San Cristóbal de la Habana was officially launched in 1999, a new millennium brand founded by Habanos S.A. to pay tribute to the 480th anniversary of the founding of Cuba's capital Havana and its long history. The brand name comes from Havana's original name at its founding in 1519. The first four vitolas launched were all named after famous fortresses guarding the city at that time, while later added vitolas are mostly named after streets in Old Havana. Although a same-name brand existed before the Cuban Revolution, the current San Cristóbal is a completely independently developed modern brand. It selects top-tier leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, establishing a unique place among seasoned cigar aficionados with its refined, balanced, and light to medium flavor with floral and creamy notes.