Press Release: XIV Habanos Festival Humidors Auction

March 1, 2012 (Havana, Cuba) —The Auction of Habanos Humidors, held at the Gala Dinner of the Habanos Festivals, has become one of the highlights of this event.

The lots of humidors auctioned in the 14th Habanos Festival are a tribute to the world best-known and prestigious Habanos brands, recreated in luxurious humidors, turned-real works of art in its ultimate expression. Nevertheless, beyond the traditionally high and skillfull handicraft of their manufacturing, these humidors are also unique because they keep, inside them, a really priceless treasure: the finest selection of flagship vitolas of each brand, including those that were and are still the most sought-after, others that sometime were exclusive and always remembered, and those, wrapped up by their fame and mystic, the most famous.

All Habanos contained in the humidors of this Auction were made by the best cigar rollers of the factory of the headquarters of each brand. The blending masters, the most experienced specialists of Habanos s.a. and all those who participated in the making of the Habanos, hope their work will meet the most demanding tastes of enthusiasts of the best cigar in the world.

Habanos s.a. wishes to express its gratitude to all those who participated in the manufacturing of these works. It also recognizes all institutions and artists who have contributed by donating their unique works of art to make more valuable the lots of this auction.

The Habanos Festival auctions are organized by Habanos s.a. and the revenue raised here will be all donated to the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, as the expression of generosity and humanity of all of you, the eternal enthusiasts of the Habano.

LOT NO. 1 – H. UPMANN HUMIDOR + 2 H. UPMANN CERAMIC JAR AND ASHTRAY

Characteristics of the H. Upmann Humidor:
Elegant humidor cabinet of classic style recreating the old H. Upmann factory facade, located at 104 Amistad Street, in La Habana Vieja.

This humidor has been made “Totalmente a mano – “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ from cedar and mahogany, two types of Cuban precious woods known for their aroma and color. On the top of the front door and inside the humidor there is the brand logo made in relief technique. It has a capacity for 350 Habanos.

Dimensions of the work:
Humidor Dimensions: 70 cm x 110 cm x 60 cm.
Table Dimensions: 60 cm x 120 cm x 65 cm.

Description of the Habanos:
This humidor contains 350 Habanos of the H.Upmann brand, distributed into 9 trays as follows: 25 Magnum 46, 25 Half Coronas, 25 Sir Winston and 25 Magnum 50, which are Habanos vitolas of the regular portfolio brand, 25 Noellas and 50 Royal Robusto, exclusive vitolas for the franchise network of La Casa del Habano. It also contains 25 Magnum 48 and 50 Robustos, vitolas that were Ediciones Limitadas in 2009 and 2012, respectively. 25 H.Upmann No. 3 (42 ring gauge x 142 mm in the length) is a discontinued vitola which has not been commercialized since the 70’s of the last century and have been specially made for the auction; 25 Grandes (49 ring gauge x 168 mm in the length) and 50 Short Pirámides (55 ring gauge x 120 in the length).

All these vitolas have been exclusively made for this humidor by cigar roller masters of the H.Upmann Factory, the head quarter of the brand.

Humidor Author’s information:
Alberto Santana Neury Ges is a self-taught artisan. He belongs to the Cuban Association of Artisans and Artists, ACAA. He has won several national and international handicrafts awards, including the Handicrafts Award at the Ibero-American Fair of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Many of his works decorate the private collections in different countries of the world. He has participated with his works in several auctions of the Habanos Festival.

H. Upmann Ceramic Cigar Jars and ashtray

Set of 3 pieces made from red earthenware or clay inspired by the ancient pharmacy jars widely used in Cuba in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They have been made in the potter’s wheel and painted by hand with enamels in decorative style of traditional majolica, using the metal oxides and colloidal gold.

