Among the most accessible entry points into the world of Cuban cigars, the Guantanamera Cristales offers a welcoming introduction to the tradition. Introduced in 2002, this machine-made vitola has earned its place as a staple in the Guantanamera lineup, offering enthusiasts a straightforward smoking experience at an approachable price point.
Specifications
| Name | Cristales |
| Factory Name | Cristales Mano |
| Length | 150 mm (5⅞″) |
| Ring Gauge | 41 |
| Official Weight | 8.97 g |
| Construction | Machine-made, short-filler |
| Status | Current Regular Production |
| Year Introduced | 2002 |
Construction and Craftsmanship
Unlike many premium Cuban cigars that rely on hand-rolling techniques, the Cristales is produced using machine manufacturing methods. This approach utilizes short-filler tobacco, consisting of chopped leaf pieces rather than whole leaves running the length of the cigar. The result is a consistent, reliable product that maintains the essential Cuban tobacco character while keeping production costs manageable.
The cigar features the standard Guantanamera band configuration, displaying both Band A and Band B on each specimen.
Packaging Options
The Cristales is offered in several packaging configurations, all featuring individual plastic tube protection for each cigar:
- Cardboard pack containing 5 tubed cigars
- Rigid cardboard box holding 10 tubed cigars
- Rigid cardboard box containing 25 tubed cigars
In 2021, Habanos released a special Limited Edition presentation: a metal tin housing 25 cigars, each protected within its own plastic tube. This commemorative packaging offered collectors and enthusiasts a distinctive way to acquire the Cristales.
Related Releases
The Cristales name has been used for special editions within the Guantanamera family, including:
- Guantanamera Selección
- Guantanamera Cristales 20 Aniversario
Since its debut on January 1, 2002, the Cristales has remained in continuous production, making it one of the longer-running machine-made options in the Cuban cigar portfolio. Its enduring presence speaks to its role as a practical, everyday smoke for those seeking genuine Cuban tobacco without the premium price tag associated with handcrafted alternatives.