Habanos, S.A. presented Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales exclusively in Portugal
Empor, S.A, exclusive distributor of Habanos, S.A. for Portugal, launched the new vitola Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales and the new Regional Edition for its market, El Rey del Mundo Templários, on world premiere at the Habanos Gala Dinner Portugal.
The launching took place in Lisbon, on February 11th at the Montes Claros – Lisboa Secret Spot. This event, named “Habanos Gala Dinner Portugal”, was divided in two sessions, exclusively conceived for the professional channel, with guests that represent the stores La Casa del Habano, Habanos Specialist and Habanos Point.
The “Habanos Gala Dinner Portugal” was hosted by Her Excellency Cuban Ambassador in Portugal, Mrs. Yusmari Díaz, the General and Commercial Directors of EMPOR, S.A. Mr. Pedro Rocha, , and Mr Luis Javier Bosch, respectively. A warm welcome was issued by the hosts to all the participants at the event with a brief explanation about the Habanos that are being shown.
Special thanks went to the retailers for their attendance and encouragement was given to keep the Habanos name and the Premium cigar business prestige.
The guests were able to get to know and taste the new Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales 48 ring gauge x and 127mm length at first-hand, characterized by their soft flavour, and made “Totally Handmade with long filler” after a careful selection of leaves coming from the Vuelta Abajo region, the area where the world’s best tobacco is produced, paired with an extraordinary port wine, Sandeman Tawny 30 years old, of Sogrape S.A.
2022 was marked for being the year when the brand Rafael González stepped into the worldwide market with a new image. Its packaging complies with the requirements of the European Union and is presented with a redesigned band and has significant improvements in its printing technology, resulting in accurate colour shades allowing for a more proficient view of the graphic details.
The new Regional Edition for Portugal was also launched during the event, El Rey del Mundo Templários, with a 54 ring gauge x 120 mm length, with a light to medium strength. The name of this vitola is inspired by the mysteries and myths of the Order of Knights Templar, which is closely related to the Portuguese history. Especially for this Regional Edition, a painting was made, which is included in each cigar box through a small digigraphy and a QR code which leads to a video with the author painting interpretation.
The “Habanos Gala Dinner” was a great evening where the participants had a marvellous experience, enjoying a night with a vast selection of food, premium drinks, and traditional Cuban music, all in the company of marvellous Habanos of Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales and the El Rey del Mundo Templários.
The launch was further enriched with the presence of our valued sponsors: Sogrape S.A., SEL Salsicharia Estremocense, DELTA Q and Revista de Vinhos, who Empor would like to give thanks for their presence and contribution to the event’s success.
Tasting notes
Brand: Rafael González
Commercial Name: Coronas de Lonsdales
Measures: 48 ring gauge x 127mm length
Strength: Light
Wrapper: oily with a delicious aroma
First third: balanced, subtle and delicate expressions, with a perfect draw and combustion
Second third: with a very uniform progress, grassy and dark chocolate notes greatly balanced with medium tobacco taste
Third third: nice draw and tight ash, and enticing aroma, chocolate was definitely in there
Pairing proposal: Sandeman Tawny 30 years old
Brand: El Rey del Mundo
Commercial Name: Templários
Factory Name: Magnum 54
Measures: 54 ring gauge x 120mm length
Strenght: Light to Medium
Wrapper: very oily and smooth cover
First third: Excellent draw and combustion, elegant cigar with soft wrapper, light veiny. The first third is characterized by a rich and complex flavor, with hints of coffee, wood and some chocolate
Second third: coffee, wood, leather taste, fragrant aroma, increase strength after first part,
Third third: Peppery in the last third, the flavour grows a lot from the second third onwards and the “aftertaste” is extraordinary, excellent draw and a fairly uniform burn with firm ashes of solid texture and grey in colour.
About EL REY DEL MUNDO TEMPLÁRIOS – ED REGIONAL 2021
“Templários”, under El Rey del Mundo brand, is the selected vitola as Regional Edition 2021 for the Portuguese market. Its name is inspired by the mythical history of the Templar Knights, their symbology and hidden messages. The past existence of the Templars in Portugal is closely connected to the country’s own history.
These 10 Habanos, made “Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga” – Totally handmade with Long Filler- with selected leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, Pinar del Río, Cuba, where the considered world’s best tobacco is produced, are part of a special and unique production of 8.000 numbered boxes, exclusively produced for Portugal.
