Cohiba Talismán Launch World Launch 2026

Cohiba Talismán World Launch 2026 – An Unforgettable Evening at Kensington Palace

On Wednesday 7th October 2026, I had the pleasure of attending the worldwide launch of the new Cohiba Talismán at Kensington Palace in London. Hosted by Habanos S.A. and Hunters & Frankau, the evening brought together around 400 guests from across the international cigar industry to celebrate the latest addition to the Cohiba range and the beginning of the brand's 60th anniversary celebrations.

Having attended quite a few cigar events over the years, I have to say this was certainly one of the more memorable settings!

An Evening at Kensington Palace

I arrived at around 6:30pm, just as the evening reception was getting underway. Despite some rather typical British October weather earlier in the day, the rain had eased, and guests were gathering beneath a beautifully decorated marquee in the grounds of Kensington Palace.

It really was a unique setting for a cigar event. The marquee had been transformed with atmospheric lighting, comfortable seating and an impressive reception area, creating a fantastic environment to enjoy a cigar.

One of the things I enjoy most about these events is the opportunity to catch up with people from across the cigar trade. It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces, including fellow tobacconists, retailers, importers and cigar enthusiasts, all coming together for such a special occasion. Always great to see London Cigar Smoker Steve (Pictured below) If you havent read his blog or followed his Instagram then you are missing out! He covers all things cigars in a refreshing, honest andf unique way.

There aren't many industries where competitors can get together, share a drink and enjoy a cigar in such a relaxed atmosphere. It's something I've always appreciated about the cigar business.

And, of course, being able to smoke a fine Cuban cigar in a marquee at Kensington Palace isn't something you get to do every day!

Celebrating 60 Years of Cohiba

The evening was about much more than simply launching a new cigar. It also marked the start of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Cohiba, arguably the most recognisable name in the world of premium Cuban cigars.

Founded in 1966, Cohiba has become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship and some of the most sought-after cigars produced in Cuba.

At approximately 7:30pm, the official presentation of the new Talismán took place, led by Jemma Freeman, Executive Chair of Hunters & Frankau, alongside José María López Inchaurbe, Vice-President of Development at Habanos S.A.

The presentation reflected on Cohiba's history and its longstanding relationship with the UK cigar market. London has hosted several important Habanos launches over the years, including the original Cohiba Talismán Limited Edition back in 2017, so it seemed particularly fitting that the new version should also make its worldwide debut in the capital.

Guests were then presented with the new cigar, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the latest addition to the Cohiba portfolio.

The New Cohiba Talismán – A Familiar Name Returns

For anyone familiar with Cuban cigars, the Talismán name will certainly ring a bell.

The original Cohiba Talismán Edición Limitada 2017 was an extremely popular release and has since become a highly desirable cigar among collectors and enthusiasts.

Now, almost a decade later, Habanos has brought the Talismán back, this time as part of Cohiba's regular-production Línea Clásica range.

The new cigar retains the impressive dimensions of the original, measuring 6⅛ inches (154mm) with a 54 ring gauge, complete with its distinctive pigtail cap.

However, despite sharing the same name and vitola, the new Talismán isn't intended to be a recreation of the 2017 Limited Edition. It features a different tobacco selection and ageing approach, giving it a character of its own.

The new Talismán is presented in boxes of ten cigars, with a special three-cigar gift pack also produced exclusively for the UK market.

Smoking the Cohiba Talismán 2026

Naturally, an evening like this wouldn't be complete without enjoying a few cigars!

I started the evening with a Cohiba Medio Siglo, a cigar I've always enjoyed and one that was particularly well suited to the occasion.

Later in the evening, I had the opportunity to light up the new Cohiba Talismán, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the night for me.

The last time I smoked an original 2017 Limited Edition Talismán was around five years ago, so I was particularly interested to see how the new release compared.

My first impression was that this is a very different cigar from the original Limited Edition, but one that I found equally as enjoyable.

The new Talismán was wonderfully smooth, with a refined and balanced character throughout the smoke. Although quite different from my memories of the 2017 release, it still had that unmistakable signature Cohiba taste that makes the brand so distinctive.

Rather than trying to recreate the original, I think the new Talismán deserves to be appreciated as a cigar in its own right.

It certainly made a very good first impression on me, and I'll be interested to revisit it again in the future, particularly after it's had some additional time to age.

A Fantastic Evening for the Cigar Industry

Away from the cigars themselves, the evening also featured an exhibition celebrating Cohiba's history, including rare cigars, historic packaging and memorabilia from the brand's six decades.

There was also a charitable element to the celebrations, with the event supporting the Cuba Vive Medical Aid and Food Appeal, helping to raise funds for essential food and medical supplies for people in Cuba.

The evening seemed to fly by, which is usually the sign of a successful event. Between catching up with friends in the trade, enjoying the surroundings and, of course, smoking the new Talismán, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.

I must say, Hunters & Frankau and Habanos S.A. did a fantastic job organising such a memorable occasion.

The opportunity to enjoy cigars with so many people from the industry in the grounds of Kensington Palace was something quite special, and certainly an evening I'll remember for a long time.

Final Thoughts on the Cohiba Talismán

The return of the Cohiba Talismán is an exciting development for Cuban cigar enthusiasts, particularly with the brand celebrating its 60th anniversary.

While the new regular-production release is quite different from the original 2017 Limited Edition, my experience smoking it at the launch was extremely positive.

Smooth, refined and unmistakably Cohiba, it's a cigar I'm looking forward to enjoying again.

A big thank you to Hunters & Frankau and Habanos S.A. for putting together such a fantastic evening. It was a pleasure to be there representing GQ Tobaccos and catching up with so many friends from the cigar industry.

Here's to 60 years of Cohiba, and hopefully many more memorable cigars and events to come!