夸巴

The brand name "Cuaba" comes from the language of the Taino Indians -- referring to a highly flammable shrub that the Taino used to light Cohiba (the earliest term for cigars). "Cuaba lights Cohiba" is one of the most poetic naming logics in the cigar industry -- the name itself is an origin story of cigar culture. Columbus recorded this word when he arrived in Cuba in 1492.

Carlos Izquierdo González (61 years old at the time) is the creator of Cuaba--he was one of the last few cigar rollers in Cuba at the time still able to roll the figurado shape. figurado had not been commercially rolled for nearly 40 years. For many years, González privately rolled figurado for himself to smoke, with the aim of not letting this tradition disappear.

Purpose of the brand's founding: to revive the figurado cigar tradition popular in the late 19th century/early 20th century--figurado began to decline around the 1950s and had almost completely disappeared by the 1970s. To continue this craft on the verge of being lost, Habanos created the Cuaba brand.

Cuaba was officially presented on November 19, 1996 by Habanos president Francisco Linares at London Claridge's Hotel — the cigar industry's first entirely new commercial Cuban cigar brand since 1968.

Cuaba is produced in 哈瓦那 Briones Montoto Factory (i.e. the Romeo y Julieta factory)--this factory once rolled more than 1,000 different figurado specifications! González said: "Our factory still keeps all these wooden models of figurado". The Romeo y Julieta factory is a living fossil of figurado knowledge in the cigar industry.

Cuaba Salomónes Colección Habanos Book 2001 (10 Salomones × 300 units)--in 2001 the brand was selected for the debut of "Colección Habanos"--Habanos' most precious book-shaped limited box program. Only 300 numbered units.

Cuaba is the only brand in the cigar industry whose entire product line is in the perfecto/figurado (double-tapered) shape - all vitolas taper at both ends, representing the highest level of cigar roller craftsmanship.

Cuaba Diadema (9¼" × 55, vitola: Diademas) -- an epic cigar released in 2003. 55 ring gauge, 233mm length (close to 23.3 cm!), wrapped in aluminum foil. Discontinued in 2013 -- causing Cuaba to lose its most spectacular format. Today, aged versions are extremely rare.

Cuaba was officially launched on November 19, 1996 by Habanos S.A. chairman Francisco Linares at Claridge's Hotel in London -- this was the first entirely new Cuban cigar brand to enter commercial production since 1968 (the first new brand in 28 years).

The earliest Cuaba cigars were rolled without molds - when launched in 1996, no cigar molds were used, so cigars in the same box had slight size differences! This flaw instead became a collector's holy grail. Habanos only made dedicated molds for Cuaba about one year later. Early non-mold versions (1996-1997) are today's most prized Cuaba among collectors - they believe the asymmetry instead gave the cigars more character.

Cuaba was officially presented on November 19, 1996 by Habanos president Francisco Linares at Claridge's Hotel in London -- the youngest "brand revival" case in the Habanos portfolio. About 200 industry figures attended the presentation, symbolizing the formal revival of figurado double-tapered cigars in the cigar industry.

Cuaba is Taíno Indian language--from the same origin as Cohiba. "Cuaba" refers to the highly flammable shrub the Taíno people used to light Cohiba (cigars)--they held Cuaba branches to light fire for ceremonial smoking. So the connection in the name itself: Cuaba is "the fire that lights Cohiba"--one of the most poetic names in cigar culture.

Cuaba Distinguidos (6⅜" × 162mm × 52, Romeo specification) - added to the regular lineup in 2003 - represents the brand's evolution from small figurado revival to large figurado. Today it is one of the brand's most popular vitolas.

The brand name "Cuaba" comes from the Taíno indigenous language — referring to the highly flammable shrub branches used by the Taíno to light Cohiba (cigars) when Columbus arrived in Cuba in 1492. Like Cohiba, it is a brand that pays tribute to the oldest cigar culture.

Cuaba 20 Aniversario Humidor 2016 (50 Joffres Grandes cigars × 450 numbered units) - 2016 brand 20th anniversary humidor - also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the LCDH channel. Joffres Grandes (56 × 170mm), a specially selected figurado. Comes with a "20 Aniversario" cigar band. The 450 numbered units represent Cuaba's highest-status collectible position.

In 2001, Cuaba was selected as the opening entry for Colección Habanos - released as the Salomónes Colección Habanos Book (300 books × 10 Salomones 57 × 184mm). This is one of the highest-honor limited series from Habanos, and Cuaba was the debut brand.

