HR Hirochi Robaina - the cigar brand! On 14 September 2024, Switzerland witnessed a very special event: Hirochi Robaina, the legendary tobacco farmer from Cuba, paid a visit to the country. But this visit was more than just a flying visit - it was the prelude to the international launch of his own cigar brand HR, which he produces in Nicaragua.

10 minutes

Personal, close and inspiring: Hirochi Robaina in an interview about his new cigar brand HR
Interview with Hirochi Robaina
Hirochi Robaina in Switzerland and at InterTabac: a milestone for his new brand
Relaxed atmosphere and charismatic host: the Portmann family and Hirochi Robaina enchant in The Valley Lounge
Oh yes, there was something else
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Hirochi Robaina.

Personal, close and inspiring: Hirochi Robaina in an interview about his new cigar brand HR

Organised by the Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG, Kreuzlingen was transformed into a hotspot for cigar fans. At Portmann's new event location, visitors had the unique opportunity to meet Hirochi Robaina in person. I also conducted an exclusive interview with him there, which provided an exciting insight into his philosophy and the creation of his brand.

The three lines of HR cigars. A fourth line will be added around November 2024: HR Black Label. Strength 9.5 / 10!

Interview with Hirochi Robaina

If you want to find out more about its fascinating history and the HR cigars, you should definitely take a look at the 4-minute film I made during the event.

With German subtitles

With English subtitles

Hirochi Robaina in Switzerland and at InterTabac: a milestone for his new brand

Hirochi Robaina with his HR cigar.

Robaina, who attended the prestigious InterTabac trade fair in Dortmund, took this opportunity to present its cigar brand to an international audience. In 2022, the Portmann family launched the new brand for the first time and exclusively in Switzerland. I tested three formats at the time and wrote about them.

Urs Portmann, Marc Portmann, Hiroschi Robaina, Thomas Portmann.

The lady with the red top is Urs Portmann's wife, Marlene.

Another highlight of the day was the announcement of a new line, which is expected to arrive in Switzerland in November 2024: the HR Black Label. In the film, Hirochi Robaina himself provides exciting insights into this new cigar. This much can already be revealed: Hirochi himself describes the HR Black Label as a real challenge for experienced smokers - with a strength of 9.5 from 10 on the strength scale! Cigar lovers can therefore look forward to a powerful flavour experience.

Hiroshi Robaina and Thomas Portmann.

Relaxed atmosphere and charismatic host: the Portmann family and Hirochi Robaina enchant in The Valley Lounge

The day culminated in an extraordinary evening at the The Valley Lounge (Members Only). A sensational Asian buffet, accompanied by exquisite drinks, awaited the 70 participants. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the charm and enthusiasm of the Portmann family and Hirochi Robaina and his team, made the evening an unforgettable experience.

The Valley Lounge (Members Only) in Kemptthal. What a location!

On this special day, Urs and Marc Portmann spoke about their decades-long friendship with Hirochi Robaina, which goes far beyond business partnerships. The Portmann family, who have always seen themselves as companions and supporters in the creation of Hirochi's own cigar brand, emphasised their close ties to their friend.

A refreshing cocktail to welcome you!

In a very personal speech, Urs not only honoured Robaina's tireless work and passion, but also thanked the guests present for their many years of cooperation. As a special token of appreciation, he presented selected friends and partners with an exclusive box of HR cigars, signed by Hirochi himself.

Each guest also received three HR cigars.

These select guests included Christian Schmid (photographer), Tobias Hüberli (Cigar Magazine Switzerland), Michael Hamilos (CCCI Cigar Circel Club International) and myself (owner of Zigarren.Zone). Urs Portmann, the perfect gentleman and host, created a moment that wonderfully expressed the close-knit community and love of the cigar world.

A day full of pleasure, inspiration and cigar enjoyment - Hirochi Robaina has left his mark in Switzerland.

Marc Portmann (centre back) explains how the HR brand came about.

Oh yes, there was something else

In the The Valley Lounge (Members Only) awaits you not only a walk-in wine humidor that will almost bring you to tears with sheer bliss, but above all the Walk-in cigar humidor - the true centrepiece of the lounge!

Three rarities from The Valley Lounge, supplied by Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG.

Here you will find an incredible selection of exquisite cigars, including many rare Cuban rarities, which are offered at astonishingly reasonable prices. And who is responsible for this exquisite selection? None other than the Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG, which has stood for the highest quality and cigar expertise for decades. And yes, you guessed right: I bought a few Limitadas.

The walk-in cigar humidor in the The Valley Lounge is a true masterpiece and was created by Nüesch humidors from St. Gallen - high-end humidors at their finest! These luxurious humidors are renowned for their outstanding quality and precision, storing every cigar in perfect conditions. A visit to this humidor is an experience for cigar lovers that takes the passion for fine smoking pleasure to a new level.