UK Habanos Regional Editions, 2005 to 2022
A Regional Edition is a bespoke Havana cigar commissioned by an exclusive distributor and sold only within their specific market. Since 2005, Hunters & Frankau have participated in this Habanos S.A. initiative, developing exclusive cigars for the United Kingdom from less globally prominent brands. These releases are produced in strictly limited quantities and represent some of the most sought-after boxes in modern cigar collecting.
The UK Regional Edition Programme
Hunters & Frankau were instrumental in pioneering the concept, launching one of the very first Regional Editions. Since the programme's inception, an astonishing two hundred and thirty-six Regional Editions have been commissioned globally across thirty-four distributors.
For the UK, new releases have appeared almost every year, pausing only in 2006 and 2019. The result is a catalogue of rare cigars that cater explicitly to the preferences of the British smoker. The complete collection detailed below comprises the eighteen released editions up to 2022, along with the three final commissions scheduled for subsequent distribution.
2005: Ramón Allones Belicosos
Hunters & Frankau helped establish the Regional Edition concept with the Ramón Allones Belicosos. Ramón Allones was a natural choice for the UK market; the brand was owned by John Hunter, Morris & Elkan Ltd—a forebearer of Hunters & Frankau—between 1911 and 1932.
The cigar measures 5½ inches (140mm) by a 52 ring gauge in the Campana vitola de galera. It delivers a full flavour profile. Exactly 47,000 cigars were made, presented in labelled boxes of 25. This release holds a distinct position as it is generally accepted as a Regional Edition despite not bearing the red and silver second band that now denotes regional exclusivity. It also remains the only UK release presented in unnumbered boxes.
2007: Por Larrañaga Magníficos
The Magníficos marks the first UK Regional Edition to carry the now-familiar silver and red second band. The format, a Partagás 16 measuring 6¾ inches (170mm) by 50, was inspired by the once-renowned Magnum size from Por Larrañaga. It provides a light to medium flavour.
A total of 23,000 cigars were produced. They were packaged in Semi Boîte Nature (SBN) boxes of 25, Slide Lid Boxes (SLB) of 10, and 100 special humidors containing 50 cigars. The iconic gold primary band is a strict recreation of a design used by the house over a century ago, printed specifically for this release by Peter Vrijdag of Vrijdag Premium Printing in Eindhoven.
2008: La Gloria Cubana Gloriosos
In 2008, the UK became the first market worldwide to select La Gloria Cubana for a Regional Edition. The Gloriosos is a Doble vitola, measuring 6⅛ inches (155mm) by 50, and offers a medium flavour profile.
All 20,400 cigars were rolled at the Partagás factory. The presentation relies on a varnished Boîte Nature box of 10 cigars. The bands dressing the cigars and the 'la vista' labels on the inside lid were precise recreations of early twentieth-century examples, providing a classic aesthetic for a modern vitola.
2008: Punch Serie D’Oro No.1
Sharing the 2008 roster was the Punch Serie D’Oro No.1, a medium-flavoured Pirámide measuring 6⅛ inches (156mm) by 52. The format and name take direct inspiration from a 1929/1930 catalogue published by Melbourne Hart & Co, an early British importer.
Production reached 30,250 cigars, presented in 100 humidors of 50 and unique SBN boxes of 25. These boxes resurrected a packaging style unseen for half a century, featuring a printed yellow ribbon stretched over the cigars and secured through a side slot by a stud and popper. Delivery of both 2008 editions suffered delays due to three devastating hurricanes—Gustav, Ike, and Paloma—that struck Cuba late that year.
2009: El Rey del Mundo Choix de L’Époque
Rolled at the Sancti Spíritus factory in central Cuba, the Choix de L’Époque is a Petit Edmundo measuring 4⅜ inches (110mm) by 52. El Rey del Mundo is historically known for its Hermoso No.4 size, the Choix Supreme.
The name Choix de L’Époque translates as "Choice for the Age". It was a direct response to the UK indoor smoking ban enforced two years prior, offering a shorter, light to medium smoke intended for outdoor enjoyment. However, the quality of the 50,000 cigars, packaged in labelled boxes of 25, quickly established it as a superb cigar for any setting.
2009: Juan López Selección Suprema
This medium to full-bodied release brought a rare shape to the UK market. The Selección Suprema uses the Torre Iznaga vitola, measuring 6⅝ inches (170mm) by 52, named after a ruined sugar mill in the city of Trinidad. The size was previously only seen in the 2006 Trinidad Colección Habanos.
