What is the history of the Bolívar Coronas Grandes?

The Bolívar Coronas Grandes is a discontinued Cuban vitola that was machine-made during the mid-20th century. Unlike the hand-rolled prestigious releases Bolívar is known for today, this cigar was produced to offer a more accessible option for consumers during that era. It is no longer in production, making it a rare find for collectors. The brand itself is named after Simón Bolívar and is renowned for its full-flavored profile, though this specific machine-made variant represents a distinct, industrial chapter in the marca's history.

Is Bolívar Coronas Grandes still available for purchase?

No, the Bolívar Coronas Grandes is no longer in production. As a machine-made cigar from the mid-20th century, existing stock is incredibly scarce and primarily found on the secondary market or in vintage collector auctions. Because it was not a premium hand-rolled cigar, it does not command the same investment prices as vintage Cohiba or Partagás releases, but finding a well-preserved example requires significant effort. Potential buyers should verify authenticity carefully, as packaging from that era differs from modern standards.

How does Bolívar Coronas Grandes compare to modern Bolívar cigars?

The primary difference lies in construction; the Coronas Grandes was machine-made, whereas modern Bolívar cigars like the Belicosos Finos are entirely hand-rolled (Totalmente a Mano). Consequently, the Coronas Grandes lacks the complexity and combustion quality of modern artisanal productions. While modern Bolívar cigars are celebrated for their intense strength and earthy, leathery notes, the Coronas Grandes was likely designed for a milder, straightforward smoke. Collectors value it as a historical artifact rather than a benchmark for the brand's current flavor profile.

What is the history of the Bolívar Coronas Grandes?

The Bolívar Coronas Grandes is a discontinued Cuban vitola that was machine-made during the mid-20th century. Unlike the hand-rolled prestigious releases Bolívar is known for today, this cigar was produced to offer a more accessible option for consumers during that era. It is no longer in production, making it a rare find for collectors. The brand itself is named after Simón Bolívar and is renowned for its full-flavored profile, though this specific machine-made variant represents a distinct, industrial chapter in the marca's history.

Is Bolívar Coronas Grandes still available for purchase?

No, the Bolívar Coronas Grandes is no longer in production. As a machine-made cigar from the mid-20th century, existing stock is incredibly scarce and primarily found on the secondary market or in vintage collector auctions. Because it was not a premium hand-rolled cigar, it does not command the same investment prices as vintage Cohiba or Partagás releases, but finding a well-preserved example requires significant effort. Potential buyers should verify authenticity carefully, as packaging from that era differs from modern standards.

How does Bolívar Coronas Grandes compare to modern Bolívar cigars?

The primary difference lies in construction; the Coronas Grandes was machine-made, whereas modern Bolívar cigars like the Belicosos Finos are entirely hand-rolled (Totalmente a Mano). Consequently, the Coronas Grandes lacks the complexity and combustion quality of modern artisanal productions. While modern Bolívar cigars are celebrated for their intense strength and earthy, leathery notes, the Coronas Grandes was likely designed for a milder, straightforward smoke. Collectors value it as a historical artifact rather than a benchmark for the brand's current flavor profile.

Cigar Information

Bolívar Coronas Grandes

The Bolívar Coronas Grandes represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a machine-made vitola that served as part of the prestigious Bolívar lineup during the mid-20th century. Though no longer in production, this cigar remains a point of interest for collectors and historians studying the evolution of the Bolívar brand.

Historical Background

The Coronas Grandes entered the market prior to 1960, positioning itself as an accessible option within the Bolívar portfolio. During this era, machine-made cigars were common practice among Cuban manufacturers, allowing them to offer quality products at more approachable price points while maintaining the brand's characteristic flavor profile.

Production continued through the 1960s and into the following decade before the cigar was officially discontinued during the 1970s. Notably, historical accounts suggest that handmade iterations of the Coronas Grandes may have been available as late as 1979, indicating a potential transition period or special production runs alongside the standard machine-made output.

Specifications

Vitola Name	Coronas Grandes
Factory Name	Unknown
Ring Gauge	46
Length	162 mm (6⅜″)
Official Weight	12.33 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard Band A
Packaging	Semi boîte nature box of 50 cigars
Release Date	Pre-1960
Discontinued	1970s

Construction and Presentation

As a machine-made cigar, the Coronas Grandes was produced using automated processes rather than traditional hand-rolling techniques. This manufacturing method was widespread among Cuban factories during the period and allowed for consistent production at scale. The cigar featured the standard Bolívar Band A, maintaining visual continuity with the brand's identity.

The vitola was presented in semi boîte nature boxes containing 50 cigars, a packaging format that provided both practical storage and an elegant presentation befitting the Bolívar name.

Legacy

While the Coronas Grandes has not been part of regular production for decades, it remains an interesting reference point for understanding the breadth of the Bolívar catalog during its formative years. The brand has since evolved to focus exclusively on handmade cigars, making the Coronas Grandes a reminder of a different era in Cuban cigar manufacturing.

Collectors occasionally encounter surviving examples of this discontinued vitola, though their age means such finds are increasingly rare and typically of interest primarily as historical artifacts rather than smoking experiences.

Questions & Answers

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