La Escepción Gracielas
The Gracielas represents a fascinating chapter in the history of La Escepción, one of Cuba's most storied cigar marques. This discontinued regular production cigar offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the manufacturing standards and stylistic preferences of mid-20th century Cuban cigar production.
Historical Background
The Gracielas entered the market prior to 1960, positioning it among the pre-revolutionary releases from the La Escepción brand. Production continued through the early years following the Cuban Revolution before the cigar was ultimately discontinued during the 1970s. This relatively short production window has made surviving examples increasingly sought after by serious collectors of vintage Cuban cigars.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Gracielas |
| Factory Name | Epicures |
| Ring Gauge | 35 |
| Length | 110 mm (4⅜″) |
| Official Weight | 4.81 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Early band 3 |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane |
| Status | Discontinued (1970s) |
Construction and Format
The Gracielas was produced as a machine-made cigar, reflecting the industrial shift that occurred in Cuban cigar manufacturing during this era. With a slender ring gauge of 35 and a length of 110 millimeters, this vitola fell into the category of what traditional smokers would consider a thin-format cigar—characteristic of the period's preferences.
The factory designation "Epicures" identifies the specific size classification within the Cuban nomenclature system. Each cigar carried an official weight of 4.81 grams, consistent with the dimensions and construction method employed.
Packaging and Presentation
La Escepción packaged the Gracielas in dress boxes containing 25 cigars, with each individual cigar wrapped in cellophane—a practical touch that helped preserve freshness and protect the wrapper during transport and storage. The cigars featured the brand's early band 3 design, which serves as an important authentication marker for collectors examining vintage specimens today.
Collectibility
As a pre-1960 release that disappeared from production in the 1970s, the Gracielas has become a notable entry for those specializing in discontinued Cuban brands. The machine-made construction places it in an interesting historical context, representing the transition period in Cuban cigar manufacturing. Collectors seeking to explore the broader La Escepción portfolio will find the Gracielas an important reference point in understanding the brand's evolution.