Exactly 20,000 cigars were manufactured, housed in Slide Lid Boxes of 10. The primary band was recreated from an antique album; it features intricate embossing and prints the size name directly on the band, reviving an old custom of the Juan López house.
2010: Por Larrañaga Regalías de Londres
The Regalías de Londres translates roughly as 'Gifts from London', a name Por Larrañaga has used since at least 1912. Furthermore, in the 1850s and 1860s, Havana manufacturers used the term 'Regalías' to denote cigars of the highest grade.
This light to medium cigar is a Gordito, measuring 5½ inches (141mm) by 50. Production totalled 30,000 cigars, presented in labelled boxes of 25 with a clasp. They bear the same antique gold primary band that was originally resurrected for the 2007 Magníficos.
2010: La Flor de Cano Short Robusto
The 2010 La Flor de Cano Short Robusto was a meticulous revival of the handmade cigars produced briefly by the house between 1988 and 1992, specifically the legendary 'Short Churchill'. Those original cigars had become auction rarities.
With no long-filler cigars made under the brand since 1992, exact lengths were taken to match the original medium-bodied blend. It is a Petit Robusto measuring 4 inches (102mm) by 50. The 30,000 cigars were packaged in Slide Lid Boxes of 25, complete with the signature green ink hot stamp on the wood.
2011: Bolívar Británicas
The Bolívar Británicas introduced the Británicas Extra vitola, a perfecto measuring 5⅜ inches (137mm) by 48. Unlike a classic Cuban double-figurado, the mouth-end is rounded rather than pointed. At the time of release, no other perfectos were being rolled in Cuba.
Production was limited to 30,000 full-flavoured cigars, sold in SBN boxes of 10. The name 'Británicas' has obscure origins but was undoubtedly created for the British market. This cigar is two ring gauge points thicker than the classic Británicas and holds the distinction of being the first to wear the 'Exclusivo Gran Bretaña' regional band.
2011: Punch Medalla de Oro
The Punch Medalla de Oro revives a rare Cuban presentation technique. This medium-flavoured Doble, measuring 6⅛ inches (155mm) by 50, is partially wrapped in gold foil emblazoned with 'EMS 2012'.
Hunters & Frankau designed the foil, flew it to Cuba, and had it applied by hand before the cigars were banded and boxed. Launched to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics, the 30,000 cigars carry a suitably celebratory air. They are presented in numbered varnished Boîte Nature boxes of 10.
2012: Ramón Allones Petit Belicosos
By 2012, Habanos S.A. reduced the Regional Edition allocation to one release per territory per year and increased the minimum order to 50,000 cigars. Hunters & Frankau marked this shift by returning to Ramón Allones, paying tribute to their inaugural 2005 release.
The Petit Belicoso vitola measures 5 inches (127mm) by 52, an uncommon shape first seen in the 2009 Bolívar Limited Edition. It echoes the 2005 Belicosos but is half an inch shorter. Providing a full flavour, the 50,000 cigars were packaged in SBN boxes of 10, a departure from the 25-count boxes of the original.
2013: La Flor de Cano Gran Cano
Following the reception of the 2010 Short Robusto, Hunters & Frankau commissioned a larger format in the same medium-bodied blend. The Gran Cano is a Gordito, measuring 5½ inches (141mm) by 50, offering an extra inch and a half of smoking time.
A total of 50,000 cigars were produced and packaged in SBN boxes of 10, retaining the brand’s distinctive green ink hot stamps. A replica 1930s 'papaleta' label was added to the box, and the cigar band uniquely displays the commercial size name.
2014: Por Larrañaga Sobresalientes
'Sobresalientes' translates to 'Outstanding', serving as both the factory vitola and the commercial name. Measuring 6 inches (153mm) by 53, this format remains exceedingly rare; it was first used for the Partagás Replica de Humidor Antiguo in 2007.
These light to medium cigars were limited to 50,000 sticks, housed in SBN boxes of 10. This release marks the third appearance in the UK of the replica antique gold Por Larrañaga band, paying tribute to the oldest Cuban cigar brand still in production.
2015: Bolívar Belgravia
The full-flavoured Bolívar Belgravia was unveiled at Hunters & Frankau’s 225th anniversary party in Belgrave Square, London, on 19th June 2015. It is a Montesco vitola, measuring 5¼ inches (130mm) by a heavy 55 ring gauge.
Production was 50,000 cigars in labelled boxes of 10, decorated with a vintage 'papaleta'. The name honours the London location where a statue commemorates Simon Bolívar's 1810 visit. The statue’s inscription reads: "I am convinced that England alone is capable of protecting the world’s rights as she is great, glorious and wise."
