{"id":77442,"date":"2026-04-01T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/?p=77442"},"modified":"2026-04-08T16:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:16:30","slug":"gilbert-de-montsalvat-year-of-the-hippo-review-the-hippo-strikes-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/gilbert-de-montsalvat-year-of-the-hippo-review-das-nilpferd-schlagt-zuruck\/","title":{"rendered":"Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo Review - The hippo strikes back"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eine-zigarre-die-es-eigentlich-nicht-geben-durfte-und-genau-deshalb-existiert-sie\">A cigar that shouldn't actually exist. And that's exactly why it exists. What we did at the event <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/gilbert-de-montsalvat-18-was-als-geburtstag-beginnt-endet-fast-im-ausnahmezustand\/\">have experienced, ...simply unbelievable<\/a>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kurz-zusammenfassung-fur-schnelle-einordnung\">Brief summary for quick classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo<\/strong> is not a classic anniversary cigar - it is an ironic declaration of war on habits. Instead of a predictable limitada for Gilbert de Montsalvat's 18th birthday, the result is a concept that surprises: unusual vitola, juicy flavour, perfect balance between acidity, bittersweet, cream and sweetness. Technically clean, independent in flavour, emotional... actually completely absurd - in the best sense of the word! This cigar shows that creativity can still surprise in the cigar sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_01.jpg\" alt=\"The hippo is still sleeping peacefully. But woe betide him if he wakes up!\" class=\"wp-image-77448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_01.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_01-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_01-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_01-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The hippo is still sleeping peacefully. But woe betide him if he wakes up!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>What this hippopotamus (Hippopotamus) shows you in this article<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#kurz-zusammenfassung-fur-schnelle-einordnung\">Brief summary for quick classification<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#du-erlebst-in-5-minuten-den-event-klicke-auf-das-bild\">Experience the event in 5 minutes: Click on the picture:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#der-moment-in-dem-das-nilpferd-geboren-wurde\">The moment the hippopotamus was born<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#was-ist-die-gilbert-de-montsalvat-year-of-the-hippo\">What is the Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#der-erste-zug-und-das-nilpferd-schaut-dich-an\">The first move - and the hippo looks at you<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#analyse-was-hier-wirklich-passiert\">Analysis: What is really happening here<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#technik-ein-nilpferd-mit-manieren\">Technology: A hippopotamus with manners<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#der-entscheidende-punkt-wahrnehmung-ist-kein-zufall\">The crucial point: perception is no coincidence<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#bedeutung-fur-aficionados\">Importance for aficionados<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#auf-den-punkt-gebracht\">To the point<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quellen\">Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"du-erlebst-in-5-minuten-den-event-klicke-auf-das-bild\">Experience the event in 5 minutes: Click on the picture:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7tqNz-oGJxk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT-1000x563.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT-624x351.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cover_film-YT.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_02.jpg\" alt=\"The anilla is clean and beautifully printed and embossed.\" class=\"wp-image-77449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_02.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_02-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_02-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_02-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The anilla is clean and beautifully printed and embossed.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_03.jpg\" alt=\"Believe me: the hippopotamus is delighted that he is finally being recognised and his true value celebrated.\" class=\"wp-image-77450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_03.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_03-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_03-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_03-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">Believe me: the hippopotamus is delighted that he is finally being recognised and his true value celebrated.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_04.jpg\" alt=\"There - you see? HE IS SO HAPPY!!!\" class=\"wp-image-77451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_04.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_04-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_04-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_04-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">There - you see? HE IS SO HAPPY!!!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"der-moment-in-dem-das-nilpferd-geboren-wurde\">The moment the hippopotamus was born<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201eIt can't be...\u201c says Raymondo Bernasconi (the brand owner), looking at a depiction of the Chinese zodiac. Twelve animals. Always the same. No hippopotamus. Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_05.jpg\" alt=\"There are 499 boxes of 10 Hippo cigars. It has as long as it has.\" class=\"wp-image-77452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_05.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_05-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_05-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_05-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">There are 499 boxes of 10 Hippo cigars. It has as long as it has.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201eThat's a cheek!\u201c he says in dismay. \u201eThere are now animals in zoological gardens that don't appear in the zodiac that already have depression!\u201c And right at this moment - or so I imagine - something begins that you can smoke today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not as a marketing idea. Not as Limitada number 347. <strong>But as a silent rebellion!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_06.jpg\" alt=\"Open the map (next photo).\" class=\"wp-image-77453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_06.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_06-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_06-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_06-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">Open the map (next photo).<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_07.jpg\" alt=\"The Hippopotamus is described here - or rather the person born under this sign of the zodiac. Well, my birthday is also on 1 April (no joke) - and I can confirm 100% that everything written here applies to me.\" class=\"wp-image-77454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_07.