Dimensions of the pieces:
High Cigar Jar: 33 cm high x 15 cm diameter. Capacity for 25 Sir Winston. Low Cigar Jar: 26 cm high x 15 cm diameter.
Capacity for 25 Connoisseur No. 1 Habanos
Ashtray: 7 cm high x 23.5 cm diameter

Artists’ Data:
Luisa Tania Valdés and Carlos M. Puyalena Croffet Both are graduated in design and are members of the Cuban Association of Artisans and Artists (ACAA) with an important participation in different national events and exhibitions. Carlos Manuel Puyalena, who is also a member of the UNEAC, comes from three generations of Cuban ceramist potters and participates in the family project of creating pieces of Majolica. He has received several awards and recognitions for his excellent work in national and international exhibitions.

LOT NO. 2 – HOYO DE MONTERREY HUMIDOR+ MEISSEN PORCELAIN PIECE

 

Characteristics of the humidor:
Humidor cabinet made “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ using artisan techniques of carving and relief. An artistic recreation inspired by the tobacco growing tradition and by the image of Hoyo de Monterrey brand with its predominant sobriety and elegance.

The drawers containing the Habanos in so called chest of the cabinet, are located inside the humidor in its central part. Two lateral sides give the access to the cabinet showing the brand iron logo worked out by the ancient technique of relief used on the wood. The humidor and its central drawers are made “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ , but have a modern design. The doors of the humidor have been worked with two different artisan techniques to recreate artistically the work of men and women in the tobacco growing and plantation that gives name to this Habano brand. On the top of the cabinet there is a small humidor with the embossed seal of Hoyo de Monterrey. It has a capacity for 50 Epicure No 1. It is a humidor in which the different color shades of the Cuban precious woods are elegantly combined with the different styles and carpentry techniques.

Dimensions of the humidor:
130 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm

Description of the Habanos:
This humidor contains 350 Habanos of Hoyo de Monterrey brand, including, among others: 25 Epicure Especial, 25 Double Coronas, 25 Epicure No. 2, 25 Epicure No. 1, as the flagship vitolas of this brand. It also contains 50 Epicure De Luxe that is an exclusive product for La Casa del Habano in 2012 and 50 Short Hoyo Pirámides, vitola that made up one of the Ediciones Limitadas of Habanos in 2011. As vitolas that were specially made for this occasion we find inside 50 Obsequios (48 ring gauge x 137 mm in the length, 25 Extravaganza (50 ring gauge x 184 mm in the length), 25 Colosales (55 ring gauge x 233 mm in the length) and 50 Belicosos No. 1 (57 ring gauge x 143 mm in the length).

These Habanos have been made by cigar roller masters of the La Corona Factory, Hoyo de Monterrey headquarter.

This humidor was designed and developed by artists Marlene Silvera Segura and Moisés González Acosta. Marlene Silvera Segura is a sculptor, who graduated from San Alejandro School of Art and Design Institute. She is a member of FCNC. Moisés González Acosta is a self-taught artist, but his work has been recognized and honored. The works of both artists decorate many smoking rooms, and Casas del Habano lounges and protocol rooms around the world. They have participated in auctions and other activities of great importance for Habanos S.A.

Meissen Porcelain Piece: Replica of the “Maestoso” horse

Meissen was the first porcelain manufacturer in Europe and presently many people consider it as the best in the world.

The figure of the “Maestoso” horse was created by artist Erich Oehme in 1949 in the state workshops of the Meissen porcelain factory. It has a limited production.

The products designed and made in the Meissen factory are always sealed or distinguished by two crossed swords of cobalt blue color, as a symbol of original and valuable piece of the renowned Meissen porcelain.

LOT NO. 3 – ROMEO Y JULIETA HUMIDOR + ROMEO Y JULIETA DE SARGADELOS PORCELAIN DINNERWARE.

Characteristics of the Romeo y Julieta Humidor:
Humidor cabinet inspired by Shakespeare’s play, turned universal literary work represented in the theater and other artistic manifestation also used as a pretext for the creator of this Habanos brand. Made “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ , this humidor is a beautiful work of art decorated by 70% in silver and 30% in bronze and nickel silver.

