Partagas Linea Maestra Launch in Sofia, Bulgaria

I have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Linea Maestra since February 2023, when it was announced at the XXIII Habanos Festival in Havana, Cuba.

Although I had hoped for a release last year, Habanos decided to unveil this premium line of one of their most beloved brands on 11th July 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The event was hosted by Kaliman Caribe, the exclusive distributor of Habanos for Bulgaria and twelve other countries:

• Albania

• Armenia

• Belarus

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Greece

• Macedonia

• Montenegro

• Romania

• Serbia

• Slovenia

I left London on the 10th, filled with excitement and a mix of emotions as I returned to my birth country. I was also proud that the Linea Maestra was launched in Sofia. I had arranged to meet several people; some joined me from my Telegram group, while others were fellow aficionados from Greece and other countries.

It was an honour to meet many Bulgarian aficionados in person for the first time, including some of the

senior management and marketing team from Kaliman Caribe. All were amazing people who made us feel right at home.

The venue was the spectacular Boyana Residence, owned by the Bulgarian government (the Council of Government Ministers).

Nestled in the scenic Vitosha mountain range, the Boyana Residence exudes elegance and historical charm, providing the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.

We were greeted with a glass of champagne and the first cigar of the evening, the Partagas Linea Maestra Origen. This vitola offers a complex blend of flavours and aromas, including hints of cedar, coffee, and a subtle sweetness, making it a delightful start to the evening.

Vitola Details:

Origen:

• Ring Gauge: 50

• Size: 5 inches (127 mm)

• Body: Medium to Full

• Brand Line: Partagas Linea Maestra

• Packing: Boxes of 20

All attendees had the opportunity to purchase a sampler/travel humidor containing one of each of the Vitolas: Maestro, Rito, and Origen.

Alternatively, full boxes of 20 of each were available. To my knowledge, only Kaliman Caribe provides the attendees with the ability to purchase the launched cigars exclusively at the launch event. This is fantastic, as usually post-launch, Habanos cigars are sold on a waiting list sales programme.

Vitola Details:

Rito:

• Ring Gauge: 48

• Size: 5 3/8 inches (137 mm)

• Body: Medium to Full

• Brand Line: Partagas Linea Maestra

• Packing: Boxes of 20

After the champagne reception, we took our seats at designated tables, beautifully adorned with elegant table settings and floral arrangements.

The host announced the start of the evening and gave a heartfelt speech about Partagas as a brand, highlighting its rich history and significance in the world of premium cigars. This was followed by a detailed presentation of the Linea Maestra and all three Vitolas, offering insights into their unique characteristics and craftsmanship.

We then enjoyed a mesmerising performance by Mr. Evgeny Genchev on a grand piano, whose musical talents enchanted the audience. He was later joined by the popular Bulgarian singer Miss Victoria Georgieva, whose soulful voice added a magical touch to the evening. Their duet was a highlight, leaving everyone in awe.

Following the entrée and main course, which were culinary masterpieces in their own right, we were served dessert accompanied by the second vitola, the Partagas Linea Maestra Rito. This cigar offered a rich and balanced profile with notes of earth, leather, and a hint of pepper, which complemented the dessert perfectly. The Rito provided a harmonious blend that enhanced the dining experience, making it a memorable pairing.

After dessert, we enjoyed an outstanding performance by a ballet group, whose graceful movements were enhanced with holograms presenting the Linea Maestra brand and cigars. This innovative performance captivated the audience, merging classical dance with modern technology in a stunning visual display.

While we were immersed in the performances, dinner, drinks, and cigars, Kaliman Caribe and Vynopoly had secretly set up an entire bar behind us. This surprise was revealed to our amazement, showcasing their impeccable planning and dedication to making the event unforgettable. We were then invited to an after-party with cocktails, where the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with laughter and camaraderie.

The evening concluded, and my friends and I, along with new acquaintances from Bulgaria, headed off to the after-after-party cocktails.

Reminiscing about the event, I can confidently say that Kaliman Caribe once again pulled out all the stops and delivered an outstanding evening of unparalleled entertainment, meticulously crafted to celebrate the launch of this premium line of Habanos Partagas on a global level.

Their attention to detail, hospitality, and dedication to creating an unforgettable experience were truly commendable.

A heartfelt and enormous thank you to Kaliman Caribe for their exceptional efforts and for making this event a remarkable success. I eagerly look forward to future events, of which I was hinted there will be plenty this year and especially next year.

Your unwavering commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for cigar events worldwide, and I am grateful to be part of such an extraordinary community.

If you would like to watch my Vlog from the event, please click on my YouTube video below:

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