Cruz Canela, the exclusive distributor for Habanos in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, held its fourth Habanos Day from May 15th to 17th in the city of San José, with La Casa del Habano serving as the main venue.

Activities began on Thursday, May 15th, with a pairing of Eminente Reserva rum, and Partagás Serie D No4, conducted by Mr Raúl Bravo, the Eminente brand ambassador, who travelled from Cuba to this edition. On Friday the 16th, La Casa del Habano’s clients enjoyed a special demonstration; “Como torcer un tabaco” (How to roll a Cigar) made by Ms Yonaidis del Carmen Cedeño Mestre, a Master Torcedora and former member from the Quality Committee of La Corona Habano Factory.

The last day, Saturday, May 17th, the organizers had the wonderful idea of moving the celebration to the Sheraton Hotel in San José, which added an urban and elegant touch to the closing event, which in previous years was held in the Pacific Coast. Guests were welcomed with an “Isla de Cuba”, a special cocktail made with light Amber rum.

The event brought more than 100 guests, highlighting the attendance of his Excellency, Mr Jorge Rodriguez, Ambassador of Cuba to Costa Rica, who offered a welcome toast. The celebration also included Habano experts and enthusiasts, representatives of cigar clubs, sommeliers, baristas, mixologists, and others.

The IV Habanos Day in Costa Rica was the perfect opportunity for Cruz Canela & Trust GB S.A. to celebrate both the 35th anniversary of La Casa del Habano global franchise, and the 15th anniversary of La Casa del Habano in San Jose.

Guests had the pleasure of tasting exclusive cigars that are only available at La Casa del Habano, such as Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure De Luxe ( 52 x 155 mm), H. Upmann Royal Robustos (52 x 135 mm), Punch 48 (48 x 140 mm), and Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe (50 x 141 mm). An exceptional menu of nine gourmet dishes blending Costa Rican and Cuban cuisines was created by Chef Pedro Suriel from the Sheraton Hotel, pairing perfectly with coffee and chocolates by another sponsor, Café Britt. Participants also had the opportunity to pair their cigars with Rioja wines and Dalmore whisky.

The evening was enlivened with musical performances such as violinist Esteban Salas, saxophonist José Contreras, the orchestra Carlos Julio, and DJ minor Iztep. The night concluded with a raffle of several prizes, including a box of BHK 52 in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Cohiba’s most exclusive line.

The IV Habanos Day in Costa Rica was organized by Cruz Canela & Trust GB S.A, in collaboration with La Casa del Habano in San José, and the embassy of Cuba in Costa Rica. The event was sponsored by Bon Vivant, one of the leading gourmet product distributors in Costa Rica, Café Britt, and Havana Club.