A distinctive addition to Habanos' Regional Edition program, the Kon Tiki 1973 proudly represents the El Rey del Mundo marca for the Andes region. This special release showcases an uncommon vitola and pays homage to traditional Cuban packaging methods that had largely fallen out of use by the mid-1970s.
Vitola Specifications
| Cigar Name | Kon Tiki 1973 |
| Factory Name | 109 |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Length | 184 mm (7¼ inches) |
| Official Weight | 17.30 grams |
| Construction | Handmade |
Packaging and Presentation
The Kon Tiki 1973 features particularly noteworthy packaging that sets it apart from standard production cigars. Each cigar carries the standard El Rey del Mundo band (type B) accompanied by the distinctive Regional Edition secondary band designated for the Andes market (Los Andes).
The presentation box represents a deliberate throwback to earlier Cuban cigar traditions. The semi boîte nature box contains 50 cigars arranged across four distinct layers. Three layers hold 13 cigars each, while the fourth contains 11 cigars alongside a double-sized spacer block. This specific packaging configuration was reportedly phased out in 1973—hence the cigar's name honoring that transitional year in Cuban cigar history.
Total production reached 1,200 individually numbered boxes, making this a genuinely limited release for collectors and enthusiasts.
Release Timeline
Though officially designated as a 2017 Regional Edition release (dated January 1, 2017), the Kon Tiki 1973 actually reached the market in mid-2019. This delay between official release year and actual availability is not uncommon in the Regional Edition program.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Based on smoker reviews, the Kon Tiki 1973 delivers a well-balanced smoking experience with consistent ratings across key characteristics. The cigar scores highly for elegance, balance, strength, and complexity, with each attribute receiving an average rating of 4 out of 5.
Detected Flavor Notes:
- Citrus (noted in 4 reviews)
- Pepper (noted in 4 reviews)
- Floral (noted in 2 reviews)
- Fruit (noted in 2 reviews)
- Twang (noted in 2 reviews)
- Vanilla (noted in 2 reviews)
- Spice (noted in 1 review)
Overall Assessment
The Kon Tiki 1973 earns an impressive overall rating of 4.75 out of 5 based on 8 reviews. This places it among the more highly regarded Regional Edition releases, with particular praise for its balanced construction and evolving flavor profile throughout the smoke.