When was the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 discontinued and why is it so rare today?

The Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 was discontinued in the mid-1970s, making surviving examples over 50 years old. This 42-ring gauge by 6.5-inch corona grande vitola debuted before 1960 as part of Bolívar's cabinet selection format—bundled in slide-lid boxes rather than dress boxes. Its scarcity stems from limited production runs, the passage of time degrading remaining stock, and Cuban tobacco policy shifts that prioritized other formats. Authentic unsmoked specimens command substantial premiums at auction when they surface from private collections.

What are the factory dimensions and flavor profile of the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1?

The Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 measures 165mm (6.5 inches) in length with a 42-ring gauge, factory-named the "Corona Grande" or occasionally referenced as "Deliciosos" in historical Habanos S.A. documentation. Contemporary tasting notes from preserved specimens describe a medium-to-full body with characteristic Bolívar earthiness, leather, and cedar backbone. The pre-1960 and 1960s-era examples reportedly delivered more pronounced spice and cocoa notes than later productions, attributed to different curing methods and tobacco sourcing from Vuelta Abajo's prime growing regions.

How does the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 compare to the modern Bolívar Coronas Junior or Royal Coronas?

The Cabinet Selection No.1 predates both contemporary offerings by decades and differs substantially in construction and intended aging. At 42 ring gauge versus the Royal Coronas' 50 and Coronas Junior's 42, it shares slimness with the latter but exceeds its 4.3-inch length significantly. The cabinet format—50 cigars in cedar compartments without individual cellophane—promoted different humidity exchange than modern box-pressed alternatives. Enthusiasts who have sampled preserved No.1s note more restrained power than current Bolívar releases, suggesting tobacco blending has intensified across the brand's portfolio since the 1970s.

When was the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 discontinued and why is it so rare today?

The Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 was discontinued in the mid-1970s, making surviving examples over 50 years old. This 42-ring gauge by 6.5-inch corona grande vitola debuted before 1960 as part of Bolívar's cabinet selection format—bundled in slide-lid boxes rather than dress boxes. Its scarcity stems from limited production runs, the passage of time degrading remaining stock, and Cuban tobacco policy shifts that prioritized other formats. Authentic unsmoked specimens command substantial premiums at auction when they surface from private collections.

What are the factory dimensions and flavor profile of the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1?

The Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 measures 165mm (6.5 inches) in length with a 42-ring gauge, factory-named the "Corona Grande" or occasionally referenced as "Deliciosos" in historical Habanos S.A. documentation. Contemporary tasting notes from preserved specimens describe a medium-to-full body with characteristic Bolívar earthiness, leather, and cedar backbone. The pre-1960 and 1960s-era examples reportedly delivered more pronounced spice and cocoa notes than later productions, attributed to different curing methods and tobacco sourcing from Vuelta Abajo's prime growing regions.

How does the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 compare to the modern Bolívar Coronas Junior or Royal Coronas?

The Cabinet Selection No.1 predates both contemporary offerings by decades and differs substantially in construction and intended aging. At 42 ring gauge versus the Royal Coronas' 50 and Coronas Junior's 42, it shares slimness with the latter but exceeds its 4.3-inch length significantly. The cabinet format—50 cigars in cedar compartments without individual cellophane—promoted different humidity exchange than modern box-pressed alternatives. Enthusiasts who have sampled preserved No.1s note more restrained power than current Bolívar releases, suggesting tobacco blending has intensified across the brand's portfolio since the 1970s.

Cigar Information

Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1

The Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that debuted before 1960 and remained in production until its discontinuation during the mid-1970s. As part of the storied Bolívar brand, named after the South American revolutionary Simón Bolívar, this cigar embodied the full-bodied character that has long defined its namesake.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Cabinet Selection No.1
Factory Name	Marevas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	129 mm (5⅛″)
Official Weight	8.46 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Slide lid box of 25 cigars
Status	Discontinued Regular Production
Release Date	Pre-1960
Discontinued	Mid-1970s

Historical Context

The Cabinet Selection No.1 entered the market during the golden age of Cuban cigars, arriving on shelves sometime before 1960. This Marevas-format cigar enjoyed roughly fifteen to twenty years of production before being retired in the mid-1970s, making it a relatively short-lived but memorable entry in the Bolívar catalog.

Construction and Presentation

As a handmade cigar, the Cabinet Selection No.1 reflected the craftsmanship synonymous with Cuban cigar production. The vitola featured the brand's Standard band A designation and was presented in elegant slide lid boxes containing 25 cigars—a traditional packaging format that allowed for proper aging and preservation.

The Marevas Format

The factory name "Marevas" identifies this cigar's specific dimensions: a 42 ring gauge paired with a length of 129 millimeters (approximately 5⅛ inches). This corona-sized format has historically been favored for its balanced smoking time and ability to showcase a blend's complexity. With an official weight of 8.46 grams, the Cabinet Selection No.1 offered a substantial yet approachable smoking experience.

Legacy

Though no longer in production, the Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1 remains a point of interest for cigar historians and collectors. Its discontinuation in the mid-1970s marked the end of an era, but the Bolívar brand continues to thrive with other celebrated vitolas that carry forward the bold, robust character that defines this prestigious Cuban marque.

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Cigar Information

Bolívar Cabinet Selection No.1

Specifications

Cigar Name	Cabinet Selection No.1
Factory Name	Marevas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	129 mm (5⅛″)
Official Weight	8.46 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Slide lid box of 25 cigars
Status	Discontinued Regular Production
Release Date	Pre-1960
Discontinued	Mid-1970s