Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary

Behind the Gilbert De Montsalvat Cigars is Swiss-born Raymondo Bernasconi, a former American citizen who, among other ventures, owns the House of Smoke cigar shop in Basel. His primary business is distributing major brands such as Ashton, Rocky Patel, and many others throughout Switzerland. The cigars presented here are "merely" his passion project, but that is precisely why they are especially close to his heart. He developed the Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Cigars in 2023 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his brand, introducing them one vitola at a time. The original cigar was the now sold-out Treasure. Its blend evolved into the Limited Edition 10 Years, and following the tremendous success of that cigar, it ultimately became the range of vitolas available today for the brand's 15th anniversary.

Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Cigars: a Tribute to the 15th Anniversary

Ray is well known among aficionados as the "Man with the Hat." He is instantly recognizable at every Intertabac in Dortmund as well as every PCA trade show in the United States. He is an exceptionally personable individual and has become a good friend of ours over the years. We've visited each other to watch our favorite football teams play, enjoyed countless cigars together at various trade shows, and caught up on the latest news and gossip from the cigar industry.

Raymondo Bernasconi: the "Man with the Hat" and His Passionate Cigar Project

The blend features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper from Ecuador. The binder consists of two Nicaraguan tobacco leaves, while the filler is made entirely from Dominican tobacco. The result is a rich, full-bodied blend that already conveys its strength through its dark, lustrous wrapper. The dominant flavor notes are coffee, wood, and leather, complemented by only a subtle hint of pepper. These handmade premium cigars are produced at Maurice Koks' Tabacalera Intercigar in Tamboril, one of the Dominican Republic's most respected cigar factories. Originally from the Netherlands, Maurice has been producing acclaimed cigars for a wide range of brands for decades.