When was the Bolívar Tubos No. 3 discontinued?

The Bolívar Tubos No. 3 was officially discontinued in 2012. Despite being a long-standing fixture in the brand's catalog since its pre-1960 release, Habanos S.A. opted to remove the slender vitola from production. While specific global sales figures are not public, the discontinuation aligns with a broader industry trend moving away from thin formats like the Laguito No. 3 (38 ring gauge) toward thicker cigars. Remaining inventory can still be found on the secondary market, though collectors should verify authenticity and storage conditions before purchasing.

What is the size of the Bolívar Tubos No. 3?

The Bolívar Tubos No. 3 measures 145 mm (5.7 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 38 (approx. 15 mm). This format is known as a Laguito No. 3 in Cuban cigar factories. It is distinctively packaged in individual aluminum tubes, which provide protection and help maintain the cigar's condition without the need for a humidor in the short term. The slender gauge results in a firmer draw compared to thicker vitolas and concentrates the flavor profile, offering a different smoking dynamic than the brand's robust Robustos.

What does the Bolívar Tubos No. 3 taste like?

Consistent with the Bolívar brand profile, the Tubos No. 3 delivers a full-flavored, robust experience despite its slender format. Smokers can expect classic Bolívar trademarks: earthiness, leather, and cedar, accented by a distinct spiciness and hints of dried fruit. The 38 ring gauge concentrates these flavors, creating an intense progression rather than a mild smoke. The aluminum tube presentation preserves the delicate wrapper and ensures the cigar retains the intended moisture level, allowing the complex flavor notes to shine through during the approximate 45 to 60-minute smoke time.

When was the Bolívar Tubos No. 3 discontinued?

The Bolívar Tubos No. 3 was officially discontinued in 2012. Despite being a long-standing fixture in the brand's catalog since its pre-1960 release, Habanos S.A. opted to remove the slender vitola from production. While specific global sales figures are not public, the discontinuation aligns with a broader industry trend moving away from thin formats like the Laguito No. 3 (38 ring gauge) toward thicker cigars. Remaining inventory can still be found on the secondary market, though collectors should verify authenticity and storage conditions before purchasing.

What is the size of the Bolívar Tubos No. 3?

The Bolívar Tubos No. 3 measures 145 mm (5.7 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 38 (approx. 15 mm). This format is known as a Laguito No. 3 in Cuban cigar factories. It is distinctively packaged in individual aluminum tubes, which provide protection and help maintain the cigar's condition without the need for a humidor in the short term. The slender gauge results in a firmer draw compared to thicker vitolas and concentrates the flavor profile, offering a different smoking dynamic than the brand's robust Robustos.

What does the Bolívar Tubos No. 3 taste like?

Consistent with the Bolívar brand profile, the Tubos No. 3 delivers a full-flavored, robust experience despite its slender format. Smokers can expect classic Bolívar trademarks: earthiness, leather, and cedar, accented by a distinct spiciness and hints of dried fruit. The 38 ring gauge concentrates these flavors, creating an intense progression rather than a mild smoke. The aluminum tube presentation preserves the delicate wrapper and ensures the cigar retains the intended moisture level, allowing the complex flavor notes to shine through during the approximate 45 to 60-minute smoke time.

Cigar Information

Bolívar Bolívar Tubos No.3

Bolívar Tubos No.3

The Bolívar Tubos No.3 stands as a notable chapter in Cuban cigar history—a slender, elegant vitola that served enthusiasts for decades before its eventual discontinuation. Originally released prior to 1960, this cigar carried the Bolívar name with distinction for over half a century before production officially ceased in 2019, though examples continued to roll off the line as recently as 2022.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Bolívar Tubos No.3
Factory Name	Placeras
Ring Gauge	34
Length	125 mm (4⅞″)
Official Weight	5.27 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Discontinued (2019)

Packaging and Presentation

The Tubos No.3 was presented in dress boxes containing 25 cigars, each protected within its own aluminium tube. The tubes received an updated design around 2009, modernizing the presentation while maintaining the classic Bolívar aesthetic. Earlier in its history, the cigar was also available in larger cajón format containing 100 cigars, though this packaging option was phased out during the 1960s.

The band configuration featured the standard Bolívar bands A, B, C, and D, consistent with the brand's traditional presentation.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on 13 enthusiast reviews, the Bolívar Tubos No.3 earned solid ratings across all measured categories, achieving an overall score of 4.23 out of 5. Reviewers rated elegance, balance, strength, complexity, and aftertaste each at 4 out of 5, indicating a well-rounded and satisfying smoking experience.

The flavor profile proved distinctive and memorable, with the following characteristics reported:

Dominant Notes: Cayenne appeared most frequently (12 mentions), followed by earth (6 mentions) and spice (3 mentions)
Secondary Notes: Citrus peel, coffee, honey, leather, mint, pepper, tea, and vanilla each garnered 2 mentions
Subtle Accents: Baking spice, cardamom tea, cedar, cinnamon, floral, fruit, ginger, marzipan, sweet BBQ, tobacco, and Turkish delight each appeared once

This complex flavor spectrum suggests a cigar that delivered both the robust earthiness Bolívar fans expect and surprising layers of sweetness and spice, all wrapped in a slender format that concentrated and intensified the experience.

Legacy

Though officially discontinued, the Bolívar Tubos No.3 remains a sought-after find for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of slender dimensions and full-flavored Bolívar character. Its decades-long production run speaks to the enduring appeal of this distinctive vitola.

Questions & Answers

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