The Regional Release Program comes up to a decade of existence. Some questions.

[Habana Mike]

Quoting Prez here b/c I'm hoping to get a definitive answer to the following question that has been bugging me a long time.

Let me preface it by saying: I understand that vitola can affect taste. Set that aside.

My question is, you see a lot of people, even FOG BOTL talking about the different "blends" of Regionals. Sometimes they will say things like, in order to make a Regional, Habanos will work with the distributor in question to make a blend to suit that region's particular taste.

However, the Habanos SA website seems to say entirely the contrary. It says: "They are made from the standard tobaccos and blends for the brands in question with no special features."

At some point I'd like a definitive answer: Is the blend in REs different from the regular production or not?

Great question and observation there...

I guess I would have to ask what would "special features" entail?

Standard tobaccos, sure - how many are there on the Island?

Standard blends? A specific mix of volado, seco and ligero leafs in a particular cigar is the blend. How many of each, cured how, aged so much and from where grown would be key determinants in the final product.

I believe (and as I say this, belief is certainly just my opinion), most RE cigars are unique in that they are blended to a particular distributor's taste/specifications based on what they are looking for. The blend of tobaccos and vitola have a direct impact on the final result and the market perception plays in to the final assessment of the consumer.

I was not initially enthralled by the program until I sampled a few examples that were significantly superior to the generally available production as I've subsequently found that many RE cigars possess much more refinement, finesse, definition of flavor and character that have been lacking in the standard Cuban cigars in the past 15-20 years,

That's what has driven me to explore, smoke and invest in the ones that strike my fancy.

[Guest rob]

Where can I get American regionals?

I know you're only kidding.... But there are lots of American RE's - countries in North America, Central America and South America.

[sengjc]

... At some point I'd like a definitive answer: Is the blend in REs different from the regular production or not?

Sometimes, I wonder the same about the marques for the recent batches.

First rule of Cuban Cigar Club is never believe what hsa says, especially if its on their website!

According to HSA, on their website, they say the blends are supposed to be different for the different marques. LOL.

[nick2021]

The "best" are usually from easy to find sources. AP, UK, Spain, Swiss, Italy....

Odd how not much love for that Canadians. Gorditos, Simones, Super Ramon, VR PR, VR XV, RA PU..so many legends.

Some harder or odd REs have been incredible for me. Bolivar 681 and RA PR Israel are top of my mind.

I'm a fan of the RE releases, but agree with much of what bundwalla says. If you buy and collect and sell, it's great. If you are a smoker......often frustrating not being able to get some before the hogs clean them out.

The Gordito was a great cigar!

[El Presidente]

Quoting Prez here b/c I'm hoping to get a definitive answer to the following question that has been bugging me a long time.

Let me preface it by saying: I understand that vitola can affect taste. Set that aside.

My question is, you see a lot of people, even FOG BOTL talking about the different "blends" of Regionals. Sometimes they will say things like, in order to make a Regional, Habanos will work with the distributor in question to make a blend to suit that region's particular taste.

However, the Habanos SA website seems to say entirely the contrary. It says: "They are made from the standard tobaccos and blends for the brands in question with no special features."

At some point I'd like a definitive answer: Is the blend in REs different from the regular production or not?

This is only what I was told back circa 2009 by someone in HSA who should know.

HSA will work with a Distributor to put forward 3+ blends for a proposed new cigar. New meaning vitola for that marque.

Once that blend is chosen and say antoher distributor down the track wishes to use that same vitola/marque then it will be the same blend as the initial regional to the best of their ability.

It may be "gospel" or a "guideline" or "bunkum".

Outside of the Yakuza, there are no more secretive an organisation than HSA

[Habana Mike]

This is only what I was told back circa 2009 by someone in HSA who should know.

HSA will work with a Distributor to put forward 3+ blends for a proposed new cigar. New meaning vitola for that marque.

Once that blend is chosen and say antoher distributor down the track wishes to use that same vitola/marque then it will be the same blend as the initial regional to the best of their ability.

It may be "gospel" or a "guideline" or "bunkum".

Outside of the Yakuza, there are no more secretive an organisation than HSA

And that's why I want to run it! Perfect job for a guy like me

[CanuckSARTech]

This is only what I was told back circa 2009 by someone in HSA who should know.

HSA will work with a Distributor to put forward 3+ blends for a proposed new cigar. New meaning vitola for that marque.

