Few cigars arrive in a package as historically significant; the 510 Aniversario Humidor remains a highly important commemorative release in Cuban cigar history. Unveiled in 2003, this limited edition collection was created to mark a landmark moment: the 510th anniversary of tobacco's introduction to the Old World. The release represents a collaborative effort across five prestigious Habanos brands, each contributing a distinct vitola to the collection.
Historical Significance
This commemorative humidor pays tribute to a pivotal moment in cigar history—the arrival of tobacco from the Americas to Europe. The 510-year milestone represents over five centuries of cigar culture and tradition. To celebrate this heritage, Habanos S.A. produced exactly 510 numbered humidors, each containing 100 cigars across five different marques.
A notable charitable aspect accompanied this release: Humidor Number 510 was auctioned during the Habano Festival for $15,000 USD, with all proceeds donated to Cuba's public health system.
Collection Overview
Each 510 Aniversario Humidor contains a carefully curated selection of 100 cigars, divided equally among five brands. Every cigar features its brand's standard band accompanied by a distinctive special edition 510 Aniversario secondary band, creating a unified aesthetic across the diverse collection.
| Brand | Vitola | Factory Name | Ring Gauge | Length | Weight | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoyo de Monterrey | Epicure No.1 | Coronas Gordas | 46 | 143mm (5⅝″) | 11.41g | 20 |
| Cohiba | Espléndidos | Julieta No.2 | 47 | 178mm (7″) | 15.07g | 20 |
| Romeo y Julieta | Hermosos No.3 | Hermosos No.3 | 48 | 140mm (5½″) | 11.97g | 20 |
| Montecristo | No.2 | Piramides | 52 | 156mm (6⅛″) | 14.26g | 20 |
| Partagás | Royals de Partagás | Felipe 94 | 45 | 115mm (4½″) | 8.64g* | 20 |
*Estimated weight
The Five Vitolas
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1
This existing production vitola brings the delicate, elegant character of Hoyo de Monterrey to the collection. The Coronas Gordas format offers a substantial smoking experience while maintaining the brand's signature refinement.
Cohiba Espléndidos
Representing Cuba's most prestigious brand, the Espléndidos in Julieta No.2 format delivers the sophisticated, complex profile that has made Cohiba legendary among cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
Romeo y Julieta Hermosos No.3
Created specifically for this release, the Hermosos No.3 represents a new special format within the Romeo y Julieta portfolio. This exclusivity adds considerable collectible value to the humidor.
Montecristo No.2
The iconic Piramides format from Montecristo needs little introduction. This torpedo-shaped vitola remains one of the most sought-after cigars in production, bringing immediate recognition and desirability to the collection.
Partagás Royals de Partagás
Another special release created expressly for this commemorative edition, the Royals de Partagás in Felipe 94 format offers collectors a unique size unavailable through standard production channels.
Construction and Presentation
All cigars within the 510 Aniversario Humidor are entirely handmade using premium Cuban tobacco. The presentation maintains consistency across brands through the uniform application of the commemorative 510 Aniversario band alongside each marque's standard labeling.
Collector Notes
Collectors should be aware of a documented production anomaly affecting certain humidors. In some units, the bands for the Partagás and Romeo y Julieta cigars were inadvertently swapped during manufacturing. This error has become a point of interest among serious collectors, with affected humidors representing a curious footnote in the release's history.
Release Details
- Release Year: 2003
- Total Humidors Produced: 510 (individually numbered)
- Cigars per Humidor: 100 (20 of each brand)
- Construction: Handmade
- Charitable Auction: Humidor No. 510 sold for $15,000 USD