Cuba Day 5: A Golden Celebration - Bolivar Festival Night | Kirby Allison in Cuba

Immerse yourself in the opulence of the Habanos Festival’s Bolivar Festival Night in this captivating fifth episode. As the wonders of the Festival del Habanos continue to unfold, I find myself deeper in the embrace of its unparalleled stature as the world's premier event for Cuban cigar connoisseurs.
Tonight, we're swept into the grandeur of the long-awaited relaunch of the Bolívar Gold Medal. This event holds a special place in my heart, as Bolívar was the first brand I ever collected, and the Gold Medal, a personal favorite, makes the evening's excitement deeply personal.
Witness the spectacle of Habanos' lavish celebration, a festivity that not only honors the grand relaunch but also encapsulates the glamor and prestige synonymous with their globally acclaimed cigars. Each party is a showcase, a stage where Cuba's rich cultural and artistic heritage is brought to life.
Yet, it is the camaraderie that truly defines the festival. Year after year, it's a convivial gathering of friends, a shared passion for Cuban cigars drawing us together. Join me, as we celebrate not just the cigars, but the warm spirit and enduring traditions of this beautiful island.
🙏 Thank you to those who helped make this series possible:
🔸 Jemma Freeman and Hunters & Frankau
🔸 Daymi Difurniao and the entire Habanos marketing team
🔸 Peter Sarfard at The One and Only Cuba for Cuba logistics and travel services ( / theoneandonlycuba )
🔍 FOR MORE INFORMATION
🔸 Ajay Patel: @ajaylcdh - @no6cavendish
🔸 Alex Cigar Dandy: alex_cigar_dandy
🔸 Max Gutmann: bit.ly/max-gut...
bit.ly/max-gut...
🔸 Nick Foulkes: @n_foulkes @nickfoulkessons5824
🙌 SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL
📽️ Join this channel to support our content with independent craftspeople and artisans:
/ kirbyallison
🛒 Shop All Kirby Allison Products: www.kirbyallis...
#cubatravel #habanos #myhabanosmoment
🎬 VIDEO CHAPTER TIME CODES
0:00 Series Introduction
01:40 Arrival to Bolivar Festival Night
03:40 Ajay Patel, No.6 Cavendish
10:35 Cameo by Nick Foulkes
13:00 Alex Cigar Dandy
20:45 Max Gutmann
27:35 Nick Foulkes
31:25 Bolivar Gold Medal Tasting
📽 WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS IN OUR CUBA SERIES:
🧳 Packing My Luggage for Cuba: • Packing for Cuba! My F...
🧳 Packing My Cigars for Cuba: • Selecting Cigars for t...
1️⃣ My First Day in Cuba!: • My First Day in Cuba! ...
2️⃣ Habanos Festival Opener & Welcome Night: • Cuba Day 2: The 23rd A...
3️⃣ Havana Sit Down Smoke with Edward and Eddie Sahakian: • Cuba Day 3: A Dream Re...
4️⃣ The Glorious Tobacco Fields of Cuba: • Cuba Day 4: Visiting C...
5️⃣ Bolivar Festival Night: • Cuba Day 5: A Golden C...
6️⃣ El Laguito Factory Tour: • Cuba Day 6: Cohiba's E...
7️⃣ Humidores Habana: • Cuba Day 7: Humidores ...
8️⃣ Havana Walking Tour with Edward and Eddie Sahakian • Cuba Day 8: Havana Wal...
9️⃣ Hotel National Tour
🔟 Habanos Festival Black Tie Gala and Auction
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[@henry.the.producer]

What a treat. Great work from our correspondent in Cuba, Kirby Allison!

[@kirbyallison]

Your man in Havana!

[@mambicubano7303]

It may be funny but I confess that watching your programs is like sitting down to watch a good movie. Congratulations and very important, for 2024 I wish you a lot of prosperity, health and luck 🙏👍💪🇨🇺

[@Bigdog-mg5rr]

Best series on the internet, so interesting, so well filmed, gorgeous, thanks Kirby for allowing us to come on this journey with you to this amazingly entertaining Cuban festival

[@kirbyallison]

More to come!