Once that blend is chosen and say antoher distributor down the track wishes to use that same vitola/marque then it will be the same blend as the initial regional to the best of their ability.

It may be "gospel" or a "guideline" or "bunkum".

Outside of the Yakuza, there are no more secretive an organisation than HSA

And that's why I want to run it! Perfect job for a guy like me

I'll be your doorman / air marshall / CP guard.

You better pay damn good though. None of this piddly health-care-for-all benefits - I want me some REAL benefits. RA 898's, QdO Imperiales, Dip 4's, etc. LOL.

[Colt45]

My question is, you see a lot of people, even FOG BOTL talking about the different "blends" of Regionals. Sometimes they will say things like, in order to make a Regional, Habanos will work with the distributor in question to make a blend to suit that region's particular taste.

I know you've already received some pertinent replies, but your question reminded me of the RACF discussion from a few years back. I thought of simply quoting RA's thoughts on how they came to be, but I also think the discussion is fairly interesting:

Link

As mentioned, perhaps in the end it's bunk, but were I footing the bill, I'd like to think I'd have some say......

[topdiesel]

I know you're only kidding.... But there are lots of American RE's - countries in North America, Central America and South America.

rob, I live in USA and it amazes me how many people here completely blank out that there are other americans than just the US.

I love the RE program. Way more successful for my palate than the LE program.

I enjoy the:

PL Robustos

Bolivar Poderosos

SP Eslavo

LGC Belux No.1 (I might be the only one who likes it, but smooth toasted marshmallow for me)

Haven't really had any that I would put in the worst list.

[PigFish]

I voted a failure because I am not a 'party' executive at Tabacuba! Did I rate the cigars? Nope, I may have smoked a total of 25 over the past years.

I voted failure because of what the program focuses on; temporary, untested, expensive cigars. The whole model is a kidney shot to the true Habanos smoker. It has turned the appreciation for a good smoke, one that can be relied on, today, tomorrow, and into the future to a Beanie Baby eBay hunting game!

Now I don't wish to deride you all that play and enjoy the game. It was tailored for you. As I see it, you have been used as foil, as a reason not to produce other cigars that you could have bought for less, bought more of and smoked into the foreseeable future.

The question is this then. Do you collect cigars or just want to smoke them? Me, I just want to smoke them. I want good ones. I want enough to keep enough to keep me smoking what I like when I want. And I don't want to be a 'club member' or have to hunt the damn things down with I want to buy a box of them.

I am sure it has been an economic success, but that has little or no affect on me, as an 'in the weeds' cigar smoker.

Some of us look at cigars as a luxury item. While others look at them as a staple. While it is a luxury to burn up your money for enjoyment, cigars are simply items off a menu to me. The daily special might be nice to try. But I don't go to a restaurant because I ate one daily special that was good while the rest of the menu was lacking. If the menu, in general is not good, I would never try the daily special. It is the menu, the catalog of fine cigars that makes me a Habanos smoker. The 'daily special,' the LE or RE is just a gimmick... It is the McRib sandwich of the Habanos world!!! (I just stumbled on a new signature line. -LOL)

I don't see this gimmick as being smoker friendly. A vast and varied catalog is smoker friendly. Being pressed to get a 'daily special' is no way to keep me buying a product. It simply detracts from the reliable and tested products that I used to enjoy, the ones that are no longer made.

Cheers! -Piggy

[Charltonc]

PL magnifico

PL robusto

SLR Pacificos

Pl encantos

PL regalia de londres

RA belicoso from uk and Germany

Jl suprema

Bolivar Simones

[headstand]

The "best" are usually from easy to find sources. AP, UK, Spain, Swiss, Italy....

Odd how not much love for that Canadians. Gorditos, Simones, Super Ramon, VR PR, VR XV, RA PU..so many legends.

Some harder or odd REs have been incredible for me. Bolivar 681 and RA PR Israel are top of my mind.

I'm a fan of the RE releases, but agree with much of what bundwalla says. If you buy and collect and sell, it's great. If you are a smoker......often frustrating not being able to get some before the hogs clean them out.

Loved the box of Bolivar Simones I had. I'd go for a repeat.

[BonVivant]

With the Regonal Release Program coming up to 10 years, how would you define it's contribution to the world of Cuban cigars......a success?...a pass?....a fail?

Your favourite Regionals from the decade?

Your worst Regionals from the decade?

