What is the history of the H. Upmann El Prado?

The H. Upmann El Prado is a machine-made Cuban cigar that was part of the brand's regular production lineup for approximately two decades before being discontinued. It represents a specific era of Cuban cigar manufacturing where mechanized production was utilized for standard offerings. Today, this vitola is considered a discontinued item, making it a point of interest for collectors studying the historical catalog of the H. Upmann brand rather than a current production item available for retail purchase.

Is H. Upmann El Prado hand made or machine made?

The H. Upmann El Prado was manufactured as a machine-made vitola. Unlike the hand-rolled premium cigars that dominate the modern H. Upmann portfolio, the El Prado was produced using industrial methods to ensure consistency and volume for the regular production lineup. This classification distinguishes it from the brand's current handmade flagship offerings. Cigar enthusiasts looking for this specific stick should note that its machine-made construction contributes to its historical classification as a standard production item from that era.

When was the H. Upmann El Prado discontinued?

While the exact discontinuation date varies by regional distribution, the H. Upmann El Prado was removed from regular production after serving the brand for roughly twenty years. It is no longer part of the standard Habanos S.A. portfolio. Because it was a regular production item rather than a special release, finding the El Prado today is difficult, as it has transitioned into the category of discontinued Cuban cigars, often only appearing in auctions or private collections.

What is the history of the H. Upmann El Prado?

The H. Upmann El Prado is a machine-made Cuban cigar that was part of the brand's regular production lineup for approximately two decades before being discontinued. It represents a specific era of Cuban cigar manufacturing where mechanized production was utilized for standard offerings. Today, this vitola is considered a discontinued item, making it a point of interest for collectors studying the historical catalog of the H. Upmann brand rather than a current production item available for retail purchase.

Is H. Upmann El Prado hand made or machine made?

The H. Upmann El Prado was manufactured as a machine-made vitola. Unlike the hand-rolled premium cigars that dominate the modern H. Upmann portfolio, the El Prado was produced using industrial methods to ensure consistency and volume for the regular production lineup. This classification distinguishes it from the brand's current handmade flagship offerings. Cigar enthusiasts looking for this specific stick should note that its machine-made construction contributes to its historical classification as a standard production item from that era.

When was the H. Upmann El Prado discontinued?

While the exact discontinuation date varies by regional distribution, the H. Upmann El Prado was removed from regular production after serving the brand for roughly twenty years. It is no longer part of the standard Habanos S.A. portfolio. Because it was a regular production item rather than a special release, finding the El Prado today is difficult, as it has transitioned into the category of discontinued Cuban cigars, often only appearing in auctions or private collections.

Cigar Information

H. Upmann El Prado

The H. Upmann El Prado represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a machine-made vitola that served as part of the brand's regular production lineup for approximately two decades before its eventual discontinuation. Today, this cigar stands as an exceptionally rare find, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Cuban tobacco.

Historical Background

The El Prado made its debut prior to 1960, positioning it among the earlier releases in the H. Upmann portfolio during the pre-revolutionary and early post-revolutionary era. The cigar remained in production through the 1960s and into the early 1980s, when it was ultimately discontinued. Given its departure from regular production more than four decades ago, surviving examples have become extraordinarily scarce in the contemporary market.

Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Factory Name	Deliciosos (old designation)
Ring Gauge	35
Length	159 mm (6¼ inches)
Official Weight	6.67 grams
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band B
Status	Discontinued (early 1980s)

Construction and Format

As a machine-made cigar, the El Prado was produced using automated manufacturing processes rather than hand-rolling techniques. This production method was common for certain vitolas within Cuban brands during this era, allowing for greater consistency and volume in manufacturing. The cigar features a slender profile with its 35 ring gauge, making it what modern enthusiasts would classify as a thin format—characteristic of many cigars from this period.

Packaging Options

The El Prado was available in two distinct packaging configurations during its production run:

Cardboard packs containing 5 cigars, each wrapped in cellophane
Dress boxes containing 25 cigars, each wrapped in cellophane

The individual cellophane wrapping provided protection and helped preserve the cigars' condition, which has contributed to the survival of some specimens in collectors' hands.

Collectibility and Current Status

With production ceasing in the early 1980s and its pre-1960 origins, the H. Upmann El Prado has achieved significant status among collectors of vintage Cuban cigars. The combination of its age, discontinued status, and machine-made construction creates a unique proposition for enthusiasts interested in experiencing a piece of Cuban cigar manufacturing history. Finding authentic examples today requires patience and connections within the collector community, as these cigars rarely appear in the mainstream market.

Questions & Answers

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