[@Mungkee97]

As the weather gets warmer here in the US, my mind is constantly on the subject of cigars. This series, and the rest of your videos, only make the distraction stronger, while satisfying that part of my brain at the same time. Thank you, Kirby, for bringing us with you on your pilgrimage to Cuba. The content is immaculate as always.

[@BrownyBird]

As Cuban myself living abroad, I'm fascinating to see this bunch of "crazy people" (I mean it in a good way) gathering together to celebrate cigars. You can tell they truly love the thing 😊. This brings me so much memories from my childhood because my grandfather used to smoke cigars and I hated the smell. Now that his gone and some people around that memory too, I look at cigars with nostalgia!

[@kirbyallison]

I hope one day my children and grandchildren say the same! They are currently in the same “hate the smell” stage as my wife has been for the past 14 years. However, I remain nostalgia. No rush on my part, though.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Wonderful video!

[@AG-kd9ow]

Kirby, you have found your niche in life, congratulations! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and I am highly qualified to make such a statement...

[@kirbyallison]

An overnight success… 😅😂 I enjoy it and am very thankful!

[@jeromefourmann2798]

Stunning reviews Kirby. Can’t wait for 2024 and all the great reviews you’ll bring to our enjoyment 🎉 happy new year

[@kirbyallison]

Happy new year!

[@rafaelbassoli905]

The content is top notch and the passion Kirby shows for cigars is contagious. By far the best cigar content on the internet. Thank you Kirby!

[@Chadwick1646]

Absolutely love your content!

[@kirbyallison]

I appreciate that!

[@Ghk-4326]

The quality of these videos are insanely good. Everything from start to end is top tier

[@kirbyallison]

Much appreciated! Very thankful for the dedicated team of editors that push through these epic edits!

[@Ghk-4326]

@@kirbyallisonand we as the viewers are thankful to you and your team

[@sevrin1965]

I love how Nick is so candid with his remarks, bravo!

[@KK-zb3xc]

Kirby arriving like a boss 😎

[@DanielRiera]

Some of the top outfits ever from Kirby and Nick. The Cuban atmosphere seems to do you good.

[@kirbyallison]

Nick is the best!

[@mambicubano7303]

From what I see in your programs, I have to confess that you have to do everything possible to talk about these Cuban Habano festivals, there is a lot that I discovered and to preserve, but even more, a Passion to feed 🙏👍💪🇨🇺

[@kirbyallison]

Well said!

[@gmosi8198]

Beautiful tie combination. Kirby a true connoisseur of cigars and gentleman’s fashion.

[@kirbyallison]

One of my favorite Cuba combinations…

[@mambicubano7303]

It is impressive to see how passionately he speaks about the Habano festival and how he speaks especially about this Habano.

[@stbroker1]

Thanks again for your incredible video of my island and its cigars. Happy new year to you and your family, wishing you health, wealth, happiness and prosperity,

[@paulpayan7598]

Kirby, I want to thank you for your amazing channel! I left home very young and never had an active present father to teach me how to be a gentleman, I’m fifty one, and have learned so much from your channel and watching your talks with Edward and Eddie Sahakian. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to vacation in Cuba 2 a year since I got remarried 8 years ago (excluding during the pandemic) and have getting more and more serious about my passion for Cuban cigars and look forward to going back in March. Your recent videos and given me allot to think about regarding what cigars I will be picking up! Thank you again, and I’m looking forward to what you’ll be sharing with us this year!!

[@kirbyallison]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing! You sound like a very lucky man to be able to go twice a year!!

[@lgiraldo2587]

I watched this for a third time, I can't get enough of this great content, by far the best cigar content out there. Kirby thank you for all the hard work you put into it, it shows and it is greatly appreciated!

[@kirbyallison]

Just wait! We have a VERY EXCITING episode this Saturday!

[@sgt0331able]

What a wonderful presentation Kirby, you really stand out! Thank you so much.

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you liked it!

[@caronin]

Loving the videos from the Habanos festival. It's nice to be able to experience the festival vicariously through you, thank you sir.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Yes, you are all there with me!

[@los-viajeros]

hanging out dad in the hospital after a car accident he asked me to watch your videos and of course I showed him this! thank you very much for the company

[@kirbyallison]

Amazing! Please give your father my best wishes for a fast recovery! My next cigar is dedicated to his swift recovery.

[@los-viajeros]

@@kirbyallison kirby thank you very much. Appreciate happy New Year.