Keeping in mind that the the following Global Brands are excluded from the Regional Release Program (Cohiba/Upmann/Hoyo De Monterrey/Partagas/Montecristo/Romeo y Julieta).........from the brands remaining, if you could come up with a Regional......what would you put forward and bring to market

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your favourite Regionals from the decade?

UK takes the cake for the most part on real winners: La Flor de Cano, Por Larrañaga 2007 and Punch had been phenomenal.

Your worst Regionals from the decade?

the RAs suffered the most = toooooooooo many regionals

if you could come up with a Regional......what would you put forward and bring to market

El Rey del Mundo Taino (julieta2 = Churchill), La Gloria Cubana Delicado (Lancero w/o pig tail)

[Lant63]

With the Regonal Release Program coming up to 10 years, how would you define it's contribution to the world of Cuban cigars......a success?...a pass?....a fail?

Your favourite Regionals from the decade?

Your worst Regionals from the decade?

Keeping in mind that the the following Global Brands are excluded from the Regional Release Program (Cohiba/Upmann/Hoyo De Monterrey/Partagas/Montecristo/Romeo y Julieta).........from the brands remaining, if you could come up with a Regional......what would you put forward and bring to market

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your favourite Regionals from the decade?

UK takes the cake for the most part on real winners: La Flor de Cano, Por Larrañaga 2007 and Punch had been phenomenal.

Your worst Regionals from the decade?

the RAs suffered the most = toooooooooo many regionals

if you could come up with a Regional......what would you put forward and bring to market

El Rey del Mundo Taino (julieta2 = Churchill), La Gloria Cubana Delicado (Lancero w/o pig tail)

Which punch did you like, the gold foil ones or the pyramids?

[BonVivant]

Which punch did you like, the gold foil ones or the pyramids?

I stick to regular production

[mk05]

ERDM Tainos regional? Are you kidding? It'll probably end up like RA898. Bah humbug

[LGC]

I voted a failure because I am not a 'party' executive at Tabacuba! Did I rate the cigars? Nope, I may have smoked a total of 25 over the past years.

I voted failure because of what the program focuses on; temporary, untested, expensive cigars. The whole model is a kidney shot to the true Habanos smoker. It has turned the appreciation for a good smoke, one that can be relied on, today, tomorrow, and into the future to a Beanie Baby eBay hunting game!

Now I don't wish to deride you all that play and enjoy the game. It was tailored for you. As I see it, you have been used as foil, as a reason not to produce other cigars that you could have bought for less, bought more of and smoked into the foreseeable future.

The question is this then. Do you collect cigars or just want to smoke them? Me, I just want to smoke them. I want good ones. I want enough to keep enough to keep me smoking what I like when I want. And I don't want to be a 'club member' or have to hunt the damn things down with I want to buy a box of them.

I am sure it has been an economic success, but that has little or no affect on me, as an 'in the weeds' cigar smoker.

Some of us look at cigars as a luxury item. While others look at them as a staple. While it is a luxury to burn up your money for enjoyment, cigars are simply items off a menu to me. The daily special might be nice to try. But I don't go to a restaurant because I ate one daily special that was good while the rest of the menu was lacking. If the menu, in general is not good, I would never try the daily special. It is the menu, the catalog of fine cigars that makes me a Habanos smoker. The 'daily special,' the LE or RE is just a gimmick... It is the McRib sandwich of the Habanos world!!! (I just stumbled on a new signature line. -LOL)

I don't see this gimmick as being smoker friendly. A vast and varied catalog is smoker friendly. Being pressed to get a 'daily special' is no way to keep me buying a product. It simply detracts from the reliable and tested products that I used to enjoy, the ones that are no longer made.

Cheers! -Piggy

Couldn't have said it better myself!!

[Puros Y Vino]

@PigFish Well written tome there Ray. I agree with you on many points. To some it's part of the fun of the "collecting" side. "Gotta have em all!". To others, an opportunity to try something "unique" and to some a mix of both approaches. I too would prefer more focus on regular production vs LE vs RE. But to me a good cigar is a good cigar no matter which release it falls under. I won't smoke something I enjoy on a matter of principle linked to its' origins. I've tried many RE's. Have a few I'm deep on and others in singles, doubles or fivers. I'm not looking to complete a set mind you, but I do enjoy trying them. Some of my favourite cigars, for better or worse, came out of the RE program. The RACF, RA Gladiator, La Escepcion. It does bother me that my favourite marca, Ramon Allones, has more RE's than standard production in it's portfolio. Me not smoking them will not change anything. If anything, one could hope that a successful RE release could transition into a regular production offering. I don't believe that's happened yet or if it ever will.