Cuaba is the only all-perfecto (double-ended pointed figurado) brand in the cigar industry -- all regular sizes are perfecto shapes with pointed double ends, a bulging middle, and closed ends. This is the highest realm of cigar-making skill -- the so-called 'pinnacle of the Torcedor cigar roller's art' (pinnacle of the cigar maker's art).

Cuaba 20 Aniversario Humidor 2016 (450 numbered humidors × 50 Joffres Grandes 56 × 170mm) - the brand's 20th anniversary humidor, also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the global Casa del Habano retail network. Entirely handcrafted by Cuban artisans, using wood sourced locally in Cuba. The design echoes the discovery of tobacco and the origins of the Cuaba brand.

Cuaba is the only regular-production brand in the cigar industry that produces 100% double-tapered perfecto (doble figurado) - all vitolas have the traditional figurado shape of both ends closed, a rounded head, a broad belly, and a tapered foot. It is the only brand in the Habanos lineup positioned this way.

November 19, 1996 倫敦 launch event: González and 14 highly skilled torcedores (15 people total) demonstrated rolling figurado on site--a rare "public display of skill" in the cigar industry. The hall of Claridge's Hotel was packed with about 200 guests wearing tailcoats, drinking red wine, and smoking cigars.

Cuaba Exclusivos (5⅔" × 46, vitola: Exquisitos, 145mm) - Cigar Insider rated it 89 points. Smoother but rich and harmonious in flavor. It is the brand's most popular regular-production model.

Cuaba LCDH Humidor 2002 (limited to 600, containing 5 Distinguidos + 5 Salomones) - possibly the smallest commemorative humidor in Habanos history. At the time, Distinguidos and Salomones had not yet entered regular production, making them truly rare "Vintage Cuaba".

Cuaba was created to revive the double-tapered figurado - this shape was extremely popular in the late 19th century, but declined after the 1950 年代 and almost disappeared by the 1970 年代. Habanos founding Cuaba in 1996 was one of the most important shape revival movements in the cigar industry.

In 1998, Cuaba was selected as one of the brands for the Millennium Reserve commemorative Humidor - it was released in the new Distinguidos specification, packaged in ceramic jars. This honor reflected Habanos' high recognition of Cuaba.

Cuaba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2008 (6⅛" × 52) - the only Pirámide (single-tapered shape) in the brand's history - is Cuaba's representative entry in the EL series. Cuaba has always made only double-tapered perfecto cigars, and this EL is the brand's only non-double-tapered cigar - giving it special historical significance.

All Cuaba cigars are "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (entirely handmade with long filler) - Vuelta Abajo tobacco leaves. Making the double-tapered shape relies extremely heavily on torcedor skill, and is the highest art of cigar making.

All Cuaba are rolled by Grade 7 cigar rollers--the highest certification level. Grade 7 is the highest skill certification in the Cuban cigar industry--cigar rollers who can roll figurado are all Grade 7. This is the strongest assurance of the brand's quality.

Cuaba Distinguidos (6½" × 52, vitola: Romeo)--the first large size released in 2003--breaking the brand's tradition of "only making small sizes". 52 ring gauge, 162mm length. It marked the beginning of the brand's shift toward thicker cigar bodies.

Cuaba was created to revive the Figurado/Perfecto shape - this shape, very popular in the late 19th century, had nearly disappeared for 40 years after the 1950s. It is the cigar industry's most historically significant "shape revival movement".

Carlos Izquierdo González (who launched Cuaba at age 61) was the brand's creator - he was the last cigar master in Cuba at the time who could still roll the Figurado shape. For many years, he had been rolling figurado cigars for himself in the factory, not wanting to lose this tradition.

Cuaba Salomónes Colección Habanos Book 2001 (limited to 300 books, each with 10 Salomones) - the brand's first Colección Habanos - and also the opening release of the Colección Habanos series!

All Cuaba cigars are handmade at Briones Montoto Factory (the Romeo y Julieta factory) by Grade 7 cigar rollers - Grade 7 is the highest cigar roller certification level in the Cuban cigar industry, and only the very top torcedores can roll Cuaba.

Cuaba 20 Aniversario Humidor 2016 (450 numbered units, each with 50 Joffres Grandes 56 × 170mm) - commemorating both the brand's 20th anniversary + Casa del Habano's 25th anniversary. The cigar band is specially printed with the words "20 Aniversario".

Cuaba Bariay Colección Habanos 2012 (20 Dulcineas cigars × 1,000 units) - Selected for Colección Habanos for the second time in 2012. Dulcineas size (47 × 232mm) - half were wrapped in aluminum foil. "Bariay" is the name of the harbor where Columbus first set foot in 古巴 in 1492.