[@stephon4661]

What else can I say Kirby? Great! Fantastic! Sublime! Gorgeous video with the background ladies as well. 😍

[@kirbyallison]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@borisladicorbic7494]

Really proud of my fellow Serbian cigar aficionado Aleksandar Stipčić! Thank you very much Kirby for always an amazing content! Happy New Year!🥂

[@kirbyallison]

Alex is the best!

[@HJAlsubale]

سلسلة فيديوهات رائعة يا كيربي. مبدع :)

[@loveja1234]

The deep blue color on mr. Patels jacket is stunning!

[@paulmcgee1867]

Jacket and pocket handkerchief were great

[@HavaHavana]

@@paulmcgee1867thank you… perfect for Cuba. 🎩

[@vfigueroa62]

Fantastic coverage and interesting people! 🙌🏼🔥🔥🙌🏼

[@garychard3894]

I expect Hemmingway to appear at any moment, great series thanks Kirby.

[@kirbyallison]

Wrote to his agent to see if he was available but thus far no response… 😅

[@jorgeortiz5765]

Thank you Kirby ❤️🎉 Wonderful time

[@mmerlano]

Perfection Kirby. Great interviews! Well done!

[@veilsidekikker]

Great cigar content. The cigar family and friends are such a culture. A true love for these smokable pieces of art

[@gabrielvillegas6071]

Once again, Kirby has surprised us with these beautiful videos.

[@maxine2798]

Thank you for keeping me entertained for another year. Your channel is ever more professional. In this series, I see you’re taking one from the team. A trip to Cuba, parties and experiencing new cigars. It’s a tough life.

[@kirbyallison]

It’s hard work… really. Almost killed myself on this trip!

[@MarkSeymourPhotography]

Great to see you two guys discussing cigars in Cuba Kirby .. Looking forward to visiting No6 again soon

[@kirbyallison]

Please do and send Ajay my regards! He’s the best!

[@simpetcla12]

Thanks 🙏🏻 Kirby. Your professionalism and dedication are inspiring

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you for watching!

[@nathanhawee5373]

As always im a little late to the party but excellent content as always Kirby!. And i dont smoke as much so i save your videos until i sit down and light up. Gotta get me a Bolivar... 🥂

[@pintro2306]

am i the only one who loves it when you hear kitby loosing his voice? to me it just sounds like hes been enjoying himself

[@kirbyallison]

😅

[@Boshunz]

Kirby Allison is one of the slickest white dudes around. The definition of elegance, class and poise. Well done

[@soez4me666]

Great content Kirby ,the video is so extremely high quality it jumps off the screen color and depth and lets us enjoy the ride. I really appreciate the work that went to the content.The list of connections you have made is impressive.Just l comment about the cigars of Cuba in general they have gotten vary expensive, l don’t have 10 million dollars in the bank , l do still smoke them but not like l use to. Hopefully down the road they will made them affordable again.There is no cigars that compare to a Cuban cigar the most enjoyable smoke in the world,just my opinion…Have a great 24 ,thank you for the Cuban experience,big fan from Texas

[@freebird6360]

Wow wow wow! Production value is just off the charts!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank yoi!

[@Sandman328]

Yes!!! Can’t wait to watch 🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@raymondiskin6514]

one of my favourite episodes, Thank you Kirby for the great content. Been waiting for the Cuba series, absolutely love it so far!

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zachwilson5381]

Awesome job!

[@anthonydef3000]

Another beau video❤ right before New Years Eve

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!

[@freg1959]

As a long time lover of the leaf I've always wanted to go to Cuba , thank you so much for making and sharing these videos Kirby. Have a great New Years🎉 and wish you all the best in 2024 !

[@franke.barberena914]

Love this entire series! The looks are always phenomenal from you, Kirby, but I think Alex absolutely crushed it in that tobacco double breasted jacket with the ascot (thinking that's what it is, correct me if I'm wrong - wracking my brain learning how to style something like this!) Mentioned this in a previous video, but as someone who's Cuban-born and American-raised and who's all too familiar with Cuba's struggles, I love the care and respect that you showed my island! Keep up the incredible work, Kirby!

[@--GlennSta--]

Another great video,, thank you for this !! 👏 what an amazing experience it must have been.

[@kirbyallison]

Bucket list experience, for sure!