On the frontal part of the humidor there is a seal revealing the year of the brand creation. On the top of the cabinet there are two sculptures of Romeo and Julieta, emerging as protagonists from Shakespearean play, which have been so magnificently represented using different Cuban woods and decorated in silver and other precious metals. These sculptures are also used as cases for Habanos. In the rear part of the humidor, using the goldsmith art technique, the history and sufferings of Shakespearean lovers are represented up to their final tragedy. This humidor contains 10 humidified drawers to hold 350 Habanos.

The humidor is placed on a mahogany style table specially decorated for the occasion.

Dimensions of the humidor:
Length: 130 cm x Height: 160 cm x Depth: 40 cm

Description of the Habanos:
This excellent humidor contains 350 Habanos of Romeo y Julieta brand, including, among others: 25 Short Churchills, 25 Wide Churchills, 50 Julietas, 50 Petit Churchills, which are the flagship vitolas of the brand. It also contains 25 Escudos, vitola that made up an Edición Limitada in 2007. As exclusive, there are 50 Churchills Reserva. This vitola is presented at the 14th Habanos Festival and will be launched to the world markets in 2012. For this humidor, cigar rollers of the factory headquarter of the brand have made special vitolas like 25 Selección De Luxe (52 ring gauge x 162mm in the length), a format production that has been suspended since the 60’s of last century, 25 Petit Pirámides (ring gauge 50 x 127 mm in the length), made specially for this occasion, 25 Aguilas (52 ring gauge x 143 mm in the length), that was a Serie Especial Exclusiva for La Casa del Habano in 2002, 25 Hermosos No.1 (48 ring gauge x 167 mm in the length), vitola made for the Edicion Limitada 2005 and finally 25 Fabulosos No. 6 (52 ring gauge x 180 mm in the length), another unique vitola in this beautiful humidor.

All the vitolas have been made by cigar roller masters of the La Corona Factory for this humidor.

Humidor Author’s information:
Humidor made by the group of Craftsmen and Artists of “Humidores Habana” , directed by Jose Ernesto Aguilera Reina with collaboration of Pablo Jozami Plasencia Risoto and Alexander Canavaciolo Valdéz. Group of craftsmen with great experience in the making of exclusive humidors for the Habanos Festivals , as well as for the Series Especiales Réplica Antigua de Habanos s.a. Winners of several national and international awards, among them the Grand Prix FIART 2009. In January 2012 participated in several personal exhibitions in California, USA. Their humidors admired for their exquisite design and excellent workmanship have been participating in the auctions of the Habanos Festivals since 2005.

Romeo y Julieta Porcelain dinnerware

The Romeo y Julieta dinnerware porcelain dinnerware was made in Sargadelos and decorated by Esterio Segura, Cuban plastic artist. This work made inspired by the literary work and the Habanos brand. This Romeo y Julieta dinnerware is considered a unique and exclusive piece.

It is an original work of art consisting of 44 unique different pieces, such as:

12 dinnes plates
6 soup plates
6 dessert plates
1 large round platter 1 oval platter
6 plate holders
6 coffee cups and plates
1 complete replacement set

In addition, there are 2 candlesticks, a Cigar Jar-Humidor, and a copy of the play “Romeo y Julieta” by William Shakespeare, Edition of the year 1961 and the cedar cabinet to keep the Porcelain dinnerware and the ashtray.

 

LOT NO. 4 – PARTAGAS HUMIDOR + CHESS GAME

Characteristics of the humidor:
This humidor has a unique design, inspired by the original store shelves of the Partagas Factory. It is a set of two pieces, wherein the upper piece highlights the iron logo of the brand. It contains 6 drawers for cigars and 2 drawers in its upper part for humification. It has a capacity for 650 cigars placed in their respective boxes; besides, the humidor has inside a luxurious inlaid work case with a capacity for 25 Habanos of the Salomón vitola No.2.

