Bolívar Petit Coronas Especiales
The Bolívar Petit Coronas Especiales represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a machine-made vitola that served as part of the brand's regular production lineup for several decades before its eventual discontinuation. This cigar offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into an earlier era of Cuban cigar manufacturing, when machine-made cigars played a more prominent role in brand portfolios.
Historical Background
The Petit Coronas Especiales entered the market prior to 1960, making it one of the older releases in the Bolívar catalog. The cigar remained in production through the early decades following the Cuban Revolution, eventually being phased out during the 1980s. Its lengthy production run speaks to its acceptance among smokers of the era, even as the industry gradually shifted toward greater emphasis on handmade cigars.
Specifications
| Factory Name | Eminentes (old designation) |
| Ring Gauge | 44 |
| Length | 132 mm (5¼ inches) |
| Official Weight | 8.74 grams |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Standard band A |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars, each in cellophane |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Production Period | Pre-1960 through 1980s |
Construction and Presentation
As a machine-made cigar, the Petit Coronas Especiales was produced using automated equipment rather than hand-rolling techniques. This method of construction was common for certain price points and market segments during the mid-20th century, allowing manufacturers to maintain consistency while meeting demand for more accessible offerings.
The cigar featured Bolívar's standard band A design and was presented in dress boxes containing 25 cigars. Each individual cigar was wrapped in cellophane, providing protection and preserving freshness—a packaging approach that reflected the practical considerations of the era.
Collectibility Today
Given its discontinuation in the 1980s and its pre-1960 introduction, the Bolívar Petit Coronas Especiales has become a sought-after item among collectors of vintage Cuban cigars. Surviving boxes and individual cigars occasionally appear at auction, though their machine-made nature places them in a different collecting category than their handmade counterparts. For students of Cuban cigar history, this vitola represents an important artifact from a transitional period in the industry's evolution.