Zwei Wochen vor dem Festival-Start hat Habanos SA letzte Informationen verschickt, die die Vorfreude weiter steigern. Das Trinidad-Dinner verspricht ein besonderes Highlight zu werden. Zum Dinner des 2-Sterne-Kochs Ron Blaauw serviert Habanos zwei Zigarrenneuheiten von Cohiba und Trinidad. Im beiliegenden Bild dürfte ganz rechts die neue Trinidad Vigia (54×110) zu sehen sein, neben der Coloniales und der kleinen Reyes ganz links (die beide im Trinidad-Sortiment bleiben dürften, während die Robustos T und Robustos Extra nicht mehr weiter geführt werden). Möglicherweise wird Trinidad auch einen neuen Markenauftritt präsentieren – auf dem Foto wirken die Bauchbinden gelber als jene der jetzigen Produktion. Vielleicht handelt es sich aber auch nur um einen Fotoeffekt.

Havana, 10 February, 2014.- Only two weeks to go for the start of the most important annual event surrounding the best tobacco in the world in Cuba. Habano lovers will travel from all over to hear the secrets of a centuries-long tradition first hand and enjoy an unforgettable week. From 24 to 28 of February, Cuba will become the international scene for the XVI edition of the Habanos Festival. Wednesday, 26 February will be the day on which top chefs and top Habanos make the best pairings between haute cuisine and the prestigious Trinidad and Cohiba brands. Chef Ron Blaauw, with two Michelin stars, together with the renowned sommelier Cuno Van’t Hoff, both from the Netherlands, will be responsible for the tribute dinner to the Trinidad brand to be held at the Museum of Fine Arts of Havana. Along with the new brand sizes, during the evening the presentation of a very special Cohiba Habano will take place, to be tasted for the first time by the attendees. Just as Blaauw says, “A Habano has something magical. We will create some refreshing dishes so there will be appetite for a close with a Habano”. For Van’t Hoff, “Trinidad has a medium to full bodied taste, spicy, with some coffee and chocolate aromas». Both will have the support of chef Israel Gata, head of the kitchen at the Hotel Iberostar Parque Central in Havana. On the morning of the same day, the attendees will witness an innovative Alliance of Habanos. Beer will be the protagonist of this meeting guided by the Belgian sommelier Ben Vinken, expert on Habanos and beer, in which there will be some of the most prestigious beer in the world: the Belgian brands Duvel, Leffe, Malheur and Chimay and the Cuban brand Bucanero. To begin with, the aromatic and balanced taste of the H. Upmann Half Corona will be joined by the renowned Cuban malt flavour lager Bucanero. Secondly, attendees will discover the perfect beer for the delicate aromas of the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. To do so, they will have to choose between the great strength of Duvel, made with Pilsen malts and black beer Leffe Abbey Brown, winner in 2012 of the gold medal in the World Beer Cup. And finally, participants will perform the same exercise with th e unmistakable richness, aroma and flavour of Partagás Serie D No. 4 and the beers Malheur Brut Reserve, very dry and pale, and the fruity and smoky black beer Chimay Grande Reserve, possessing a taste reminiscent of black chocolate. The XVI Habanos Festival will begin on Monday, 24 February with the press conference presentation of the major launches for 2014, featuring the Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagás, Trinidad and H. Upmann brands, among which there is always the presence of the Cohiba and Montecristo. Habanos s.a. will also announce its 2013 financial results and the entire cast of personalities from all fields, who as big fans of the Habano will enjoy the Festival. The program of this unique week will also include other new activities such as the first contest to get the longest ash, with its exclusive evenings filled with Cuban charm and flavour, and its traditional and awaited activities, among which will be an exclusive concert by Los Van Van, the legendary Cuban band led by Juan Formell.