When the Cuban cigar market needed a worthy tribute to a bustling airport retail landmark, it turned to one of its most storied brands. The result is a limited‑production smoke that captures two decades of dedication to fine tobacco and a vibrant travel culture. This release not only commemorates a milestone for a beloved Lebanese duty‑free shop, but also offers aficionados a chance to own a piece of Cuban craftsmanship that stands apart from the regular portfolio.
Roots of the Celebration: The Walk In Humidor Milestone
Tucked inside Beirut‑Rafic Hariri International Airport, the Walk In Humidor (W.I.H.) has been a go‑to destination for travelers seeking premium Cuban cigars since it first opened its doors. By 2017 the shop had clocked twenty years of service—a rare achievement in the fast‑paced duty‑free world. To mark the occasion, the shop’s owners collaborated with Habanos, the global distributor of Cuban premium cigars, to create a special edition that would reflect both the shop’s legacy and the brand’s reputation for excellence. The collaboration yielded the El Rey del Mundo W.I.H. 20 Years, a cigar that pays homage to the shop’s anniversary while serving as a tangible reminder of the partnership between a regional retailer and a historic marque.
Technical Profile: Dimensions and Hand‑Made Construction
The cigar is fashioned in the Geniales vitola, a format reserved for moments that demand extra depth and complexity. Its substantial proportions give the blend ample room to evolve from the first draw to the final puff, allowing the smoker to experience a full spectrum of flavors as the cigar burns down.
- Vitola: Geniales
- Ring Gauge: 54
- Length: 150 mm (≈ 5 ⅞ inches)
- Weight: 15.23 g
- Construction: Fully handmade, using select Cuban filler, binder, and wrapper leaves
Every stick is crafted entirely by hand, ensuring the meticulous standards synonymous with the El Rey del Mundo name. The master rollers at the factory select only the finest leaves, allowing the cigar’s inherent characteristics to shine through a carefully balanced blend.
Presentation: Packaging, Bands, and Exclusivity
The visual identity of the W.I.H. 20 Years mirrors its status as a collector’s item. Each cigar wears the brand’s classic primary band, complemented by a distinctive secondary band that identifies the release as a Lebanese regional edition (marked “Líbano”). The cigars are sealed in varnished semi‑boîte nature boxes that hold 25 numbered units, emphasizing the rarity of each purchase. A total of 8,000 cigars were produced worldwide, a figure that underscores the edition’s limited nature and makes the boxes highly sought after by enthusiasts and investors alike.
Smoking Experience and Collector Appeal
Given its generous size, the W.I.H. 20 Years offers a prolonged and nuanced smoking session. The blend starts with a mild, creamy foundation that gradually reveals hints of cedar, toasted nuts, and a subtle spice that builds toward the middle. As the cigar progresses, deeper notes of dark chocolate and espresso emerge, providing a satisfying contrast to the earlier sweetness. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a gentle after‑taste of dried fruit and a whisper of pepper on the palate.
For collectors, this release represents more than a fleeting novelty. It is a snapshot of a specific moment in the history of both a beloved retail outlet and a classic Cuban marque. Its provenance—marked by the official 2017 designation but reaching the market in early 2019—adds a layer of intrigue, while the numbered boxes and limited run ensure that each cigar can be traced to its precise place in the production run. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or stored as a testament to the artistry of Cuban cigar making, the El Rey del Mundo W.I.H. 20 Years stands out as a refined, memorable, and truly exclusive smoke.