Cuaba Distinguidos Reserva del Milenio Jar (1999, 4,000 jars × 25 cigars) - Millennium commemorative ceramic jar, first presented at the Havana Cigar Festival in 1999. Each jar contains 25 Distinguidos (Romeo specification, 6⅜" × 52), with a special white cigar band printed with Reserva del Milenio - 2000 - Millennium Reserve. It is the brand's only ceramic jar humidor ever released.

Cuaba Diademas (9⅛" × 55, vitola: Diademas) - a giant perfecto, 233mm long - is an epic Cuaba cigar. Wrapped in aluminum foil for protection. First released in 2001 as an Italy limited edition of 300 cigars (wrapped in star-pattern aluminum foil), officially launched in 2002, and discontinued in 2013.

Why the Romeo y Julieta factory? Because "the Romeo y Julieta factory had produced more than 1,000 different figurados in the past" - González said the factory still preserves all of these wooden figurado models.

The creator of the Cuaba blend was Carlos Izquierdo González - at the 1996 London launch, he demonstrated figurado making on-site with 14 top torcedores. González said the blend was inspired by Montecristo, but most connoisseurs believe the flavor is closer to Romeo y Julieta - this dispute remains unresolved to this day.

Cuaba Salomón / Salomones (7¼" × 184mm × 57) - added to the regular lineup in 2003 - one of the few Salomon specifications in regular production in the cigar industry, standing alongside Partagás Salomones as the Cuban Salomon duo.

Cuaba Bariay Colección Habanos 2012 (Dulcineas 47 × 232mm, 1,000 books × 20 cigars) - the second selection for Colección Habanos - half-wrapped in aluminum foil. "Bariay" is the name of the bay where Columbus landed in Cuba in 1492 - directly echoing Cuaba's Taíno-language origin.

Cuaba flavor: medium to full strength - González referred to the Montecristo blend when designing it. But experts believe it is actually closer to Romeo y Julieta (same factory). Flavors: spice, pepper, cedar, nuts, chocolate. "It smokes with a strong opening and a smooth, rich finish".

Cuaba Divinos (4" × 43, vitola: Small Bouquet, 101mm) - smallest size. Cigar Insider rated it 91 points. Even without ligero leaves, the flavor is highly intense. González considered it the most versatile Cuaba - any time, any occasion.

Cuaba Distinguidos (6½" × 52, vitola: Romeo, 162mm) - released in 2003 - the brand's first "large-size" vitola. It represents Cuaba's entry into the "modern large ring gauge era".

Cuaba Salomón (7¼" × 57, vitola: Salomon)--the largest regular-production Salomon size released in 2003. 57 ring gauge, 184mm length--the brand's "most spectacular" regular-production cigar. Salomon is one of the most complex figurado shapes in the cigar industry.

Cuaba flavor: medium to full--González himself said, "I wanted the cigar to start strong, then finish silky and rich". González said the blend was designed according to Montecristo, but most appreciation experts believe it is closer to the flavor of Romeo y Julieta (after all, the same factory).

Advantages of the Perfecto shape: (1) Tapered head concentrates the smoke on specific parts of the tongue, strongly impacting the taste buds from the first puff (2) Slender foot helps with even lighting (3) The cigar's volume gradually increases, causing different amounts of tobacco leaf to burn at different stages, so the flavor development has more layers. But it is extremely difficult to roll - only the very best torcedores can complete it.

Cuaba LCDH Humidor 2002 (5 Distinguidos + 5 Salomones, 600 units) -- released in 2002. Possibly the smallest commemorative humidor in Habanos history -- yet it contained Distinguidos and Salomones that were not yet in regular production at the time -- with extremely high ageing value.

The 4 original vitolas at the 1996 launch: Divinos (Petit Bouquet, 4" × 43), Exclusivos (Exquisitos, 5⅖" × 46), Generosos (5¼" × 42), Tradicionales (Favoritos, 4¾" × 42) - all were small figurados, reflecting the brand's positioning of reviving late 19th-century style.

Cuaba flavor positioning: medium to full strength (medium to full) - rich, balanced, and complex. Flavor descriptors: cedar, leather, spice, light pepper, dark chocolate, earth, and a sweet finish - intense in the first part and smooth in the later part. It is a representative of the pinnacle of figurado craftsmanship.

Double-pointed perfecto/figurado shape--pointed at both ends, rounded and bulging in the middle. "Double-pointed figurado is a non-standard shape, opposite to Parejo (standard shape, straight-sided body)". Advantages of Figurado: aficionados can decide where to cut the head, and the pear-shaped foot makes lighting easier.