Made “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ from Cuban precious wood using Antillian mahogany for the exterior part of the humidor and authentic cedar from the mountains of Pinar del Rio for its interior part. The latter is highly appreciated for its characteristic odor that makes reacher the aroma and flavor of the Habanos.

Additionally, there is a set of chess game with an inlaid tableboard and the pieces carved by hand from ebony and dagame woods.

Dimensions of the humidor:
Height: 1.95 m. Width: 98 cm. Depth: 50 cm.

Description of the Habanos:
The Partagas humidor contains 350 Habanos, including, among others: 25 Serie D No. 4, 25 Serie P No. 2, 25 Serie E No. 2 and 25 Serie D No. 5 all of them are the flagship vitolas of the brand. There are also 25 Serie D Especial and 50 Serie C No. 3, vitolas that were Ediciones Limitadas in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The following were exclusively made for this occasion: 25 Serie D No. 1 (50 ring gauge x 170 mm in the length), 25 Serie D No. 2 (50 ring gauge x 156 mm in the length), 25 Serie C No. 4 (48 ring gauge x 125 mm in the length), 25 Salomón No .2 (57 ring gauge x 175 mm in the length), 25 P Serie No.1 (50 ring gauge x 127mm in the length), 25 Sobresalientes (53 ring gauge x 153 mm in the length) and 25 “109” (50 ring gauge x 184 mm in the length).

All the vitolas have been made by cigar roller masters of the Partagas factory for this humidor.

Humidor Author’s information:
This work was developed by the “DECUBA – Art in Wood” group of craftsmen with artistic direction and execution provided by Jorge Luis Milan Domínguez and Leuvis Santos, and with the participation of Adalberto Gonzalez Albisa, all of whom are members of the Association of Craftsmen and Artists of Cuba (AACA).

LOT NO. 5 – MONTECRISTO HUMIDOR + ALEXIS LEYVA (KCHO) WORK

Characteristics of the humidor:
Humidor inspired by the most representative elements of the image of the brand, as well as by spirit and worldwide recognition of their Habanos. The swords that identify the logo and the distinctive headband worn by Count of Montecristo serve as the creative basis of this humidor made “Totalmente a mano – Totally by Hand-“ , combining noble woods like walnut and olive roots with the metals, being everything of top quality.

There is a capacity inside the humidor for more than 370 Habanos of Montecristo brand, distributed in four boxes made from solid okume wood, each one with its own humidification system and humidity control. The design and functionality of this humidor makes it worth to be considered as a unique piece by the enthusiast collectors of Montecristo brand.

Dimensions of the humidor:
80 x 60 x 160 cm

Description of the Habanos:
The Montecristo humidor contains 375 Habanos, including among other vitolas: 30 Edmundo, 30 Eagle and 30 Máster, the most admired vitolas of the Línea Montecristo Open of Montecristo brand. It also contains 30 Gran Edmundo 2010 and 50 Montecristo 520 selected formats for Ediciones Limitadas of 2010 and 2012, respectively, as well as 25 Montecristo No. 2 that was the Gran Reserva 2011. Among the more special vitolas for being exclusively made for this humidor, include: 50 Montecristo No. 7 (28 ring gauge x 175mm in the length), 30 Double Coronas (49 ring gauge x 194 mm in the length), 50 Sublimes (54 ring gauge x 164mm in the length) and 50 Maravillas No. 1 (55 ring gauge x 182 mm in the length).

All the vitolas have been made by cigar roller masters of the H. Upmann Factory for this humidor.

Author’s information:
Humidif Group which includes HUMIDIF, BUCARO, DK AND LUXURY PACK brands with over 25 years of experience is a company that offers and sells a wide variety of products and accessories for the world of cigar, such as luxury humidors, cases, travel humidors, leather cigar cases, humidification systems, ashtrays, lighters, etc.