[@jonahb2149]

Lovely white suit, Kirby 👌

[@roshansamrobert]

nick the absolute legend

[@JP-rv6hg]

Awesome episode Kirby! I, like you, are obsessed with regionals so it was great to see you gifted your Holy Grail from Max !

[@jony6toes307]

Another home run from Kirby and the team. Pure Quality Craftsmanship and Tradition... Happy New year to you Sir and your family and may the year ahead serve you well.

[@kirbyallison]

You’re very kind! Thank you for watching!

[@skeenz1990]

Another absolutely fantastic video!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@flawless1979]

Amazing series!

[@jordansibanyoni9978]

Kirby Allison is the uncle I never had!

[@orion10x]

Great series, Kirby. While I might not be able to find a Cuban cigar, Im enjoying a God of Fire Carlito 2019 thats leading us up to the new year. Happy New Year!

[@Snakebloke]

Kirby: _"I know, there's so many well-dressed people here..."_ Nick: _"...I know, and so many extravagantly-dressed people...which is not always the same thing..."_ 😂😂😂😂 Thats such a sideways burn, I love it 😂😂😂😂

[@Notfoodlol]

Happy New Year from Guam cheers to you Kirby Allison

[@jasonwoodhouse103]

I love how Kirby mentions Edward sahakian every time he lights a cigar

[@kirbyallison]

They are a big part of my journey!

[@1nickynoodles]

Here we go

[@urbandaniel100]

top of the line quality

[@josephc.1776]

Great suit Kirby! Love the shirt and tie combo! Cuba has received a few million dollars in coverage from this suite of vlogs. Unfortunately you will have to be paid in pesos or sugar! Joking of course!

[@kirbyallison]

I’d be lucky for even that! 😅😂 I think my Christmas card was lost in the mail, also. Haha. Oh, well. At least I enjoy what I do. And you all can support these videos by visiting KirbyAllison.com! 😆😁😀

[@williamumbach592]

Kirby, could you, in one of your Cuba videos, give just a short blurb on some of the basics for any trip to Cuba. ie no credit cards. How/where to exchange US Cash for local money. How to pay for hotels/travel. Is English only speaking good enough to get by.

[@kirbyallison]

We are going to film something about this sometime soon. Reach out to Peter at @theoneandonlycuba on IG. He handles all my logistics and can help coordinate travel for you. The long-short: 1/ it’s super easy as an American to visit Cuba (actually in some ways easier than for Europeans). 2/ simply book your own flights online via American or United. You self-declare in which of the 12 allowable categories you are visiting. I normally select “support for the Cuban people.” No pre-authorizations required at all to visit Cuba for Americans. 3/ when you arrive to your gate for the flight into Havana (the last leg of connecting), you have to buy an $80 “tourist card” for Cuba to stamp at customs. 4/ You can book most all hotels online through their offices in Spain. And AirBnb is completely allowed for direct bookings (which, technically, is the most “legal” way to book accommodations. 5/ bring a lot of cash with you. Large hotels can accept American credit cards using Spanish proxies (and many are not allowed to accept cash) but everywhere else will only take cash. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to buy Habanos cigars here as an American. The official cigar shops do not accept any cash and cannot process American credit cards. 6/ Data roaming as an American is insanely expensive and many, many US-based websites are inaccessible because of American firewalls due to the embargo (Cuba doesn’t care - the problem is America). Download a few VPN’s to your phone and computer if you’ll need to access sites like your bank. Hotels all have WiFi. If you’re coming for a long time, bring an unlocked phone that can take a SIM card (no eSims here). 7/ You can rent cars here. I’ve just never done it yet. 8/ stay somewhere in Old Havana so you can walk to most of the touristic spots. Taxis are easy to come by at hotels and restaurants can call them for you. 9/ Re changing money, Peter has always done this for me. Official hotels will exchange at less than 50% the “street” rate. Most Taxi drivers can exchange. There is a website with the “official” street exchange rate that you could use to determine if you’re being ripped off. I can see if I can find it. Honestly, not that difficult to travel here and navigate Havana if you have a little bit of help.

[@waleed8530]

I didn’t expect to see Ali AL Lami from Kuwait (white shirt) at 3:38, a cigar aficionado and one of the old heads in the GCC region. Great content.