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_07-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_07-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_07-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The Hippopotamus is described here - or rather the person born under this sign of the zodiac. Well, my birthday is also on 1 April (no joke) - and I can confirm 100% that everything written here applies to me.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_08.jpg\" alt=\"That&#039;s right: De Hippo has finally taken his place IN THE CENTRE!\" class=\"wp-image-77455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_08.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_08-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_08-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_08-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">That's right: De Hippo has finally taken his place IN THE CENTRE!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For the 18th birthday of <strong>Gilbert de Montsalvat<\/strong> (born on 01.04.2008 - yes, that's right) is not a classic anniversary cigar for 01.04.2026. Raymondo is doing exactly the opposite of what everyone expects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>He brings a hippopotamus into the world of cigars.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_09.jpg\" alt=\"The hippo&#039;s bum: perfectly curled, crisp and simply beautiful.\" class=\"wp-image-77456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_09.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_09-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_09-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_09-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The hippo's bum: perfectly curled, crisp and simply beautiful.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-ist-die-gilbert-de-montsalvat-year-of-the-hippo\">What is the Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo<\/strong> is a double figurado that deliberately breaks with expectations. It does not play on prestige, but on ideas. Limited to 499 boxes of 10 cigars. There was even a brilliant party - I'll report on that shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_10.jpg\" alt=\"The hippo&#039;s head: doesn&#039;t it look like it could fall in love? And how friendly he looks!\" class=\"wp-image-77457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_10.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_10-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_10-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_10-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The hippo's head: doesn't it look like it could fall in love? And how friendly he looks!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"der-erste-zug-und-das-nilpferd-schaut-dich-an\">The first move - and the hippo looks at you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I light it. Wait a moment. Pull. Slowly. One puff every 20 seconds. Not faster. Not greedier. But it needs the faster draw at the beginning, which is normal for this vitola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is no coincidence: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11397456\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies show<\/a>, that distraction measurably reduces the perception of flavours - those who consciously take their time taste more. Further links to studies can be found below under Sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_11.jpg\" alt=\"Can you spot anything? Amazing... you can see the answer in the next photo.\" class=\"wp-image-77458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_11.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_11-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_11-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_11-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">Can you spot anything? Amazing... you can see the answer in the next photo.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_12.jpg\" alt=\"Look, that&#039;s what I mean: that wisp of smoke. Doesn&#039;t it look like a dancing man? NOT AI-generated, but a real snapshot. The soul of the hippo clearly shows that there is a human inside it who is really happy about this cigar!\" class=\"wp-image-77459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_12.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_12-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_12-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_12-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">Look, that's what I mean: that wisp of smoke. Doesn't it look like a dancing man? NOT AI-generated, but a real snapshot. The soul of the hippo clearly shows that it even harbours the soul of a human being, who is very happy about this cigar! Amazing...<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not a cigar that can be impressed. And then it's there. Umami. Juicy. Full. Not loud. Not aggressive. But present. A flavour that doesn't ask if it's allowed. Marvellous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"analyse-was-hier-wirklich-passiert\">Analysis: What is really happening here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The flavour has an unusual balance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Acidity: clearly present, lively<\/strong>, <strong>but not exaggerated!<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dark chocolate: controlled, balanced<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Earth &amp; wood: stabilising, never dominant<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cream: combines everything into a calm whole<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13.jpg\" alt=\"A really great smoke!\" class=\"wp-image-77460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">A really great smoke!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The decisive factor: This cigar does not work through individual flavours. It works through <strong>Tension<\/strong>. Acidity against bittersweet. Freshness against depth. And it is precisely this that creates this fantastic balance that cannot be explained - only experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Current research shows that this balance is not only created in the product itself. A study by St\u00e4ger et al. (2021) shows that visual impressions can measurably change the perceived bitterness and sweetness. So what you see changes what you taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even more exciting: Schouteten et al. (2024) show that the context - i.e. environment, mood or even the setting - directly influences the evaluation of a product. If everything fits together, it automatically seems \u201ebetter\u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find the link to the studies in the sources section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"technik-ein-nilpferd-mit-manieren\">Technology: A hippopotamus with manners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Which is immediately noticeable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Burning: very good. Slight wave burn corrects itself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ash: stable and compact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train: optimal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strength: 3\/5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not a wild, uncontrolled cigar. <strong>This is a hippopotamus in a customised suit<\/strong>!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_14.jpg\" alt=\"The Hippo can also be dignified: The cigar smoulders quietly, immersed in unity and bliss.\" class=\"wp-image-77461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_14.