The Cuaba launched in 1996 did not use cigar mold (cigar molds)--so the cigar sizes in the same box varied slightly. About one year later (1997), dedicated molds were finally made for Cuaba, and these original cigars made without molds therefore became precious collectibles.

Cuaba Divinos (4" × 43, vitola: Small Bouquet)--the brand's smallest size, but "explosive--with abundant spice and pepper flavors". Cigar Insider rated it 91 points. Strangely, this cigar does not use ligero (the strongest tobacco leaf) yet has an intense palate. González said Divinos is "the most versatile"--suitable for smoking at any time of day and on any occasion.

Cuaba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2008 (52 × 156mm)--in 2008 the brand entered the Edición Limitada program. Cuaba's only non-Perfecto-shaped cigar--an exception made as a Pirámide. In the collectors' market, it is a rare outlier.

Cuaba Salomón (7¼" × 57, vitola: Salomon, 184mm) - added in 2003 - a giant figurado, the peak display of Cuaba craftsmanship.

Cuaba Tradicionales (4¾" × 42, vitola: Favoritos)--one of the 4 original releases in 1996, rated 91 points by Cigar Insider. Refined and rich characteristics. Discontinued in February 2012--the first regular-production Cuaba size to be discontinued (discontinuations only began in 2012). About USD $150 per box of 25 (price before discontinuation).

Today's 5 Cuaba regular-line vitolas: Divinos, Exclusivos, Tradicionales, Distinguidos, Salomón -- plus the upcoming Britanicas Extras. It is the only brand in the Habanos lineup with an all-figurado regular line.

Cuaba Pirámides Edición Limitada 2008 (52 ring gauge Pirámide) - the brand's only cigar in a non-perfecto shape - and also the only time the brand entered the EL program.

Cuaba 20 Aniversario received high praise in halfwheel's review -- "clean and clear from start to finish, nearly perfect construction, and flavors that evolve thoughtfully at every stage." It is one of the most highly regarded humidors in the brand's history.

At the London launch, González and 14 of Cuba's top torcedores gave a live demonstration of figurado cigar making - one of the most ceremonial brand launches in the cigar industry. At the dinner for about 200 people at Claridge's Hotel, smoke filled the entire luxurious ballroom.

Cuaba's choice of London for its launch has historical significance -- London was the center of 19th-century British cigar culture and the market where figurado cigars were most popular. Habanos launched Cuaba at Claridge's Hotel, symbolizing "a tribute to the golden age of British cigars".

In 2013, Diademas and Generosos were discontinued at the same time - the largest specification and one of the earliest specifications left simultaneously, marking a turning point for the brand. From then on, Cuaba's specifications were further streamlined.

Cuaba is produced at the Romeo y Julieta Factory (i.e. Briones Montoto Factory) - this production relationship has continued since the brand was founded. It is one of the few cases in the cigar industry of a new brand being produced entirely in an old factory.

Cuaba Tradicionales (4¾" × 42, vitola: Favoritos, 120mm) - Cigar Insider rated it 91 points. Slightly more refined, with the same rich flavor. Discontinued on February 1, 2012 - the brand's first discontinued vitola.

The earliest Cuabas varied slightly in size within each box - because there were no cigar molds at the time. Molds were made for Cuaba only about a year later. These original moldless Cuabas are now rare collectibles for collectors.

Aged original moldless Cuabas (1996-1997) are truly rare collectibles -- their historical status as the "starting point of the cigar industry's figurado revival movement" gives them great value.

Why choose London for the launch? Linares explained: "London has preserved these old Havana cigars for many years. Londoners have loved smoking Havana cigars for more than 200 years" - London was the most suitable stage for reviving the old figurado shapes.

Today, the Cuaba regular series has only 5 items (Distinguidos, Salomón, Exclusivos, Divinos, Generosos still continuing, plus the pending Britanicas Extras) - only 1 more than the 4 items in 1996. But each one is a handmade figurado by a Grade 7 roller - refinement far exceeds quantity.

Cuaba Bariay Colección Habanos 2012 (limited to 1,000, each with 20 Dulcineas, 47 × 232mm, half wrapped in aluminum foil) - Bariay is the place where Columbus landed in Cuba.

All Cuaba are "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (totally handmade long filler), using all Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Río) tobacco.

Cuaba Generosos (5¼" × 42, 132mm) - Cigar Insider rated it 89 points. Equally smooth and harmonious. Discontinued in 2013. González considered it suitable in the morning with a strong espresso.