2015: Ramón Allones Hunters & Frankau Aniversario 225
To formally mark their 225th anniversary, Hunters & Frankau released this unique Insólito vitola. It measures 5½ inches (141mm) by 50. Based on a Gordito, it features a 'Cabeza Tumbada' or 'Dropped Head', a shape characteristic of the cigars produced when the company owned Ramón Allones (1911–1927).
These 50,000 full-flavoured cigars wear a custom second band reading 'Aniversario 225'. Reviving a historic British practice, they were aged in Hunters & Frankau’s condition-controlled UK warehouse for two years prior to release. They were available in Slide Lid Boxes of 25, alongside 225 commemorative humidors of 100 cigars that included a specially blended Havana Club rum.
2016: Juan López Selección Superba
Seven years after the Selección Suprema, Juan López returned with the Selección Superba. It is a Geniales vitola measuring 5⅞ inches (150mm) by 54, providing a medium to full flavour profile.
The 60,000 cigars were placed in labelled boxes of 10. Like its predecessor, the primary band is a recreation of an antique design that includes embossed detailing and the size name printed directly on the paper. The packaging also resurrects the 'tapaclavo', the traditional label covering the nail that secures the box lid.
2017: La Gloria Cubana Británicas Extra
Despite bearing the 2017 year on its second band, this release did not reach the market until 2020. Built upon the tremendous success of the 2011 Bolívar Británicas, this medium-bodied cigar uses the same Británicas Extra perfecto vitola, measuring 5⅜ inches (137mm) by 48.
The 60,000 cigars were presented in Slide Lid Boxes of 10. They are dressed in bands recreated from the late 1890s and early 1900s, reflecting a period when perfectos and double figurados were highly fashionable among collectors.
2018: El Rey del Mundo La Reina
The La Reina is a remarkably elegant cigar in the slender Laguito No.1 vitola, measuring 7½ inches (192mm) by a 38 ring gauge. Uniquely, the entire production of 84,000 cigars was entrusted to just two master rollers at the prestigious El Laguito factory—the first UK Regional Edition to be rolled there.
In a subtle homage to the Trinidad Fundadores, which were rolled at El Laguito until 2005, the cigars are packaged in SBN boxes of 24. This light to medium release was officially launched at The Churchill Bar & Terrace in London on 1st July 2019.
2020: Ramón Allones Private Stock 230
Commissioned for Hunters & Frankau’s 230th anniversary, the Private Stock 230 is a Partagás 16 vitola, measuring 6¾ inches (170mm) by 50. All 90,000 cigars were rolled at the Partagás factory.
The name revives a discontinued Ramón Allones cigar; the original Private Stock was discontinued in the 1970s but remained available in the UK until 1981. This new, full-flavoured iteration is presented in Cabinet Boîte Nature boxes of 25. The band is a strict recreation of the historic design but uniquely bears the new size name upon it.
2021: Por Larrañaga Larrañaga 47
The Larrañaga 47 employs the classic Julieta No.2 vitola, widely known as a Churchill, measuring 7 inches (178mm) by 47. Offering the brand's signature light to medium profile, a total of 75,000 cigars were commissioned. In a notable presentation format, they are housed in substantial Semi Boîte Nature boxes of 50 cigars.
2022: La Flor de Cano Selectos No.3
The Selectos No.3 is a Cervantes vitola, measuring 6½ inches (165mm) by a 42 ring gauge. It delivers a light to medium smoke. Representing the largest volume order for a UK Regional Edition to date, 125,000 cigars were produced and packaged in Slide Lid Boxes of 25.
