Gilbert de Montsalvat Year Of The

With the Gilbert de Montsalvat Year Of The Hippopotamos, Raymundo Bernasconi proves that premium cigars do not always have to be presented with utmost seriousness. The Swiss entrepreneur expands his long-established brand with an edition whose tongue-in-cheek name deliberately breaks with convention. Instead of relying on grandiose zodiac themes or exaggerated marketing messages, this series embraces humor and individuality. Released in the summer of 2026, these longfillers are aimed at aficionados who value not only outstanding quality but also unconventional concepts. Whether this will become an annual series remains to be seen.

Gilbert de Montsalvat: Cigars with Character and a Touch of Irony

Raymundo has spent many years building Gilbert de Montsalvat Cigars into a brand featuring a variety of distinctive lines and unique blends. With the Year Of The Hippopotamos, he playfully pokes fun at the often elaborate marketing campaigns of major cigar manufacturers. Behind the ironic title, however, is no gimmick but a genuinely crafted premium cigar that continues the brand's commitment to quality. It is precisely this contrast between a humorous presentation and meticulous craftsmanship that gives this edition its unique appeal.

Year Of The Hippopotamos – an Exceptional Limited Edition

The Gilbert de Montsalvat Year Of The Hippopotamos is much more than just an eye-catching name. We had the opportunity to attend its presentation near Zurich in May 2026, where we also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Gilbert brand together with Raymundo. We have great respect for his achievements in brand building and, of course, for his successful work distributing other Premium Cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.