CSWC JUDGE AURELIO TUFANO AT THE HABANOS FESTIVAL 2025
- expertcigar
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
A personal reflection from Havana by one of our respected judges—showing how the CSWC family continues to be present where cigar culture lives.
Aurelio Tufano, one of our respected CSWC judges, recently attended the Habanos Festival 2025 in Havana, Cuba.
His experience is a reminder that CSWC is not just a competition—it's a living culture. Our people are found in lounges, festivals, and iconic events all over the world.
We’re proud to share Aurelio’s personal insight and impressions from this legendary gathering of cigar lovers, straight from Havana.
The XXV Festival del Habano ended about a month ago, but the memory is still vivid in my mind.
As every year, the opportunity to travel to the most beloved island for premium cigar smokers is fantastic: meeting friends from all over the world is part of the great pleasure of attending this event.
The program was packed with events and tastings: seminars, visits to the most important factories, plantation tours, and much more. A week full of activities, almost to the point of having to rush to attend as many events as possible. Few would believe it, but experiencing the Festival to the
fullest is demanding, almost exhausting, yet the pleasure makes up for all this "effort"
This edition was particularly luxurious, not only because of the XV anniversary of the Behike Line but also due to the locations chosen for the evening events. Personally, I found immense pleasure in the mid-week evening, on Wednesday: the location, the Capitolio, was magnificent! The service,
the quality of the food, the cigars smoked, and the company at the table made everything magical on a night that, according to many, was even more prestigious and enchanting than the gala dinner on Friday night.
One of the reasons I eagerly participate in the festival is also the chance to be in the audience for the semifinals and finals of the Habanos World Challenge. This year, the semifinal took place over two separate days to avoid excessively long and tiring sessions. The jury was incredibly kind in honoring me and my teammate, Giulio, as winners of previous editions, announcing our presence among the spectators. A magical moment that brought back the memories and emotions of when we were on stage competing against the Cuban national team.
Another thrilling moment was the award ceremony for the Hombre Habanos in various categories: Production, Business, and Communication. Two friends were awarded! Alain Proietto for Business and Alex “Cigar Dandy” for Communication. A moment of joy and celebration, sharing this great emotion among friends.
Finally, one of the things that excites those of us who love cigars, new releases, and memorabilia: the loot from this edition was remarkable, not only for the splendid Dupont lighter and the other accessories received (besides the ashtrays taken from the tables ;) but also for the brand-new Behike 58! An incredible cigar that will need to rest in the humidor for some time before being fully enjoyed.
Here is a review from our team: https://youtu.be/qtGNZveZPzo?si=glxB8l_afmJDeSi8)
Cuba is always a delightful place, despite its enormous social contrasts. A land that demands respect and love and truly deserves to be visited, especially by enthusiasts like us. The only regret? Not having had enough time to greet and embrace all the many friends met throughout the week. But also, great happiness in meeting new friends from all over the world, who will continue to enrich our future visits to the ISLA GRANDE.
Happy smoking to all,
Aurelio Tufano