[@kirbyallison]

Just one of the many legends that attend the Festival events!

[@alaskajohn907]

I wish that 109 cap was more prevalent in the world of cigars. It's the perfect balance between a "normal" cap and a torpedo.

[@kirbyallison]

I couldn’t agree more. Great mouth feel.

[@jackwolfskin5451]

Another great and interesting video. 👍🏻

[@paulmcgee1867]

Nice seeing Ajay. Nice guy.

[@HavaHavana]

Thank you for that comment 🎩

[@MrOrbion]

Happy new year Kirby!

[@DailyRitualW4r10ck]

Nick looked like he was done for the night! Lol!

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. I think the Bolivar night might have been a little too much for Nick

[@arbab44]

Our man in Havana :)

[@HabanosChris]

great weekend entertainment 👏😚💨

[@kirbyallison]

Hopefully enjoyed over a cigar!

[@dougwright1211]

Kirby - how did you get those cigars back in the States? Did you fly through Mexico City instead of Miami?

[@Burley_Bert]

Of course Nick bombs the shoot with Jemma! What a pair of rascals!

[@AW_77]

What is the name of the character covered in mirrors with the big hat. I'm sure I've seen similar characters coming out of Cuban culture. I would love to know more 😊

[@syndromeee]

Kirby, please make a video on the topic of how you purchase/acquire Cuban cigars in the United States.

[@joedirt3449]

You don't...at least legally.

[@damiancarroll5597]

im deffinatly bring in the new year with a cigar now what better way

[@lyonoliver4967]

Kirby at his best.

[@nickfoulkessons5824]

Genius

[@TaraGraphic93]

Jemma is gorgeous surrounded by good company:)

[@kirbyallison]

She’s the best!

[@paulmcgee1867]

She’s a delight

[@BIGO787]

Your video’s are like that butane always running out.. (enjoyable)

[@crf637]

🎉

[@cmac7384]

Cuba gave the Texas Rangers Adolis Garcia, so their good by me. Also, we've got to bring back the interview where the interviewer and interviewee blow smoke back and forth between each other.

[@kirbyallison]

lol.

[@jpr400]

Kirby, are there guidelines buying cuban cigars online? And having them shipped to the U.S.

[@Rainy_Day12234]

If Cuba would change a few laws concerning foreigners owning private property the country’s economy would, within a generation, explode. Great country. Great people. Give the free enterprise system a chance.

[@mambicubano7303]

You arrived in a modern UAZ Patriot, how great, if you can tell me how it was 🙏👍💪🇨🇺

[@damonmhtan9490]

Quick question, was this event recent or from earlier this year?

[@kirbyallison]

Late February 2023

[@eladsinay6914]

Hi krby. i loved what you did at 1:42 seconds of the video. i was wondering if you can help direct me as to how i can make exactly the same looking type of thing so i can make it as a cigar band for my future projects abut put the picture of other people there and change the writing of course. I make epoxy cigar ashtrays and sometimes inlay the cigar inside and thought it would be cool to be able to make a custom band of that customer on it and would love to be directed to whoever helped you make that. With your permission of course

[@SamFBM]

hahah Nick is always a funny character

[@antoniomaduro7731]

Where is Eddie?

[@michaelsavage9305]

They should all be made into GTA characters

[@paulff3]

Kirby, cola is my favorite drink while having a cigar. Agree - disagree?

[@joedirt3449]

😅coca cola

[@artbyty]

Always love to see people espousing capitalism enjoy their time in Havana! Its almost like the world is more complicated than labels.Maybe there is something to learn... not

[@kirbyallison]

The world would be a more peaceful place is diplomacy we’re still done over cigars… I’m doing my part. 😉

[@cdub4693]

Nick Foulkes had more alcohol than cigars 😂😆😂

[@kirbyallison]

Nick doesn’t drink. He’s always that full of energy.

[@ShortScience]

UAZ Patriot..., hmmm... nice russian car )))

[@benjaminmogha]

Nicotine can twist your sexual preference, it’s a dirty substance

[@joedirt3449]

😮

[@benjaminmogha]

@@joedirt3449 it makes the mind dirty

[@chriswright4677]

Kirby, blowing smoke in a persons face is bad form.

[@benjaminmogha]

these men are suffering from adequacy issues