As the Year of the Dragon passes its midpoint according to the Chinese zodiac, Switzerland is gearing up for a special celebration of the Lunar New Year. On August 20th, the Cuban Montecristo Brillantes will make its debut at La Casa del Habano shops across the country. This cigar, a unique addition to the Montecristo portfolio, is designed to honor the zodiac’s mythical creature in a truly exceptional way.
Montecristo Brillantes: A Unique Release
What sets the Montecristo Brillantes apart is not only its quality but also its striking presentation. The cigars are housed in contoured, glossy red boxes, adorned with a dragon motif to match the theme of the Year of the Dragon. This choice of design is particularly noteworthy, as Montecristo is traditionally known for its yellow-dominated packaging. Each box contains 18 cigars, and only 18,888 boxes have been produced for global distribution, making this a limited and highly sought-after release.
In addition to its eye-catching design, the Montecristo Brillantes features modern technological enhancements. Like last yearβs Cohiba Siglo de Oro, which was released to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, each Brillantes box is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The NFC chip serves a dual purpose: it provides an interactive way to access information about the product and verifies the authenticity of the cigars. This innovative feature is the work of HumidifGroup, a Spanish company renowned for its high-gloss, piano-finish boxes within the cigar industry.
A Premium Experience
The Montecristo Brillantes measures 5 inches by 53 ring gauge, offering a smoking experience that matches its luxurious presentation. Unsurprisingly, this level of exclusivity comes at a price. The cigars are set to retail at 1,440 Swiss francs per box, which equates to approximately $1,665 or 80 Swiss francs ($92.50) per cigar. While this price point is undeniably steep, it is still more affordable than last year’s Cohiba Year of the Rabbit, which retailed for $4,500 per box of 18 cigars, or $250 per cigar.
Following its release at La Casa del Habano on August 20th, the Montecristo Brillantes will become available to other Swiss retailers starting August 27th.
Cubaβs Lunar New Year Tradition
The Montecristo Brillantes marks the fifth time that Cuba has participated in the Lunar New Year celebrations with a special cigar release. Previous commemorative editions have included the H. Upmann Magnum 52 for the Year of the Tiger and the Hoyo de Monterrey Primaveras for earlier celebrations.
As the Year of the Dragon continues, the Montecristo Brillantes stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of these limited-edition releases, offering both collectors and connoisseurs a chance to indulge in a truly unique cigar experience.