Cuaba Diadema (9⅛" × 55, vitola: Diademas, 233mm) - added in 2003 - a giant figurado, wrapped in aluminum foil. Discontinued in 2013. It is one of the most spectacular figurados in the cigar industry.

Cuaba is a "Specialty brand" within the Habanos system - winning by uniqueness rather than output. For highly skilled appreciation enthusiasts, it is an essential collectible - Grade 7 + figurado + the historical positioning as the first new brand since 1968 is an extremely rare combination in the cigar industry.

For "figurado craft connoisseurs," Cuaba is an essential brand to collect -- it turned the double-tapered perfecto from something "extinct in the 19th century" into a "required subject in the 21st century." Every Cuaba smoked is support for a craft on the verge of being lost.

The reason Habanos chose 倫敦 to launch Cuaba: Linares said, "倫敦 has preserved ancient figurado cigar samples for more than 200 years, and 倫敦 people have loved smoking Havana cigars for more than 200 years." 倫敦 is the "spiritual capital" of figurado cigars.

Cuaba Generosos (5¼" × 42, vitola: Generosos)--one of the 4 original releases in 1996, rated 89 points by Cigar Insider. Perfect in the morning with strong espresso--González's recommendation. Discontinued in 2013.

The uniqueness of smoking a double-tapered figurado: the slim foot (pear-shaped) makes lighting very simple, and the rounded 'Perfecto cap' at the head lets the smoker decide how much to cut - it is the most interactive shape in the cigar industry. 'You decide where to cut' is the core Cuaba experience.

Today's regular Cuaba line: Divinos, Exclusivos, Distinguidos, Salomón plus the newly added Británicas Extra - 5 vitolas in total (Tradicionales, Generosos, Diadema have been discontinued).

Cuaba Exclusivos (5¾" × 46, vitola: Exquisitos)--one of the 4 original releases in 1996, rated 89 points by Cigar Insider. Softer, good flavor, harmonious. González recommended enjoying it after a meal.

For Chinese-speaking smokers: Cuaba has small sales volume in Asia, but very high collectibility -- especially early non-mold versions (1996-1997), Distinguidos Reserva del Milenio Jar 1999, and 20 Aniversario Humidor 2016. They can occasionally be found at LCDH in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Cuaba is "one of the most low-profile brands" among the 27 Habanos marca -- halfwheel wrote that "if cigar smokers are asked to list the 27 Habanos brands, Cuaba is often forgotten." But for figurado enthusiasts, Cuaba is indispensable.

Lighting technique for figurado cigars: The pear-shaped foot makes lighting easier - enthusiasts do not need to cut off the foot; they can directly use a lighter/light to slowly heat it and let the figurado foot burn naturally. This is another technical feature of figurado.

Recommended ageing: Cuaba is suitable for an additional 1-2 years of ageing -- making the flavors smoother and the layers more distinct. It is one of the few brands in the cigar industry with a clear ageing recommendation.

Cuaba cigar band design: gold background, dark red lettering, and one of the most ornate and intricate cigar bands in the cigar industry. It reflects the brand's positioning of "late 19th-century revival" - intentionally made classical and ornate rather than modern and minimalist.

Features of the Cuaba cigar band: green and gold color scheme - a rare green cigar band among 古巴 cigars. The green pays tribute to the natural color of the Cuaba shrub - returning to the origin of its naming by the Taino Indians. It is one of the most visually recognizable cigar bands in the cigar industry.

"Cuaba style" cigars - because the figurado shape is distinctive, enthusiasts themselves invented the term "Cuaba style" to describe the "traditional figurado with pointed ends and a bulging middle". It is a rare case in the cigar industry where a brand name became a shape name.

Cuaba Tradicionales became the brand's first discontinued regular vitola in 2012 -- but other sizes also gradually saw packaging options reduced after 2012.

Cuaba Asia Pacific Regional Edition 2021 (long perfecto size) - an RE exclusive to the Asia-Pacific market, and one of the brand's few RE releases.

Cuaba is neither a Global brand nor Other in the Habanos system - it is a true "Niche/Specialty brand". It holds very high status among collectors who value refined craftsmanship.

Cuaba all use "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (completely handmade long filler), with all Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The aging recommendation is generally 1-2 more years to make the flavors more harmonious.

Why were early Cuaba all small sizes? "A shortage of large-leaf tobacco (used for wrappers and for filling large cigars)". With all factories under pressure to produce large sizes (such as Double Coronas and Churchills), they could not supply large-leaf tobacco for a new brand.