For the discerning aficionado, few pursuits are as thrilling as the acquisition of a Regional Edition cigar. These specialized releases offer a glimpse into the collaborative spirit between Havana’s central cigar authority and the exclusive distributors who champion Cuban tobacco in specific corners of the globe. Among these sought-after releases, the El Rey del Mundo Choix du Roi stands out as a remarkable tribute to the cigar culture of Belgium and Luxembourg, delivering a smoking experience that is as regal as its name implies.
A Crown Jewel for the Benelux Region
The concept behind the Regional Edition series is simple yet effective: provide exclusive vitolas to specific markets that are otherwise unavailable in the standard global portfolio. The Choix du Roi was conceived specifically for the "Belux" market, a term encompassing Belgium and Luxembourg. While the official announcement of the cigar occurred in 2016, the actual arrival on shelves took place in May 2017, creating a palpable sense of anticipation among local connoisseurs.
This release reinforced the strong relationship between Habanos S.A. and its appointed distributors in the Benelux region. By securing a unique format under the historic El Rey del Mundo brand, these distributors offered their clientele a tangible piece of exclusivity. Unlike standard production lines that are available worldwide, this cigar was strictly allocated, ensuring that possession of one became a badge of honor for smokers in the designated territories.
The Robust Dimensions of the Montesco
Central to the identity of the Choix du Roi is its specific physical format, known in factory terminology as the Montesco. This vitola was a completely new addition to the El Rey del Mundo family at the time of its release, offering smokers a shape that fell outside the brand's usual offerings. It belongs to the "Robusto Extra" category, a classification favored for its generous girth and manageable length.
The technical specifications reveal a cigar designed for a substantial yet comfortable session:
- Length: 130 mm (approximately 5⅛ inches)
- Ring Gauge: 55
- Weight: 16.00 grams
The 55 ring gauge is particularly significant. This wide diameter allows for a more complex arrangement of filler leaves, which can drastically alter the flavor profile and burn characteristics compared to thinner cigars. The draw tends to be effortless in this format, and the cooler combustion allows the nuances of the tobacco to shine through without becoming harsh. It is a size that commands attention while remaining accessible enough for an everyday luxury.
Presentation and Scarcity
True to the high standards of the Regional Edition program, the presentation of the Choix du Roi was executed with elegance and an eye toward collectability. The cigars are housed in traditional, numbered slide-lid boxes, each containing ten units. The use of numbered boxes adds a layer of verification and exclusivity, appealing directly to collectors who value the provenance of their tobacco.
The visual identity of the cigar is anchored by two distinct bands. The primary band is the classic El Rey del Mundo design, specifically "Band B," which signifies the brand's prestigious standing. Below this sits the secondary band, clearly marking the cigar as an Edición Regional for the Belux market. This dual-banding system serves as an immediate visual cue to the smoker that they are enjoying a unique, limited-run product.
Scarcity was a defining factor for this release. The total production run was capped at just 9,000 cigars. In the world of premium handmade Cuban cigars, where global demand consistently outstrips supply, a number this low ensures that the Choix du Roi remains a rare find. Once the allotment was distributed to retailers across Belgium and Luxembourg, the global inventory effectively vanished, forcing international collectors to seek them out through secondary markets or specialized auctions.
Handmade Heritage
Every Choix du Roi is a testament to the enduring tradition of handmade cigar construction. Weighing in at 16 grams, the density and feel of the cigar in hand suggest a meticulously crafted product. The El Rey del Mundo brand, historically known for its milder, elegant profile, uses this thicker format to potentially introduce a broader spectrum of flavor and strength. The extra girth allows the roller to incorporate more ligero leaves, often resulting in a richer, more full-bodied experience than the brand's thinner counterparts.
Ultimately, the Choix du Roi serves as a perfect example of how the Regional Edition program enriches the broader landscape of Cuban cigars. It offers a specific format, the Montesco, to a specific audience, while maintaining the high standards of construction and presentation that define the Habanos portfolio. For those lucky enough to secure a box, it represents not just a smoking session, but a piece of shared history between Havana and the Benelux region.