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_14-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_14-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_14-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">The Hippo can also be dignified: The cigar smoulders quietly, immersed in unity and bliss.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"der-entscheidende-punkt-wahrnehmung-ist-kein-zufall\">The crucial point: perception is no coincidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It gets interesting when you ask yourself: Why does this cigar have such a \u201eharmonious\u201c flavour? Current research shows that flavour is not only created in the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies of the <strong>University of Oxford (2022)<\/strong> show that expectation and context measurably change the perception of flavour. The brain \u201einterprets\u201c what we taste - it doesn't just register it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An investigation of the <strong>Stanford University (2023)<\/strong> confirmed: If a product has a strong story or idea, it is perceived as more complex and of higher quality - even if the composition does not change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, there is no public link to these two studies, but only with registration. Stupid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And this is precisely the trick of this cigar: the hippopotamus is not a gimmick. It is a perception amplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A recent study by Berg et al. (2025) even shows that simply believing in a perception is enough to actually experience it. Participants reported odours even though none were present - simply because they assumed they existed. But I have included a link to this in the sources section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ich-kann-das-bestatigen-schon-im-kaltzustand-war-alles-klar-ein-zug-an-der-zigarre-und-da-war-er-dieser-unverkennbare-majestatisch-animalische-duft-eines-nilpferds-nicht-zoo-nicht-doku-nicht-safari-nein-original-direkt-authentisch\">I can confirm this: even when cold, everything was clear. One puff on the cigar - and there it was. That unmistakable, majestic, animal scent of a hippopotamus. Not zoo, not documentary, not safari. No. Original. Direct. Authentic.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ich-sass-da-schaute-die-zigarre-an-und-dachte-raymondo-du-hast-es-wirklich-getan\">I sat there looking at the cigar and thought, \u201eRaymondo... you really did it.\u201c<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sensationell\">Sensational.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bedeutung-fur-aficionados\">Importance for aficionados<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This cigar is not a \u201emust-smoke\u201c (well, actually it is). It is something else. A test. How much do you get involved with an idea? How strongly does a story influence you? And how much of it do you actually taste? I mean: How much hippo do you really taste from this cigar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_15.jpg\" alt=\"Now that&#039;s enough. Really great cigar!\" class=\"wp-image-77462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_15.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_15-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_15-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_15-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\">Now that's enough. Really great cigar!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"auf-den-punkt-gebracht\">To the point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Gilbert de Montsalvat Year of the Hippo<\/strong> is not a classic anniversary cigar, but a deliberate departure from the expected. It shows that flavour is not only created in tobacco, but in the interplay of idea, context and perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The quality of a cigar is not only created in the tobacco - but in the moment before you light it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quellen\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/psychology\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2021.641069\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">St\u00e4ger et al. (2021) - Vision Modulates the Perceived Flavour of Drinks<\/a><\/strong>: The study shows that <strong>visual information can change the perceived flavour<\/strong>. In their mixed reality setup, sweetness was rated lower and bitterness higher when the visual impression contradicted the actual liquid consumed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0950329323002604\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Schouteten et al. (2024) - Congruency of an eating environment influences product liking<\/strong>: <\/a>This work shows that a <strong>appropriate context<\/strong> can increase the rating of a product. In the VR environment, products were rated better in a harmonious seasonal environment than in an inappropriate one.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11397456\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ruda et al. (2024) - Beyond Distracted Eating: Cognitive Distraction Downregulates Odour Pleasantness<\/strong>: <\/a>The study shows that <strong>cognitive distraction can reduce the pleasantness of odours<\/strong>. This is useful for your text because it proves that perception depends not only on the stimulus itself, but also on attention and mental stress.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/computer-science\/articles\/10.3389\/fcomp.2021.662824\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Suzuki et al. (2021) - Taste in Motion<\/strong>:<\/a> Here it was shown that the <strong>Dynamic visual staging<\/strong> of a meal changed expectations before tasting it and, in some cases, perception while eating. The projected \u201ecooking\u201c visuals influenced expectations of flavour, price and appetite, among other things.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-025-25418-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Berg et al. (2025) - Believing in simulated virtual scents produces reported olfactory sensations<\/strong>:<\/a> This study is particularly strong for the point <strong>Expectation<\/strong>When people believed that they also perceived scents in a VR scene, they reported correspondingly more frequent matching odour experiences. This supports the theory that expectations help to shape perception.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"seo-rank-math\">Picture credits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vasilij Ratej<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A cigar that shouldn't actually exist. And that's exactly why it exists. What we experienced at the event ... simply unbelievable. Short summary for quick classification...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":77460,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[662,6646],"tags":[6695,6725,822,6660,6698,6724,916],"class_list":["post-77442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marktplatz","category-review","tag-dauer-60-75-min-mittel","tag-doppelfigurado","tag-gilbert-de-montsalvat","tag-review-non-kuba","tag-staerke-medium","tag-year-of-the-hippo","tag-year-of",""],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gilbert_de_montsalvat_year_of_the_hippo_13.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77442"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77442\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77529,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77442\/revisions\/77529"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zigarren.zone\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}