The historic Vienna Ballhaus in the center of Vienna was the scene of a new cigar event under the slogan “Grand Cigar Edition 2018”. The organizers and hosts were Art of Life event specialists Günter Liska and Diana Millet, who managed the Art and Business Circle cigar club in Vienna.
The idea for the event arose during a discussion about the introduction of a complete smoking ban in Austria. Therefore, the event was initially planned as a “last smoke”. Fortunately, things turned out differently after the elections in Austria and the formation of a coalition between the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), and smoking is now allowed in restaurants in adjacent rooms. However, planning for the event was already underway by then, so the organizers decided to go ahead with this luxurious black tie.
Around 100 fans in tuxedos and evening dresses, tobacconists, and press representatives from Austria accepted the Vienna Ballhaus invitation, which was the magnificent backdrop for this event. Among them was the Cuban Ambassador to Austria, His Excellency Mr. Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios.
The exclusive partner for the best cigars was the official Habanos distributor for Germany, Austria, and Poland – 5THAvenue – with an exquisite offer from Trinidad Vígia, the new Quai d’Orsay No.54 and the Montecristo Dantés of the 2016 Limited Edition, which was received with enthusiasm by the participants. Guests also enjoyed oysters, fresh strawberries, Perrier-Jouët champagne, and Havana Club rum and cocktails. Swiss luxury watch retailer Zenith, an exclusive cooperation partner of Habanos S.A., was also there.
However, the focus was not only on shared enjoyment but also on improving the living conditions of children in Cuba. To this end, a raffle was held in aid of the children’s charity Camaquito and its vice president in Austria, and Katja Gnann presented the organization’s concerns.
The ingenious contest was the legendary artist and singer Mat Schuh and the pleasant evening did not end until well after midnight.
The excellent response to the premiere of “Big Cigar” makes a follow-up event next year very likely.
