National Habanos World Challenge: Knowledge and Skills in the Art of the Cuban Cigar

The most prestigious company in the world of premium cigars, Habanos S.A., held the 1st National Habanos World Challenge this Friday at the Gran Manzana Kempinski Hotel. The event showcased the high level of competitors in a contest that combines both knowledge and practical training, along with a deep passion for the culture of the Cuban cigar.

To select the pair that will represent Cuba in the International Habanos World Challenge at the 25th edition of the Festival del Habano next year, a distinguished jury evaluated the demonstrations of three duos: Noel Rodríguez Arias and José Carlos Lara Ortiz from Abel Cigar Lounge; Ramón Borges Gainza and Catherin Fajardo Laureiro from Grupo de Turismo Gaviota S.A.; and Dayan Valdés Matamoros and Odalys Cáceres López from Empresa Comercial Caracol S.A.

The winning team, composed of Noel Rodríguez Arias and José Carlos Lara Ortiz from Abel Cigar Lounge, excelled in demonstrating their knowledge and skills in the art of the Cuban cigar. Both participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to hold such a prestigious contest in Cuba, a country renowned for producing the finest tobacco in the world, and they look forward to the participation of more competitors in future editions.

The jury was comprised of Yunier Machado, President and Director of the Cuban Domestic Market; José Carlos de Santiago, President of Grupo Excelencias Latinoamericanas; Pedro Tejeda, winner of the Habanosommelier Contest in 2008; Lourdes de la Noval, Specialist from La Casa del Habano at Habanos S.A.; Ana Isel Mederos, Quality Director at the El Laguito Cigar Factory; and Teresa Quintana Domínguez, Quality Specialist at Empresa de Rama 63.

To test the skills and knowledge of the participants, the morning session included a written exam and a blind tasting, while the afternoon featured the cigar cutting and lighting, along with the Habanos Moments challenge.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez

Noel Rodríguez Arias and José Carlos Lara Ortiz from Abel Cigar Lounge. Photo: Habanos S.A.