El Rey del Mundo Epicures
The El Rey del Mundo Epicures represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that graced humidors during the golden age of Cuban cigar production before quietly exiting the scene. As part of the esteemed El Rey del Mundo brand, this cigar carried forward the legacy of one of Cuba's most prestigious marques, known for producing some of the finest smokes to ever emerge from the island nation.
Historical Context
The Epicures made its debut prior to 1960, placing it firmly within the pre-revolutionary era of Cuban cigar production. This was a time when Cuban cigars were experiencing tremendous global demand, and the El Rey del Mundo brand stood among the elite producers on the island. The cigar remained in production through the transitional period of the 1960s before being discontinued during the 1970s, making it a relatively short-lived but memorable addition to the brand's portfolio.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cigar Name | Epicures |
| Factory Name | Unknown |
| Ring Gauge | 29 |
| Length | 130 mm (5⅛ inches) |
| Official Weight | 3.91 grams |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Band | Standard band A |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars |
| Production Status | Discontinued (1970s) |
| Release Period | Pre-1960 |
Construction and Presentation
True to the standards of its era, the Epicures was entirely handmade—a testament to the craftsmanship that defined premium Cuban cigar production. The vitola featured the brand's standard "A" band, instantly recognizable to aficionados of the period as a mark of El Rey del Mundo's distinguished heritage.
The cigar was presented in dress boxes containing 25 units, a traditional packaging format that allowed retailers and collectors alike to appreciate the visual appeal of these slender, elegantly proportioned cigars.
Vitola Characteristics
With a ring gauge of 29 and a length of 130 millimeters (approximately 5⅛ inches), the Epicures fell into the category of what modern smokers might consider a slender or "panatela-style" format. This dimensional profile was far more common during the mid-20th century, reflecting the smoking preferences of the era when thinner gauges enjoyed considerable popularity among discerning cigar enthusiasts.
The official weight of 3.91 grams speaks to the delicate nature of this vitola—a cigar designed for a refined, measured smoking experience rather than the bolder, fuller expressions that would gain prominence in later decades.
Collectibility and Legacy
Given its discontinuation in the 1970s and its pre-1960 origins, the El Rey del Mundo Epicures has become a sought-after piece of Cuban cigar history. Surviving examples represent not merely a smoking experience, but a tangible connection to a transformative period in Cuba's tobacco industry. For serious collectors and historians of Cuban cigars, the Epicures serves as an important reference point in understanding the evolution of both the El Rey del Mundo brand and Cuban vitola trends throughout the 20th century.