Don Cándido Selección No.505
The Don Cándido Selección No.505 represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that enjoyed a production run spanning more than a decade before being retired in the early 1980s. This handmade cigar exemplifies the classic Cuban approach to blending and construction during a transformative period for the island's tobacco industry.
Historical Background
The Selección No.505 entered the market as a late-1960s release, debuting during an era when Cuba was solidifying its post-revolution cigar production methods. The cigar remained in regular production until its discontinuation in 1982, making it a relatively short-lived addition to the Don Cándido portfolio. Today, surviving examples are considered collectible items among cigar enthusiasts and historians.
Vitola Specifications
Known internally at the factory by the name "Entreactos," this vitola featured slender proportions characteristic of the era's smoking preferences. The dimensions reflect a classic format that has become increasingly rare in contemporary cigar offerings.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Factory Name | Entreactos |
| Ring Gauge | 30 |
| Length | 100 mm (3⅞″) |
| Official Weight | 3.27 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
Presentation and Packaging
The Selección No.505 was dressed with the standard band A designation, consistent with other offerings in the Don Cándido line. Cigars were packaged in semi boîte nature boxes containing 25 cigars, a presentation style that emphasized both elegance and practicality for retailers and consumers alike.
Production Status
As a discontinued regular production cigar, the Selección No.505 is no longer available through standard retail channels. The fifteen-year production window—from approximately 1968 through 1982—represents a specific moment in Cuban cigar manufacturing that has passed into history. Collectors seeking this vitola must now turn to the secondary market, where condition and provenance become paramount considerations.
Related Offerings
The Selección No.505 was one of multiple releases under the Don Cándido brand name. Those interested in exploring the full range of this historic marca should investigate the complete catalog of Don Cándido cigars to understand the broader context of this particular vitola's place within the line.