Alexis Leyva Machado’s Work (Kcho)

To make this work, the artist was inspired in the legendary figure of Compay Segundo – Habanos Award in the Category of Communications – a true enthusiast of the Habano, as well as in his inseparable and worldwide recognized hat. Alexis Leyva Machado was born in Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) in 1970. He is one of the most prominent Cuban artists of the plastic arts in recent years.

He has made 57 personal and 176 collective exhibitions in 35 countries.

Work Technique:
The work is inspired in the legendary Compay Segundo – Habanos Award. It was donated by Compay Segundo Foundation. Crayon 70 x 100 cm

LOT NO. 6 – COHIBA HUMIDOR

 

Characteristics of the humidor:
The humidor cabinet as a tribute to “El Laguito”, place where cigars of the flagship brand of Habanos are made for more than 40 years, is a replica of the old big house, reproduced in the smallest details, respecting its classical architecture, and representing the spaces and image of that beautiful mansion known worldwide by all Habanos enthusiasts. The mansion, where each on the pictures and signs are made from silver, is decorated in colors that identify the brand. The humidor has 23 drawers made from cedar that can hold between 25 and 40 Habanos each, depending on the vitola.

This cabinet comprises a remote control mechanism, which when activated, energizes a motor with speed reducer which moves up the drawer structure inside the cabinet. It also has a security system that switches off the engine if any of the drawers are open, which protects the humidor from an accident when activated the mechanism to one of the drawers open. The whole mechanism is controlled by an electronic card.

The main objective of this mechanism is to respect the original exterior architecture of the house and, in turn, personalize the humidor through Cohiba brand, without entering in any contradiction. It also has side doors that allow access to the drawers without having to operate the mechanism; these doors consist of hinges and locks, specially designed for the occasion.

Dimensions of the humidor:
120 cm x 120 cm x 50 high

Description of the Habanos:
This humidor contains 520 Habanos of the Cohiba brand, distributed in the following vitolas: 25 Lanceros, 25 Espléndidos, 25 Robustos, 25 Coronas Especiales, which are the most demanding vitolas of the historic Línea Clásica of the brand, 25 Siglo I, 25 Siglo II, 25 Siglo IV, very appreciated formats of the Línea 1492, 25 Genios, Mágicos of the Línea Maduro 5 and 30 BHK 56, 30 BHK 54 and 30 BHK 52 of the most exclusive Línea of Cohiba Behike. Besides, there are 25 Cohiba 1966, very successful vitola as Edición Limitada in 2011; as well as the 25 Siglo VI Gran Reserva, launched to the market in 2009.

There is a group of vitolas that have been exclusively rolled for this humidor, such as: 25 Double Coronas, vitola that does not exist in the standard portfolio of the brand, 50 Pirámides Extra, the new format incorporated into the range of sizes of 2012, 30 Sublimes Extra, selected vitola added to the Habanos Colection of 2008 and 50 Petit Robustos, vitola that does not exist in the Cohiba brand.

All the vitolas have been made by cigar roller masters of the “El Laguito” Factory for this humidor.

Author’s information
Humidor made by the group of Craftsmen and Artists of “Humidores Habana”, directed by Jose Ernesto Aguilera Reina with collaboration of Pablo Jozami Plasencia Risoto and Alexander Canavaciolo Valdéz. Group of craftsmen with great experience in the making of exclusive humidors for the Habanos Festivals, as well as for the Series Especiales Réplica Antigua de Habanos s.a. They are winners of several national and international awards, among them the Grand Prix FIART 2009. In January 2012 participated in several personal exhibitions in California, USA. Their humidors admired for their exquisite design and excellent workmanship have been participating in the auctions of the Habanos Festivals since 2005. Their works are admired for their designs and interesting innovations incorporated into the humidors of Habanos.

Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.