[jdo2110]

So many I haven't had...

LOVE the PL releases. And what I like most in the Regionals is being able to sample a marca in a different vitola.

My understanding is that the regionals are blended to favor the palate of that specific area (if I'm wrong, my bad), and because my experience with them all is limited, it's hard for me to say what region I'd like to see more of.

That being said, in my little fantasy world, this is what I would like to see:

Upmann Double Edmundo

RyJ Especiales 2 (cherry bomb)

HDM Coronas Grandes

SLR Corona Gorda (with a little more strength than the A)

And was gonna say a JL Hermosa No. 2, but apparently there is one. Curious how those are

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BonVivant]

ERDM Tainos regional? Are you kidding? It'll probably end up like RA898. Bah humbug

Once again you prove that you are deaf and have no idea on what is going on - I give up

[mk05]

Once again you prove that you are deaf and have no idea on what is going on - I give up

My comment was on the execution, not the idea. Maybe you missed the analogy. Here it is again:

You : ERDM Tainos Regional = Everyone : RA898 Regional

ERDM Tainos regional? Are you kidding? It'll probably end up like RA898. Bah humbug

I would love ERDM Tainos back as you do, but we all know it won't happen. Don't you remember the heartache you had for La Escepcion? For all we know, the Tainos RE could be those Monte Churchill Anejados with a different band, or ARG15 Sir Winston - I don't know what's worse.

[in0gravity]

I like the Regional Release Program. It's a great idea and glad that some Distributors were creative enough to bring back brands like La Escepcion or La Flor de Cano into the focus. I wish more would do the same.

Really cannot pinpoint my favorite regional as there are some many good ones but the worst by far was the Juan Lopez Obus ER Francia.

If I could bring a regional into the market it would be a longfiller Quintero Churchill Extra, Dalia Vitola, in cabinets of 25.

Or a Cifuentes Salomones in wooden coffins in boxes of 10.

regards

Lars

[CigSid]

I like the Regional Release Program. It's a great idea and glad that some Distributors were creative enough to bring back brands like La Escepcion or La Flor de Cano into the focus. I wish more would do the same.

Really cannot pinpoint my favorite regional as there are some many good ones but the worst by far was the Juan Lopez Obus ER Francia.

If I could bring a regional into the market it would be a longfiller Quintero Churchill Extra, Dalia Vitola, in cabinets of 25.

Or a Cifuentes Salomones in wooden coffins in boxes of 10.

regards

Lars

I agree and disagree on the Obus... I found a 25 count cab from 2006 that are crazy good, then I purchased 3 10 count boxes (2007) because I could find any more 25 cabs, and the 10 count boxes are horrible... bland, dry, flat and underfilled... Definitely two different cigars...

[atlharp]

I find the RE program to be good in theory but poorly executed. As good as a lot of the RE's I have had are, they are still no where near some 4 to 5 years aged stock that I currently have right now. The issue is the price paid for some of these sticks (If you can find them), then the gamble of it being any good (Which odds are it will). That's a lot of time, effort, money and risk for something that might not be worth it. I would rather grab a box of Bolivar PCs or Aged VR's. At least you have a better shot of those being good even for less money.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[maverickdrinker]

There have been some benefits to the Edicion Regional program:

ability to try marcas in different vitolas

more exposure to B&Ms regionally

overall quality has been good throughout the years

Fun to track certain releases down and trade/gift to others

What I have enjoyed the most is the ability to try different sizes that are not normally available. Some have been unique in size (celestiales finos and conde 109 vitolas) which has kept it interesting.

I also enjoy bringing a few CDN regionals to herfs or the Partagas Festival to hand out to friends from other countries or within Cuba. The smiles are priceless and fun to hand out something that represents Canada.

The current trend of short robustos or bringing back the dead (RA 898s) saddens me as it does take away from the program. I am hoping the Habanos SA is tracking the sales numbers of each release and decides to use the Edicion Regional program as an acceptance testing ground for future potential regular production releases.

I remember a few years ago when I had a chance to talk with the VP of Habanos about releasing a RA 898 as a regular production. He said that it would probably be better for Habanos SA to release as a Edicion Regional. We both mused that it would sell like hot cakes. I also asked him if we would see Habanos consider releasing the RA 898 as a regular production stick and his response was 'all vitolas are just sleeping, waiting for the right time to wake up again' which at least bring some optimism that it could be released again.