Havana – Portmann Cigar Workshop

Continuing the tradition, Mr Portmann of Portmann Cigars Switzerland, organized a cigar workshop for his friends that was expertly held by our friend Luis Sorinas.

The venue was not La Moraleja, a place that has sadly lost in quality, but the newly opened WAOO bar and paladar opposite the Habana Libre hotel.

The location, being so central made it noisy due to all the traffic from the busy intersection, but the group being small and having the place for us was the counterbalance.

The workshop included the smoking of a MC 520, fine Cuban Aurora 70% cocoa chocolate, Cuban Serrano & Turquino Montañes coffee and a rare and very florally light Cuban Rum, the Santeria 11 yr old

The seminar offered by Luis did not just concentrate on the basics of “marrying” a cigar with coffee, cocoa or rum, but, as in his monthly dinner conferences at the Melia Cohiba he offered an inside view into Cuban history, the various rum “schools” of Cuba, the architectural development of Havana until the revolution and many more facet’s and interesting tidbits surrounding Havana, Habanos and Cuba.

Following the workshop a 4-course gourmet lunch “Caminos del Saber” was served. This lunch was created by Lazaro “Lachi”, the young and talented chef I had the pleasure to meet last November and who impressed all present with his culinary creations.

See :

http://flyingcigar.de/startseite/gourmet-dining-in-havana-lazaro-lachi/

Wines were Spanish Protos Verdejo and a Pinot Noir.

An extremely interesting and educational half day courtesy of the Portmann family.

Thank you !

Nino

Last 10 photographs by Christian G.