Davidoff pioneered the trend of crafting limited-edition cigars inspired by the Chinese zodiac, blending cultural homage with their commitment to craftsmanship. This was 13 years ago and other manufacturers have joined the tradition.
In Chinese culture, the Year of the Snake is a time to celebrate intelligence, grace, and transformation. As one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, refinement, and a sense of mystery – qualities that several producers of premium cigars try to highlight.
Each release reflects not just the artistry of tobacco craftsmanship but also an appreciation for the traditions they honor. For aficionados in China and beyond, these cigars offer more than a luxurious smoking experience – they are a celebration of cultural sophistication.
1. Davidoff Year of the Snake
Two lanceros from the limited edition (Image: Courtesy)
The inventor of the «Year of» cigar adds another twist to the tradition: For the first time, Davidoff's Year of the Snake features different cigar formats (corporate website in German): The «Year of the Snake Limited Edition lancero» (limited to 17,500 boxes) will be completed by a «Masterpiece Humidor» with an exclusive gran toro cigar and a «Year of the Snake Flagship Edition Exclusive toro cigar» (600 boxes), exclusively sold in Davidoff 's flagship stores and on the company's website. Flavors of lemon, leather, and coffee distinguish the range.
The lancero (box of 10) is priced at 620 francs, the toro (box of 24) at $2,136, and the price for the Masterpiece Humidor is provided upon request.
2. Plasencia Year of the Snake Edition
Box of 10: 8 lanceros and two culebras. (Image: Courtesy)
Plasencia, known for its characteristic Nicaraguan tobaccos, introduced a luxurious Year of the Snake edition with bold intensity and intricate complexity. This limited-edition (6,000 boxes worldwide of which 3,000 for the U.S. market) is presented in a ten-count box, featuring eight lanceros and one culebra comprised of 2 intertwined cigars – an exceptionally rare vitola made from cigars twisted and tied at both ends. It unfolds with petrichor, transitioning into the rich, refined character of sherry oak barrel, roasted chestnuts, and creamy sweetness intertwined with fresh herbal nuances and, in the end, a warming touch of cloves.
The box retails at $490 in the US. It has not yet been officially released in other countries.
3. VegaFina Year of the Snake
Choice of understatement (Image. Courtesy)
VegaFina offered a more accessible yet beautifully crafted Year of the Snake release, making the zodiac tradition approachable to a wider audience. The cigar’s balanced medium-bodied profile showcases creamy, nutty flavors with a hint of spice, wrapped in a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Its packaging was elegant yet understated.
The price for a box of 16 is$ 213.
What about the Cubans? It has become a tradition that the cigar community is left to guess whether the Cuban «Year of» line is effectively launched during that particular year. finews.com's sources say that a special Partagás, celebrating the Year of the Snake is expected later this year.
