When was the Bolívar Prince Charles discontinued?

The Bolívar Prince Charles was officially discontinued in 2012 during one of Habanos S.A.'s regular production rationalizations. While it was a long-standing format in the brand's portfolio, it was removed to streamline the catalog. Because it was discontinued over a decade ago, finding this specific vitola on the market today is challenging. Enthusiasts looking to experience this cigar must typically turn to the secondary market or specialized auctions, as it is no longer part of the standard commercial lineup.

What are the size dimensions of the Bolívar Prince Charles?

The Bolívar Prince Charles features a distinct Gran Corona format, measuring 143 mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 46 ring gauge. This slender yet long format provides a different smoking experience compared to the brand's thicker Robustos. The draw is typically firm, requiring careful cutting and lighting due to the smaller ring gauge. This size allows for a controlled burn rate, often offering a smoking duration of approximately 60 to 90 minutes when constructed properly.

What flavor profile does the Bolívar Prince Charles offer?

As a classic Bolívar, the Prince Charles delivers the brand's signature full-bodied strength. The flavor profile is characterized by pronounced earth, leather, and cedar notes, backed by a distinct spiciness. Unlike the modern Bolívar Royal Coronas, the Prince Charles offers a more concentrated intensity due to its 46 ring gauge. Smokers can expect a dry finish with hints of nuts and pepper. It is a cigar that demands attention, evolving in complexity throughout the long burn typical of the Gran Corona format.

When was the Bolívar Prince Charles discontinued?

The Bolívar Prince Charles was officially discontinued in 2012 during one of Habanos S.A.'s regular production rationalizations. While it was a long-standing format in the brand's portfolio, it was removed to streamline the catalog. Because it was discontinued over a decade ago, finding this specific vitola on the market today is challenging. Enthusiasts looking to experience this cigar must typically turn to the secondary market or specialized auctions, as it is no longer part of the standard commercial lineup.

What are the size dimensions of the Bolívar Prince Charles?

The Bolívar Prince Charles features a distinct Gran Corona format, measuring 143 mm (5.6 inches) in length with a 46 ring gauge. This slender yet long format provides a different smoking experience compared to the brand's thicker Robustos. The draw is typically firm, requiring careful cutting and lighting due to the smaller ring gauge. This size allows for a controlled burn rate, often offering a smoking duration of approximately 60 to 90 minutes when constructed properly.

What flavor profile does the Bolívar Prince Charles offer?

As a classic Bolívar, the Prince Charles delivers the brand's signature full-bodied strength. The flavor profile is characterized by pronounced earth, leather, and cedar notes, backed by a distinct spiciness. Unlike the modern Bolívar Royal Coronas, the Prince Charles offers a more concentrated intensity due to its 46 ring gauge. Smokers can expect a dry finish with hints of nuts and pepper. It is a cigar that demands attention, evolving in complexity throughout the long burn typical of the Gran Corona format.

Cigar Information

Bolívar Prince Charles

The Bolívar Prince Charles stands as a notable chapter in the rich history of Cuban cigar production. This discontinued regular production cigar holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy of the Bolívar brand. Released prior to 1960, the Prince Charles enjoyed a production run that spanned over a decade before being discontinued in 1973.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Prince Charles
Factory Name	Robustos
Ring Gauge	50
Length	124 mm (4⅞″)
Official Weight	11.66 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Semi boîte nature box of 50 cigars
Status	Discontinued (1973)

Historical Background

The Prince Charles emerged from Cuban factories sometime before 1960, representing one of the earlier expressions in the Bolívar portfolio. Named after the British royal heir, this robusto-format cigar carried the bold character typical of the Bolívar brand, known for its full-flavored profile and rich heritage.

An interesting aspect of this cigar's history involves its relationship with another Bolívar release. The Prince Charles is identical to the Royal Coronas, which entered the market around 1969. For several years, both cigars were offered simultaneously, distinguished primarily by their packaging configurations: the Prince Charles was presented in boxes of 50 cigars, while the Royal Coronas came in boxes of 25.

This dual existence eventually concluded when the Prince Charles was phased out in 1973, leaving the Royal Coronas to continue the legacy of this particular vitola within the Bolívar lineup.

Legacy

Today, the Bolívar Prince Charles remains a sought-after find for cigar collectors and those interested in Cuban cigar history. Its relatively short production window and subsequent discontinuation have made surviving examples increasingly rare, representing a tangible piece of pre-revolutionary and early post-revolutionary Cuban cigar craftsmanship.

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