San Cristóbal de la Habana
San Cristóbal de la Habana is a modern Cuban cigar house established in 1999 by Habanos S.A. to commemorate the original name of Cuba's capital city. Characterised by a light flavour profile, the brand pays tribute to Havana’s historic fortifications and landmarks. It is favoured by collectors who appreciate a milder daytime smoke that rewards careful maturation.
The Origins of the House
Unlike the historic marques that define much of the Cuban cigar industry, San Cristóbal de la Habana is a contemporary creation. Habanos S.A. introduced the brand at the close of the twentieth century to celebrate the rich history of Havana itself. The naming conventions across the portfolio reflect this heritage, with individual vitolas taking their titles from the city's historic military fortresses and prominent streets.
Despite its relatively brief history, the house has established a firm reputation among serious smokers. The tobacco is sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region, maintaining the high agricultural standards expected of premium Cuban production. The resulting blend is intentionally blended to be light in strength, offering an accessible yet nuanced profile.
The Core Range Vitolas
The regular-production portfolio consists of a concise selection of cigars known for their consistency. These core cigars were launched at the brand's inception in 1999 and remain the foundation of its identity.
El Príncipe is a classic petit corona formatted as a Minutos. Measuring 110mm with a 42 ring gauge, it offers the house's signature light profile in a shorter format, suitable for a brief morning smoke. It is traditionally presented in dress boxes of 25, as well as smaller cardboard packs of five.
La Fuerza is a robusto extra, known within the factory as a Gordito. At 141mm with a 50 ring gauge, this format provides a cooler, longer draw. The thicker ring gauge allows the subtle floral and woody notes of the blend to develop gradually over an hour or more.
La Punta is a figurado categorised as a Campanas. Measuring 140mm by 52, this pyramid format concentrates the smoke towards the palate. The tapered head provides the smoker with a slightly more direct experience of the blend, adding a degree of intensity to the otherwise light tobacco.
Special Commissions and Regional Editions
While the core range is small, San Cristóbal de la Habana is frequently selected by Habanos S.A. for special commissions. The brand’s adaptable blend serves as an excellent foundation for limited releases, drawing attention from global collectors.
Regional Editions, such as the Magnifico (Andorra 2021) and La Cabaña (Cuba 2019), demonstrate how the house style can be tailored to specific market preferences. These releases are produced in strictly limited numbers, making them highly sought after on the secondary market.
The house is also represented in the prestigious Colección Habanos series and La Casa del Habano (LCDH) exclusives. Releases like the Reinas 2024 and the O'Reilly 2009 are packaged in elaborate book-shaped humidors or commemorative chests. These editions utilise carefully selected, aged tobacco and are considered primary targets for investment portfolios.
How to Collect and Age the Brand
Despite the lighter profile of the tobacco, San Cristóbal de la Habana cigars evolve remarkably well. A period of three to five years generally smooths any youthfulness present in recent production. Longer maturation in proper storage conditions can yield delicate, complex flavours that heavier blends often obscure.
When acquiring these cigars, precision is essential. Always check the box code stamped on the base of the dress box to date the production accurately. For British collectors, seeking the EMS (English Market Selection) stamp ensures the cigars have been imported through official channels and rigorously inspected for quality.
Buyers must remain vigilant against counterfeits, particularly when purchasing discontinued or limited edition releases. Consulting our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars is strongly advised before committing to rare humidors or regional specialties.
Key Vitolas and Specifications
El Príncipe — Vitola de Galera: Minutos — Length (mm): 110 — Length (inches): 4.33 — Ring Gauge: 42
La Fuerza — Vitola de Galera: Gordito — Length (mm): 141 — Length (inches): 5.55 — Ring Gauge: 50
La Punta — Vitola de Galera: Campanas — Length (mm): 140 — Length (inches): 5.51 — Ring Gauge: 52
At MokaCigar
We source and verify a broad range of San Cristóbal de la Habana production for our clients. We currently hold the San Cristobal Magnifico Regional Edition Andorra 2021 and the San Cristobal De La Habana La Cabaña Regional Cuba 2019 in stock. Our archives also frequently process rare acquisitions, including the Colección Habanos Reinas 2024, the O´Reilly 2009, and the 20th Anniversary Cigar Chest LCDH. Explore the San Cristóbal de la Habana collection at MokaCigar.
In our cellar
In stock now:
Sold-out archive (10 releases, enquiries welcome): Colección Habanos San Cristóbal de la Habana O´Reilly 2009 (Habanos Collection), Colección Habanos San Cristóbal de la Habana Reinas 2024 (Habanos Collection), San Cristobal 20th Anniversary Cigar Chest LCDH, San Cristobal El Morro 2000, San Cristobal El Prado LCDH, San Cristobal El Principe, San Cristobal La Fuerza, San Cristobal La Punta, San Cristobal Mercaderes LCDH 2005, San Cristóbal de La Habana Harimau Malaya Exclusivo Malasia Asia Pacifico Edicion 2020.