More refined than standard commemorative releases, the Grand Corona 1492 Humidor remains one of the most significant historical artifacts in Cuban cigar history. Produced under the Cubatabaco banner, this limited edition collection was created to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's historic arrival in the Americas—a journey that ultimately led to the introduction of tobacco to the Old World.
Historical Significance
Released on January 1, 1992, this humidor pays homage to a pivotal moment in cigar history. The year 1492 represents when European explorers first encountered indigenous peoples smoking tobacco, a discovery that would eventually give rise to the rich cigar culture we know today. Cubatabaco, then the state-owned tobacco monopoly of Cuba, commissioned this release as a fitting tribute to five centuries of tobacco heritage.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Grand Corona |
| Factory Name | Coronas Gordas |
| Ring Gauge | 46 |
| Length | 143 mm (5⅝″) |
| Official Weight | 11.41 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Factory | H. Upmann |
Construction and Craftsmanship
Each Grand Corona in this collection was meticulously handcrafted at the renowned H. Upmann factory in Havana. The factory's skilled torcedores applied their expertise to create a cigar that measures 143 millimeters in length with a 46 ring gauge—a substantial format known in factory nomenclature as the Coronas Gordas vitola. The official weight of 11.41 grams reflects the generous filler quantities that characterize premium Cuban cigar construction.
Presentation and Packaging
The 1492 Humidor exemplifies the grand presentation style typical of major Cuban commemorative releases. Each cabinet-style humidor contains 50 cigars and carries its own unique serial number. Production was strictly limited to just 501 individually numbered humidors, making this an exceptionally rare collector's item in the modern secondary market.
Band Design
Adding to the collectible nature of this release, each cigar features a special "1492" band. These bands are individually numbered, corresponding to their humidor assignment, and are notably not embossed—a distinctive characteristic that differentiates them from standard production bands. The numbering system adds another layer of authentication and exclusivity to what remains one of the most sought-after Cubatabaco releases among serious aficionados and collectors.