UK Habanos Regional Editions Summary
2005 — Cigar: Belicosos — House: Ramón Allones — Vitola de Galera: Campana — Dimensions: 5½" (140mm) x 52 — Quantity Made: 47,000
2007 — Cigar: Magníficos — House: Por Larrañaga — Vitola de Galera: Partagás 16 — Dimensions: 6¾" (170mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 23,000
2008 — Cigar: Gloriosos — House: La Gloria Cubana — Vitola de Galera: Doble — Dimensions: 6⅛" (155mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 20,400
2008 — Cigar: Serie D’Oro No.1 — House: Punch — Vitola de Galera: Pirámide — Dimensions: 6⅛" (156mm) x 52 — Quantity Made: 30,250
2009 — Cigar: Choix de L’Époque — House: El Rey del Mundo — Vitola de Galera: Petit Edmundo — Dimensions: 4⅜" (110mm) x 52 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2009 — Cigar: Selección Suprema — House: Juan López — Vitola de Galera: Torre Iznaga — Dimensions: 6⅝" (170mm) x 52 — Quantity Made: 20,000
2010 — Cigar: Regalías de Londres — House: Por Larrañaga — Vitola de Galera: Gordito — Dimensions: 5½" (141mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 30,000
2010 — Cigar: Short Robusto — House: La Flor de Cano — Vitola de Galera: Petit Robusto — Dimensions: 4" (102mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 30,000
2011 — Cigar: Británicas — House: Bolívar — Vitola de Galera: Británicas Extra — Dimensions: 5⅜" (137mm) x 48 — Quantity Made: 30,000
2011 — Cigar: Medalla de Oro — House: Punch — Vitola de Galera: Doble — Dimensions: 6⅛" (155mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 30,000
2012 — Cigar: Petit Belicosos — House: Ramón Allones — Vitola de Galera: Petit Belicoso — Dimensions: 5" (127mm) x 52 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2013 — Cigar: Gran Cano — House: La Flor de Cano — Vitola de Galera: Gordito — Dimensions: 5½" (141mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2014 — Cigar: Sobresalientes — House: Por Larrañaga — Vitola de Galera: Sobresaliente — Dimensions: 6" (153mm) x 53 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2015 — Cigar: Belgravia — House: Bolívar — Vitola de Galera: Montesco — Dimensions: 5¼" (130mm) x 55 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2015 — Cigar: H&F Aniversario 225 — House: Ramón Allones — Vitola de Galera: Insólito — Dimensions: 5½" (141mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 50,000
2016 — Cigar: Selección Superba — House: Juan López — Vitola de Galera: Geniales — Dimensions: 5⅞" (150mm) x 54 — Quantity Made: 60,000
2017 — Cigar: Británicas Extra — House: La Gloria Cubana — Vitola de Galera: Británicas Extra — Dimensions: 5⅜" (137mm) x 48 — Quantity Made: 60,000
2018 — Cigar: La Reina — House: El Rey del Mundo — Vitola de Galera: Laguito No.1 — Dimensions: 7½" (192mm) x 38 — Quantity Made: 84,000
2020 — Cigar: Private Stock 230 — House: Ramón Allones — Vitola de Galera: Partagás 16 — Dimensions: 6¾" (170mm) x 50 — Quantity Made: 90,000
2021 — Cigar: Larrañaga 47 — House: Por Larrañaga — Vitola de Galera: Julieta No.2 — Dimensions: 7" (178mm) x 47 — Quantity Made: 75,000
2022 — Cigar: Selectos No.3 — House: La Flor de Cano — Vitola de Galera: Cervantes — Dimensions: 6½" (165mm) x 42 — Quantity Made: 125,000
Identifying a UK Regional Edition
When acquiring a UK Regional Edition on the secondary market, verification requires careful attention to detail. Since 2007, these cigars bear a secondary red and silver band reading either "Exclusivo Reino Unido" or "Exclusivo Gran Bretaña". The 2005 Ramón Allones Belicosos is the sole exception, carrying only the standard primary band.
The wooden box will almost always feature an individual number stamped or printed onto a standard Habanos label. You should always check the box code stamped on the base, which denotes the factory and the month of rolling, ensuring it aligns with the release year or the immediate period before it. Furthermore, any genuine box destined for the UK market will carry the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp, applied by Hunters & Frankau upon passing their stringent quality checks. If any of these elements are missing, further inspection is necessary. You can learn more in our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars.
Collecting and Ageing UK Regional Editions
UK Regional Editions are blended to mature gracefully over decades. The bespoke nature of the sizes and the quality of the selected leaves make them prime candidates for long-term storage. For instance, the 2015 Ramón Allones Aniversario 225 was deliberately aged for two years in a condition-controlled UK warehouse prior to its release, demonstrating the profound benefits of patience.
When ageing these cigars, maintain a stable humidity and temperature to allow the oils and flavours to marry without interruption. The complex, fuller blends like those from Bolívar and Ramón Allones often require a minimum of five years to shed their youth, while lighter marques like Por Larrañaga develop exquisite nuance over ten to fifteen years.
At MokaCigar
We routinely inspect and source vintage Regional Editions for our collectors. When purchasing limited productions, provenance and physical condition are paramount. Every box we offer has been carefully verified by our specialists, checking the box code, EMS stamps, and wrapper condition to ensure the cigar matches its historic profile. You can view our current vintage and rare stock by browsing the Hunters & Frankau Regional Editions in our shop.