IT had been a long time in the coming – but it was worth the wait. UK cigar lovers flocked to a glittering event which was their first face to face cigar launch since the mighty Cohiba Talisman back in 2017.
More than 200 guests made their way to Boisdale at London’s Canary Wharf for the world launch of the Bolivar Regentes, the Limited Edition which should have been released in 2021, but is only now being prepared for worldwide sale.
A chill evening did not deter cigar fans, who braved the cold to smoke Bolivar Petit Coronas on the balcony accompanied by excellent Bollinger Champagne, before moving through to the restaurant for a sumptuous meal accompanied by fine wines and a raucous Cuban Band.
The Regentes is 133mm x 52 and its factory name is Discretos. The cigar is presented in slide lid boxes of 25 cigars.
For the first time, in the UK at least, the event was preceded by a Press Conference to discuss the prestigious launch. José María López Inchaurbe, Habanos SA’s Vice President of Development, was on hand to answer questions and was joined by Jemma Freeman, Executive Chairman for Hunters & Frankau, the company responsible for the distribution of Cuban cigars in the UK, and Sean Croley, H&F’s Sales and Marketing Director.
Following the conference – which also featured a tasting of the Bolivar Soberano Limited Edition from 2018 – came dinner. While coffee and dessert were served, there were speeches from Sr Inchaurbe and Jemma Freeman, who had to raise their voices to be heard over a small minority who insisted on talking instead of listening.
However, it was soon time for the big moment, and guests were handed Bolivar Regentes from trays and made their way to the terrace. Early reports on the cigar were very favourable, with many opining it showed great ageing potential.
