Habanos Vintage 5, 10, 15, 20: decoding the new Habanos S.A designations

At the inaugural press conference of the XXIV Festival del Habano, held on February 26, 2024 in Havana, Habanos S.A. officially unveiled its new aging program, “Vintage Habanos”. This new concept is intended to replace the former “Añejados” program, launched in 2011. It is built around 4 aging levels – Vintage 5, Vintage 10, Vintage 15 and Gran Vintage. In this article, we explore the features of this new program and the reasons behind its launch.

Habanos Vintage: 4 aging levels

The “ Vintage Habanos ” program was launched to highlight the art of aging Cuban cigars. This new classification is based on the time elapsed between the moment the cigar is rolled and its shipment, and therefore has nothing to do with the age of the tobacco leaves or their harvest date.

Unlike the old “Añejados” program, which only covered cigars aged between 5 and 8 years, the Vintage program introduces a more precise hierarchy, with 4 clearly defined aging levels:

• Vintage 5: cigars aged between 5 and 9 years.
• Vintage 10: cigars aged between 10 and 14 years.
• Vintage 15: cigars aged between 15 and 19 years.
• Gran Vintage: cigars aged 20 years or more.

A controlled aging process

This aging process is strictly supervised by the Regulatory Council of the Appellations of’Protected Origin of Habanos. It ensures compliance with rigorous conditions, namely a stable temperature between 16°C and 18°C, controlled humidity between 65% and 75%, and a neutral environment, free of any odors or other contaminants that could alter the aromas.

The storage method also plays an essential role during this maturation period. Cigars can be kept in their original sales boxes, in wooden crates or in bundles. They can also be aged in contact with cedar leaves or boxes to enrich their aromatic profile.

Why replace the Añejados program?

Launched in 2011, the program “ Añejados ” aimed to offer cigars aged between 5 and 8 years. This program was however criticized for its lack of transparency and standardization, especially regarding the exact aging duration and storage conditions. In addition, the absence of precise categorization prevented consumers from knowing the exact age of the cigars they were buying.

In response to these criticisms, Habanos S.A. chose to rethink its approach. The new program “ Vintage Habanos ” now relies on a rigorous classification, with clearly defined aging periods. Each stage is governed by strict standards, certified by the AOP Council through annual audits. This standardization allows the cigars to develop a predictable aromatic signature, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to anticipate the tasting experience from the moment of purchase.

Why offer a program focused on vintage cigars?

The “Habanos Vintage” program addresses two major challenges. On the one hand, it makes it possible to guarantee exemplary quality thanks to a controlled aging process. Each cigar is stored under perfectly regulated conditions, which makes it possible to avoid the random variations of “wild” aging.

Furthermore, this program aims to meet growing consumer demand for cigars that are “ready to enjoy,” without having to wait years. It thus makes accessible an experience previously reserved for collectors and insiders.

What are the effects of aging on cigars?

Particularly appreciated by aficionados, vintage cigars stand out for their remarkable smoothness, complexity and aromatic depth. Aging makes it possible to soften the flavors while enriching the aromatic profile.

Under the effect of slow, controlled oxidation, the organic compounds in the tobacco evolve: harsh notes (ammonia, bitterness) fade away, while complex tertiary aromas emerge. It is therefore considered that 5 years is the minimum aging period needed to soften harsh notes and reveal smoother aromas. This process also makes it possible to increase the value of cigars. Over time, their quality becomes more refined and their rarity increases, making certain examples particularly sought after.

The “Habanos Vintage” program thus complements the “Gran Reserva” and “Edicion Limitada” programs with perfectly aged cigars that will appeal to newcomers and connoisseurs alike. It highlights the art of aging while offering refined cigars that have developed their full aromatic potential.

Trinidad Fundadores Vintage 10: an iconic first

To launch this program, Habanos S.A. chose the Trinidad Fundadores Vintage 10. This cigar, originally intended for the “Añejados” program, was reassigned to become the first vitola in the new “Vintage Habanos” program.

The cigars in this collection have been aged for a minimum of 10 years. They are presented in sublime humidors, produced in collaboration with the French maison S.T. Dupont. Each humidor contains 55 units and features a unique design, inspired by 20th-century travel trunks.

To celebrate this exclusive launch, the first 55 pieces of this collection – which is limited to 1,000 numbered pieces – were designed by Charaf Tajer, the founder of the prestigious Paris fashion house Casablanca. These humidors renew Trinidad’s aesthetic by reinterpreting its iconic logo with a palette of vivid colors and geometric patterns inspired by the architecture and art of Havana.

Each cigar also features a special band marked “Vintage 10” that reflects its aging period. This value-added element is adapted for each category in the collection:

• Vintage 5: silver band.
• Vintage 10: gold-bronze band.
• Vintage 15: gold band.
• Gran Vintage 20: glittering gold band.

Habanos Vintage: A Commitment to Quality

The “Vintage Habanos” program embodies a new stage in the history of the Cuban cigar. By making the art of aging accessible, Habanos S.A. offers aficionados a unique experience that combines traditional craftsmanship with an unprecedented level of quality in the market. The company also reaffirms the place of time and authenticity in cigar culture.

While this approach is appealing for its transparency and rigorous aging conditions, it also raises questions about how it will be received in the market. It remains to be seen whether the premium positioning of these vintage cigars will win over aficionados, especially those affected by recent price increases.