Among the most compelling vitolas of a bygone era, the Don Cándido Selección Suprema No. 508 offers enthusiasts a genuine glimpse into the craftsmanship of historical Cuban cigar production. This discontinued vitola was part of the Don Cándido brand portfolio and holds particular interest for collectors and historians of premium Cuban cigars.
History and Background
Introduced to the market in the late 1960s, the Selección Suprema No. 508 emerged during a transformative period for the Cuban cigar industry. The cigar remained in production for well over a decade before being discontinued in 1982. This production run places it firmly within what many consider a golden age of Cuban cigar manufacturing, making surviving examples particularly sought after among serious collectors.
Vitola Specifications
The Selección Suprema No. 508 was produced in the Panetelas Largas vitola format, characterized by its slender profile and elegant proportions. Below are the detailed specifications:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Ring Gauge | 28 |
| Length | 175 mm (6⅞″) |
| Official Weight | 5.01 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
Construction and Presentation
True to the traditions of premium Cuban cigar production, the Selección Suprema No. 508 was entirely handmade. The cigar featured the standard band A design associated with the Don Cándido brand, providing a classic and recognizable presentation.
For retail distribution, the cigars were packaged in semi boîte nature boxes containing 25 cigars each. This packaging style allowed for proper aging while presenting the cigars in an understated, elegant manner befitting their premium positioning.
Collectibility and Legacy
As a discontinued regular production cigar with a defined production window spanning from the late 1960s through 1982, the Selección Suprema No. 508 has become a notable entry for those studying the evolution of the Don Cándido brand. The Panetelas Largas format, with its slender ring gauge, represents a style of cigar that has become increasingly rare in contemporary portfolios, adding to this release's historical significance.