The premiere took place at «Halle 7,» a stylishly and modernly refurbished industrial venue, where an elite gathering of industry insiders and cigar aficionados convened.

The evening’s highlights was the grand presentation of the new «Ramon Allones Absolutos Limited Edition 2024» by José María López Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development at the Cuban export monopoly Habanos, alongside Intertabak CEO Tony Hoevenaars.

A Statement in Green

Three Swiss «Hombres del Habano»—recipients of the most prestigious accolade in the Cuban cigar world—were also invited on stage: Samuel Menzi, owner of the Zurich-based Casa del Habano, and the legendary cigar retailers Urs Portmann from Kreuzlingen on Lake Constance and Vahé Gérard from Geneva.

Following a festive dinner, the unveiling of the new Ramon Allones Absolutos took place. This limited edition is exclusively available in elegant 20-count boxes and features the exclusive «Nuevos» format (156 mm length, 49-ring gauge). The tobaccos used originate from the protected DOP region of Vuelta Abajo, Cuba’s premier growing area.

New release: «Ramon Allones Absolutos Limited Edition 2024» (Image: Courtesy)

Moderate Pricing

At 900 francs per box (45 francs per cigar), the «Absolutos» does not represent a further escalation in pricing for Cuban «Limitadas.»

This raises the question of whether Habanos has generally reached a plateau following the drastic price increases of recent years.

An Open Question Remains

Matching the exclusivity of the evening, Henri Giraud champagne flowed freely. In keeping with tradition, the first «Absolutos» was ceremoniously presented to guests after the main course by impeccably styled hostesses, accompanied by live music from the band Nado y Los Guapos.

As is customary with the Cuban «champions of announcements,» one central question remains unanswered: When exactly will the new «Limited Edition» be available in specialty stores?—It could take months or even years.