Page 16 - FOGlet 4

The most coveted

cigars will never

be smoked

By Landis Bagnall

n a digital world, being constantly enthusiasts have evolved through the
connected has left little time for us to world, by passionately learning the culture,
consciously unwind, devaluing quality art and sport that is cigar smoking.
Irelaxation and engagement with Aficionados took to purchasing extra boxes
others. Yet one archaic pursuit manages to to ‘keep’ or ‘lay down’ in the attempt to
restore order: the art of cigar smoking and smoke at a later stage after a period of
the emergence of collecting. maturation known as ageing. Now
It is these moments of relaxation that consumers are purchasing in much larger
have given rise to the romance of cigar quantities from current production to
collecting. Over the last 20 years, cigars specialist production, knowing that each
have emerged beyond the humble tobacco route has its own space within the
product, the last 10 years has seen an investment sphere.
amplification in both product development Aficionados know of the benefit a couple
and marketing from Habanos S.A. (the of years can have on the birth of a cigar.
Cuban state tobacco division) to meet the The harsh notes, including the common
needs of the modern consumer. Moreover, ammoniac taste which indicates ‘youth’ is
investment across London hotels and highly prevalent, and that through gentle
members clubs has resulted in the creation maturation, this can soothe into a mellow,
of smoking terraces of increased comfort complex and deeper profile. Here through
and humidors adorned with coveted Cuban ageing, the construction of the different
cigars. harvests begins to harmonise. Serious
True aficionados are rare. The collectors who helm boxes in excess of 40
cognoscenti understand, record and recall years know that the quality of the tobacco
cigars of note, benchmarking and analysing used plays an important role in maturation.
individual cigars against previous years, Access to Cuban cigars varies immensely.
imparting their passion to others. It is the Habanos S.A. range extends from current
select few who have profited as a by- production to Regional Edition cigars,
product in the investment returns found Limited Edition, Reserva, Gran Reserva, and
within the Cuban cigar world, through specialist commemorative releases to mark
collecting. events. Since 2000, the Limited Edition
Investing in Cuban cigars falls under the (Edición Limitada) Series was launched
alternative investment category, yet is by no creating a new size that was not in the
means a new concept. Most cigar previous production, complimented with

14 www.gpfo.co.uk Foglet 4th Edition