A Review of El Habano Moderno: Second Edition by Alexander Groom
For the serious cigar aficionado, collector or industry professional, separating myth from fact in the world of Cuban cigars is a lifelong pursuit. With constantly shifting regional editions, limited releases, and ever-evolving factory codes, keeping up is nearly impossible. Enter Alexander Groom’s El Habano Moderno: Second Edition, a book that doesn’t just try to catch up with the modern Cuban cigar industry, it defines it.
When it comes to books, I would like to recommend… El Habano Moderno. This is the book you should have.
Jasim Ahmed, Master of Habanos
A Monumental Two-Volume Set
First published to critical acclaim, the second edition of El Habano Moderno is a substantial upgrade. Spanning over 700 pages across two volumes, this release brings the story of the Habano right up to 2023. It’s a heavy, tactile experience not something you toss into a weekend bag. This is a reference work built for a dedicated shelf in a study or a collector’s humidor room.
The structural choice to split the content is clever. Volume One offers a concise yet deeply researched history of the Cuban cigar industry post-2000, alongside essential authentication guides. Volume Two is the visual feast: a catalog of more than 1,000 cigars, each photographed in crisp detail, with release dates, vitolas, and tasting notes.
What Sets This Edition Apart
Unlike many cigar books that recycle romanticised nostalgia, Groom focuses squarely on the “modern” era. He tackles the complexities of Habanos S.A.’s commercial strategies, the rise of special releases (Edición Limitada, Reserva, Gran Reserva), and the shifting landscape of regional editions. The second edition corrects errors from the first, expands the photography, and adds dozens of new cigars released in the past three years.
For collectors, the authentication section is worth the price alone. Groom breaks down box codes, date stamping, and factory markings with a level of precision usually reserved for philately or numismatics. You’ll finish the book feeling equipped to spot a fake from ten paces.
Who Is This Book For?
Let’s be clear: El Habano Moderno is not a beginner’s guide. If you’ve just smoked your first Montecristo No. 4, this book will overwhelm you. But if you already own a humidor full of limited editions, trade cigars online, or dream of building a serious collection, this is your bible. It’s also indispensable for retailers and anyone working in premium tobacco.
That said, the prose remains accessible. Groom writes with the clarity of a technical writer but the enthusiasm of a true aficionado. You never feel like you’re studying for an exam more like being guided through a private museum by a knowledgeable curator.
The Visual and Physical Quality
In an age of digital everything, this book reminds you why paper still matters. The photography is lush, colour-accurate, and lit to show every vein and wrapper sheen. The binding is sturdy (essential for a book this heavy), and the paper stock is thick, matte-finished, and pleasant to handle. The second edition also features revised layout and typography, making long catalog sections far easier to navigate.
The Verdict
Is El Habano Moderno: Second Edition expensive? Yes. Is it worth every penny? Absolutely. There is no other single resource that matches its depth, accuracy, and currency when it comes to Cuban cigars produced after the year 2000. Alexander Groom has accomplished something rare: a reference book that is both definitive and a pleasure to read.
Final Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Best for: Serious collectors, Habanos enthusiasts, industry professionals
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Where to buy it from?
Direct from the author's website:
