What is the history of the Dunhill Varadero cigar?

The Dunhill Varadero represents a fascinating chapter in the history of premium Cuban cigars. Introduced as part of the prestigious Dunhill lineup, this cigar enjoyed a relatively brief but noteworthy production run during the 1980s before being discontinued. It was manufactured under contract by Cubatabac for the Alfred Dunhill company, serving as a flagship offering during a specific era of Cuban cigar production before the brand rights shifted and the line was eventually retired.

Is the Dunhill Varadero still in production?

No, the Dunhill Varadero is no longer in production. This specific vitola was discontinued following its production run in the 1980s. As a result, remaining boxes found on the market are considered highly collectible vintage items. Dunhill's relationship with Habanos S.A. concluded in the following decades, and the brand effectively ceased shipping Cuban cigars. Enthusiasts seeking this cigar must rely on the secondary market, where provenance and storage conditions are critical factors.

What size is the Dunhill Varadero?

The Dunhill Varadero is classified as a Gran Corona, measuring 185 mm (approximately 7.3 inches) in length with a 47 ring gauge. This substantial format offers a long smoking duration, typically lasting over an hour. The dimensions share similarities with the popular Churchill format, though the Varadero is slightly longer than the standard 178 mm Churchill. This size allows for significant flavor development throughout the smoking experience, characteristic of the era's blending style.

Dunhill Varadero

The Dunhill Varadero represents a fascinating chapter in the history of premium Cuban cigars. Introduced as part of the prestigious Dunhill lineup, this cigar enjoyed a relatively brief but noteworthy production run during the 1980s before being discontinued.

History and Production

Released on January 1, 1982, the Varadero entered the market as a regular production cigar under the Dunhill brand. Despite its initial positioning as an ongoing addition to the portfolio, the cigar's production ceased in 1991, giving it a production window of approximately nine years. This relatively short lifespan has made the Varadero a sought-after item among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Cuban cigars.

Vitola Specifications

Attribute	Specification
Factory Name	Marevas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	129 mm (5⅛″)
Official Weight	8.46 g
Construction	Handmade

Packaging and Presentation

The Varadero was presented in a semi boîte nature box containing 25 cigars, reflecting the elegant presentation standards associated with the Dunhill brand. Each cigar featured the Standard band A, maintaining visual consistency with other offerings in the Dunhill portfolio.

Collectibility

As a discontinued Cuban cigar with nearly a decade of production history, the Dunhill Varadero holds particular appeal for collectors seeking to complete their Dunhill collections or those interested in experiencing cigars from this distinctive era of Cuban cigar production.

Dunhill Varadero