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The brand new MONTECRISTO
ROBUSTO (4-7/8 x 50, a classic Cuban Robusto size, also referenced
as Factory Shape No. 435)... was first presented
in early 1998, in Havana. Initially, limited worldwide distribution was
to begin within a few months of its debut... however, quality control and
production capacity issues will push back distribution by over a year. Questions
of which retailers (and countries) would receive the prestigious early shipments
of the new Robusto began to cloud the cigar's launch as early as March 1998. |
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Similarly, the much awaited COHIBA
PIRAMIDE (6-1/8 x 52, Habanos Factory Shape
No. 681)... made high-profile appearances at several Habanos supported
charity auctions (in Paris and Toronto) from 1995-97... and, has subsequently
had its worldwide distribution set back to accommodate distribution and
production pressures. Humidors of 50 COHIBA PIRAMIDES
have been charity auctioned for an average price of CD$10,000 (Canadian),
and reportedly as much as $35,000 (USD) in Paris. Additionally, several
"prototype bundles" of this new Cohiba size were distributed privately
in Canada, the UK, France and Switzerland in 1997, producing rave reviews
by some of Habanos's key retailers and preferred customers. The new COHIBA PIRAMIDES will be exactly the same size as
the ubiquitous Montecristo No. 2, as well as the Diplomatico No. 2, Vegas
Robania Unicos and H. Upmann No. 2. The earliest production samples and
prototypes were rolled at the Partagas Factory in Havana... however, several
factories (including the H. Upmann/Jose Marti factory) will likely produce
the new COHIBA PIRAMIDE to support its worldwide
distribution. |
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The new CUABA CELESTIAL
(also reported to have been named the CUABA DISTINGUIDOS)
will be a new "grand perfecto" shape (reportedly 7 x 56). Prototypes
of the CELESTIAL were presented at a cigar
dinner event in Havana in early 1998. These imposing, yet classically shaped,
cigars will be produced using a mold, as opposed to being hand formed, reports
a key production supervisor from the Briones Montoto factory in Havana.
The difficulty in manufacturing this particular shape, in addition to the
desire to "move toward the year 2000" with a "millennium
program" of unique and highly anticipated "famous name" new
cigars, has pushed the distribution of the CUABA CELESTIAL
closer to the year 2000 as well. |
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CNX NEWSWIRE
PROTOTYPE CIGAR TASTING*
COHIBA PIRAMIDE: |
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Overall:
This is a very rich tasting cigar, with medium body, and lacking the
tremendous "kick" of a Bolivar or Ramon Allones. It's also an
extremely nice looking cigar, expertly constructed and appealing to all
the senses. There are definite coffee flavors here, as well as a hint of
spiciness, but the final impression one is left with is a sense of rich,
elegantly balanced, smooth, creamy flavors. It was consistent from the
moment lit, until the final puff, showing just a gradual intensification
of flavors in the last third.
Details:
Beautiful, evenly colored brown wrapper, with a splendidly formed cap,
and oily sheen. Very even burn, with fairly firm light to medium gray ash.
Very even filler color. Firmly constructed with no soft spots.
| *Special thanks to ASC regular Bob Pultz for
his selfless dedication in submitting himself as our prototype cigar tasting
volunteer. Hey, it could have been a dog rocket... and, somebody had to
do it! Thanks Bob. Note: This tasting was not a blind taste test. (Aug.
1997) |
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 Along with the launch of several
new brands (see the "La Vigia"
newswire story), the prestigious and eagerly awaited Millennium Cigar Series
will be a marketing keystone in Habanos's effort to extend its worldwide
production to over 200 million cigars by the year 2000.
 Habanos reports that full worldwide
distribution of its three new "Millennium Cigars" or the "Millennium
Series" will not be achieved until the year 2000... however, "these
shapes will be available in limited quantities by the end of the year [1998],
as the starting of the celebrations for the centennial." 
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"MILLENNIUM
CIGARS":
The