at the XXII Festival del Habano – surpassing every auction record from the event! The Gala was held in Havana, Cuba – commemorating the renowned Cuban Cigars brand Romeo y Julieta's 145th anniversary.
“AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING”
Aficionados all over the world gathered in one venue, where individuals wore their very best attires while also bringing a few of their favourite smokes. Upon entering the venue, guests were wowed by the stunning red hues of the venue resembling that of a romantic Venetian masquerade – a theme reminiscent of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the evening, the evening was entertained by a program of fantastic performers from flamenco dancers to ballet performances. It kept the guests entertained as they proceeded with introducing their newest release.
That evening, Habanos unveiled their latest ultra-luxurious cigar line Romeo y Julieta Linea Oro. The line includes three new formats, with each of the boxes embellished with an opulent, glazed exterior. The new cigars are the Dianas (145mm x 52), the Nobles (125mm x 57) and the Hidalgas (135mm x 56). As you can see, they offer one of the thickest sizes in the Habanos portfolio, with the largest being the Nobles measuring at a hefty 57 ring gauge.
“THE RECORD-BREAKING BID”
After an evening filled with great company, delicious food and unforgettable performances – the event approached their final event – the auction. Every year, it has become a tradition for Festival del Habano to commence an auctioning event to raise funds to support the Cuban Healthcare System. This year, they have raised an amazing total of $4.7 million, which will – without a doubt – aid the country significantly. The event auctioned off exquisite pieces such as an H. Upmann Humidor, Romeo y Julieta Humidor, Montecristo humidor and even a humidor donated by the family of Simon Chase – Habanos’ official auctioneer until he passed in March 2019.
But the star of the show was the Cohiba Humidor – a 5-foot cabinet humidor that was filled with 550 rare Cohiba Cigars. Inside, there was a cornucopia of the world’s most sought after Cohiba cigars, including Cohiba Behike, Cohiba Esplendidos, Majestuosos, Talisman, Sublimes Extra, Cohiba Piramides, Gran Coronas, Robusto Especiales, Robusto Supremos, Cohiba 1966 and the Novedosos. For the auction, Festival del Habano hired Dalia Padilla and Maria Eugenia Alvarez from the famed Christie’s Auction House from London, both experienced auctioneers for fine art. The bid was intense; once the value surpassed one million, the crowd immediately went wild. But it didn’t end there, Li Thet from China closed off the auction by offering $2.7 million, a number that has broken the records of previous auctions.
To learn about all-things Cuban cigars, be sure to check out our Cigar Blog:
- The Art of Turning Cigar Boxes into Guitars
- Are 'Thicker Cigars' Better?
- The Rising Value of Cuban Cigars: A Worthwhile Investment