When was the Belinda Petit discontinued?

The Belinda Petit was officially discontinued in 2003. It entered the market much later than many of its handmade counterparts, having been introduced in 1989 as a regular production item. During its 14-year production run, this machine-made vitola provided an accessible option for smokers seeking a short, commercial-grade Cuban cigar. Collectors should note that because production ceased in the early 2000s, finding well-preserved examples today is challenging, and the cigars are considered vintage inventory rather than fresh retail stock.

Is the Belinda Petit a handmade or machine-made cigar?

The Belinda Petit was a machine-made cigar. While the Belinda brand has a long history dating back to the 19th century and was once known for handmade sizes, the Petit vitola produced starting in 1989 utilized machine-bunched techniques. This construction method allowed for a more consistent draw and lower price point compared to fully handmade counterparts. It was designed to offer a quick, accessible smoke rather than the complex artisanal experience found in the brand's earlier, premium releases.

What is the size of the Belinda Petit cigar?

The Belinda Petit measures 35 ring gauge by 110mm (approximately 4.3 inches) in length. In standard Cuban cigar nomenclature, this specific dimension is often referred to as a "Small Panatela" or "Entreacto." This compact format was intended for a brief smoking session, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Its slender gauge and short length made it a practical choice for smokers who wanted a Cuban tobacco experience during a short break, distinguishing it from the larger Robusto or Corona sizes in the regular lineup.

When was the Belinda Petit discontinued?

The Belinda Petit was officially discontinued in 2003. It entered the market much later than many of its handmade counterparts, having been introduced in 1989 as a regular production item. During its 14-year production run, this machine-made vitola provided an accessible option for smokers seeking a short, commercial-grade Cuban cigar. Collectors should note that because production ceased in the early 2000s, finding well-preserved examples today is challenging, and the cigars are considered vintage inventory rather than fresh retail stock.

Is the Belinda Petit a handmade or machine-made cigar?

The Belinda Petit was a machine-made cigar. While the Belinda brand has a long history dating back to the 19th century and was once known for handmade sizes, the Petit vitola produced starting in 1989 utilized machine-bunched techniques. This construction method allowed for a more consistent draw and lower price point compared to fully handmade counterparts. It was designed to offer a quick, accessible smoke rather than the complex artisanal experience found in the brand's earlier, premium releases.

What is the size of the Belinda Petit cigar?

The Belinda Petit measures 35 ring gauge by 110mm (approximately 4.3 inches) in length. In standard Cuban cigar nomenclature, this specific dimension is often referred to as a "Small Panatela" or "Entreacto." This compact format was intended for a brief smoking session, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Its slender gauge and short length made it a practical choice for smokers who wanted a Cuban tobacco experience during a short break, distinguishing it from the larger Robusto or Corona sizes in the regular lineup.

Cigar Information

Belinda Petit

The Belinda Petit was a compact Cuban cigar that served as part of the Belinda brand's regular production lineup. This machine-made vitola entered the market in 1989 and remained available until its discontinuation in 2003, offering smokers an accessible entry point into Cuban tobacco for nearly fifteen years.

Specifications

Name	Petit
Factory Name	Petit
Length	108 mm (4¼ inches)
Ring Gauge	31
Official Weight	3.65 grams
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Dress box of 25 cigars, each wrapped in cellophane
Release Date	January 1, 1989
Discontinued	2003
Status	Discontinued Regular Production

Construction and Presentation

As a machine-manufactured cigar, the Belinda Petit was designed to provide consistency and value. The smaller ring gauge of 31 combined with its 108 mm length created a slender, quick-smoking format ideal for those seeking a shorter Cuban experience without the premium price point associated with hand-rolled vitolas.

The cigar featured the brand's standard band A design and was presented in dress boxes containing 25 units. Each individual cigar was protected by cellophane wrapping, ensuring freshness and making them convenient for both retail display and personal storage.

Historical Context

The Belinda Petit debuted at the start of 1989, joining the broader Belinda portfolio as an everyday smoking option. The brand itself has roots dating back to pre-revolutionary Cuba, and the Petit represented the modern machine-made approach to keeping the name active in the market.

Production ceased in 2003, marking the end of this particular vitola's run. Today, the Belinda Petit exists only as a discontinued reference point for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the complete history of Cuban cigar production.

Questions & Answers

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