What are the dimensions and ring gauge of the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 cigar?

The Don Alfredo Selección No.52 measures 156mm (6⅛ inches) in length with a 52 ring gauge, placing it in the robusto extra or toro category. This substantial format was introduced during the late 1960s as part of Don Alfredo's regular production lineup. The 52 ring gauge was notably thicker than many Cuban offerings of that era, reflecting evolving smoker preferences toward fuller formats. The cigar was discontinued after several decades of production, making surviving boxes particularly sought after by collectors.

Is the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 still available to buy, and what should collectors expect to pay?

The Don Alfredo Selección No.52 has been discontinued and is no longer in regular production. Availability is limited to auction houses, private collections, and specialized vintage cigar retailers. Pricing varies dramatically based on provenance and storage conditions—expect to pay significant premiums over original retail prices. Authentic boxes require careful verification, as counterfeits exist. Serious collectors should seek documentation of proper humidification history, as decades of improper storage severely impact smoking quality regardless of the cigar's rarity.

What distinguishes the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 from other Don Alfredo vitolas in terms of smoking experience?

The Selección No.52 offered a longer, cooler smoking experience than smaller Don Alfredo formats due to its 156mm length and substantial 52 ring gauge. The extended format allowed more gradual development of the blend's characteristic medium-to-full body profile. Compared to the No.42 or No.50, the No.52 provided approximately 75-90 minutes of smoking time versus 45-60 minutes. The larger ring gauge also influenced draw resistance and combustion characteristics, producing denser smoke and more pronounced evolution through first, second, and final thirds.

What are the dimensions and ring gauge of the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 cigar?

The Don Alfredo Selección No.52 measures 156mm (6⅛ inches) in length with a 52 ring gauge, placing it in the robusto extra or toro category. This substantial format was introduced during the late 1960s as part of Don Alfredo's regular production lineup. The 52 ring gauge was notably thicker than many Cuban offerings of that era, reflecting evolving smoker preferences toward fuller formats. The cigar was discontinued after several decades of production, making surviving boxes particularly sought after by collectors.

Is the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 still available to buy, and what should collectors expect to pay?

The Don Alfredo Selección No.52 has been discontinued and is no longer in regular production. Availability is limited to auction houses, private collections, and specialized vintage cigar retailers. Pricing varies dramatically based on provenance and storage conditions—expect to pay significant premiums over original retail prices. Authentic boxes require careful verification, as counterfeits exist. Serious collectors should seek documentation of proper humidification history, as decades of improper storage severely impact smoking quality regardless of the cigar's rarity.

What distinguishes the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 from other Don Alfredo vitolas in terms of smoking experience?

The Selección No.52 offered a longer, cooler smoking experience than smaller Don Alfredo formats due to its 156mm length and substantial 52 ring gauge. The extended format allowed more gradual development of the blend's characteristic medium-to-full body profile. Compared to the No.42 or No.50, the No.52 provided approximately 75-90 minutes of smoking time versus 45-60 minutes. The larger ring gauge also influenced draw resistance and combustion characteristics, producing denser smoke and more pronounced evolution through first, second, and final thirds.

Cigar Information

Don Alfredo Selección No.52

The Don Alfredo Selección No.52 represents a notable entry in the Don Alfredo portfolio, classified as a regular production cigar that has since been discontinued. This vitola was introduced to the market during the late 1960s, making it a cigar with considerable historical significance for collectors and enthusiasts of classic Cuban cigars.

Vitola Specifications

Cigar Name	Selección No.52
Factory Name	Piramides
Ring Gauge	52
Length	156 mm (6⅛″)
Official Weight	14.26 g
Construction	Handmade

Construction and Presentation

True to traditional Cuban cigar craftsmanship, the Selección No.52 is entirely handmade, reflecting the dedication to quality that defined the Don Alfredo brand during its production era. The cigar features the Standard band A, consistent with the brand's visual identity.

The vitola is presented in a semi boîte nature box containing 25 cigars, a packaging style that allows for proper aging while showcasing the cigars' natural appearance.

Historical Context

Released in the late 1960s, the Selección No.52 emerged during a transformative period in Cuban cigar history. The Piramides format—a pyramid-shaped vitola with a tapered head—has long been favored by aficionados for its concentration of flavors and excellent draw characteristics.

As a discontinued regular production cigar, the Don Alfredo Selección No.52 has become a sought-after piece for collectors seeking to experience the flavor profiles of a bygone era in Cuban cigar manufacturing.

Questions & Answers

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