When Habanos S.A. unveiled its 2011 limited edition, cigar collectors around the world took notice. This wasn't just another release—it was a celebration of Cuban tobacco heritage distilled into thirty perfect specimens. The collection bearing the name "Obras Completas," which translates to "The Complete Works," represented a milestone in the prestigious line of Habanos special releases that began over a decade earlier. For aficionados seeking the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, this particular edition delivered everything they could desire and more.
The Habanos Collection Legacy
The Colección Habanos series has long stood as the benchmark for exceptional Cuban cigar releases. Since its inception, this program has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in premium tobacco creation. Each installment showcases not merely individual cigars but an entire philosophy—a commitment to presenting the full spectrum of Cuban rolling excellence across multiple renowned marcas. The 2011 Obras Completas marked the eleventh iteration of this celebrated program, bringing together an impressive assembly of ten different brands, each contributing three vitolas to form a cohesive collection that told a broader story about Cuban cigar making.
Presentation and Specifications
What distinguished the 2011 release from its predecessors was the extraordinary packaging approach. The cigars arrived housed in a distinctive book-style boîte nature box—a numbered presentation container designed to evoke the feeling of opening a treasured volume. Each sealed box contained exactly thirty individual cigars, meticulously arranged to preserve their condition and aging potential. Habanos S.A. exercised remarkable restraint in production, manufacturing precisely one thousand numbered boxes worldwide. This deliberate scarcity transformed the release into a collector's dream almost instantly, with each numbered set becoming a coveted treasure for enthusiasts and investors alike.
The construction throughout the collection maintained the handmade tradition that defines Cuban premium cigars. Every vitola in the Obras Completas was crafted by skilled torcedors employing techniques passed down through generations, ensuring each smoke delivered the characteristic complexity and smoothness expected from Habanos products. The attention to detail extended beyond mere construction—each marca selected specific sizes that represented their unique character while contributing to the collection's overall narrative.
Distinguished Vitolas Within the Collection
The selection of vitolas within the Obras Completas demonstrated strategic curation, balancing established favorites with distinctive formats. From Hoyo de Monterrey, the collection featured the Extravaganza—a generous 184mm smoke with a 50 ring gauge that exemplified the house's refined approach to blend construction. This particular size allowed smokers ample time to appreciate the subtle evolution of flavors that experienced Cuban tobacco craftspeople engineered into every stick.
Romeo y Julieta's contribution came in the form of the Fabulosos No.6, a Cañonazo-format vitola measuring 180mm with a 52 ring gauge. True to the marca's reputation, this cigar delivered the brand's signature elegance while the substantial dimensions provided additional depth and complexity. The Bolívar Gran Belicoso offered a different proposition entirely—a 54 ring gauge, 180mm smoke that delivered the bold, intense experience the brand has cultivated since the nineteenth century. Its powerful character made it a favorite among those who appreciate robust smoking experiences.
The H. Upmann Magnum Especial brought its own character to the collection, with a 55 ring gauge and 170mm length that facilitated excellent combustion and flavor development. This format allowed for a cool, measured burn that highlighted the marca's approach to creating sophisticated taste profiles. Each of the ten brands represented in the collection received three vitolas, creating opportunities for comparative tasting sessions that revealed the diverse expressions possible within Cuban tobacco tradition.
Collectibility and Lasting Impact
The Obras Completas 2011 has earned its place among the most sought-after releases in Habanos history. The combination of limited production numbers, exceptional presentation, and carefully selected vitolas created a package that appealed to both dedicated smokers and strategic collectors. Today, finding an intact numbered box commands significant attention in the secondary market, though true enthusiasts often argue the cigars themselves are meant to be enjoyed rather than merely preserved. Whether examined through the lens of investment potential or pure smoking pleasure, the 2011 Obras Completas stands as testament to Cuban cigar making at its most ambitious and refined.