In the rarefied air of luxury tobacco, few releases generate as much fervor among collectors as a limited edition humidor from Cuba's flagship brand. Unveiled in 2007, the Cohiba Guayasamin II Humidor stands as a monumental tribute to the intersection of artistic genius and cigar mastery. This exquisite release was strictly capped at a mere fifty units worldwide, making it one of the most elusive treasures for aficionados. Created to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the initial collaboration with the Guayasamin Foundation, this collection serves as a tangible piece of history, blending the rich heritage of Cuban tobacco with the visual legacy of one of Latin America's most celebrated artists.
A Decade of Artistic Collaboration
The name behind this prestigious release carries significant weight in the art world. The collection pays homage to Oswaldo Guayasamin, a renowned Ecuadorian painter and sculptor known for his powerful depictions of human suffering and resilience. The 2007 release marked a decade since the foundation bearing his name first partnered with Habanos S.A. to produce exclusive humidors. This endeavor was not merely a commercial venture but a cultural project designed to celebrate artistic heritage.
By intertwining the Cohiba brand with Guayasamin's name, the creators produced an object that transcends its function. It acts as a bridge between the sensory experience of smoking a premium cigar and the visual appreciation of fine art. With only fifty individually numbered examples ever produced, ownership of this humidor is a distinct marker of status, reserved for the most serious collectors seeking a museum-quality artifact.
The Selection: Six Vitolas of Distinction
Inside the elegant brown exterior, the humidor reveals a treasure trove of ninety handcrafted cigars. The collection is meticulously curated, featuring six distinct vitolas, with fifteen cigars allocated to each format. While five of these sizes are well-known to connoisseurs as part of the standard production line, the set is anchored by one exclusive, special release vitola that sets this edition apart from standard retail offerings. Every single cigar within the box features the classic Cohiba band D, ensuring visual continuity with the brand's esteemed portfolio.
The specific formats included in this rare assembly are:
- Lanceros: A slender and elegant figurado, the Laguito No.1 measures 192 mm (7½″) in length with a 38 ring gauge. It remains a staple of the brand's current production, offering a refined smoking experience.
- Coronas Especiales: Another current production favorite, this Laguito No.2 vitola features a 38 ring gauge and a length of 152 mm (6″), delivering the classic Cohiba flavor profile in a manageable format.
- Espléndidos: Representing the grandeur of the brand, this Julieta No.2 measures 178 mm (7″) with a 47 ring gauge. It is a commanding presence in the collection, offering a long and complex smoke.
- Robustos: Perhaps the most popular modern format, these cigars measure 124 mm (4⅞″) with a 50 ring gauge. Their compact size belies the richness of flavor packed into current production units.
- Siglo IV: This Corona Gorda format is a mainstay of the Cohiba line. At 143 mm (5⅝″) long with a 46 ring gauge, it provides a balanced smoke that is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
- Pirámides: The crown jewel of the collection is this special release vitola. Unlike the others, this pyramid-shaped cigar, with its 52 ring gauge and 156 mm (6⅛″) length, was produced exclusively for this limited edition, making it the most sought-after component of the set.
Masterful Construction and Rarity
The creation of the Guayasamin II Humidor was entrusted to Cuba's most skilled torcedores, or rollers. These artisans ensured that every cigar was constructed to the highest standards, guaranteeing the flawless draw and burn that discerning smokers demand. The presentation of the collection reflects a sophisticated aesthetic; the humidor's brown exterior is understated yet luxurious, designed to protect the precious contents while serving as a display piece worthy of any private lounge.
Because the production run was capped at just fifty units globally, the humidor represents an extraordinary acquisition opportunity. It encapsulates a specific moment in Cuban cigar history—the tenth anniversary of a cultural partnership—while delivering a smoking experience rooted in the finest tobacco traditions. For those lucky enough to encounter one of these numbered sets, it offers a unique chance to own a piece of the Cohiba legacy, intricately woven with the spirit of Oswaldo Guayasamin.
