What is the history of La Escepción Longos and when was it discontinued?

The La Escepción Longos was a regular production cigar from La Escepción, one of Cuba's oldest marques founded in 1855 by José Gener. The Longos format measured approximately 165mm x 42 ring gauge, placing it in the lonsdale category. Production ceased in the late 1980s when the brand was delisted by Habanos S.A., making surviving examples genuine collector's items. The marque itself was briefly revived in 2011 with limited regional editions, though the Longos vitola never returned to regular production.

What are the typical flavor characteristics of an aged La Escepción Longos cigar?

Properly stored vintage Longos develop a refined, medium-bodied profile distinct from modern Cuban offerings. Expect pronounced cedar and leather foundations with secondary notes of dried fig, toasted almond, and subtle honey sweetness. The 42 ring gauge allows the wrapper's influence to remain balanced against the filler blend. Well-aged specimens from the 1970s-1980s often display a characteristic mustiness reminiscent of old book pages—desirable among collectors—though this requires precise 65-67% humidity storage to develop without deterioration.

How does the La Escepción Longos compare to other discontinued Cuban lonsdales like the Por Larrañaga Montecarlos?

Both vitolas share the elegant 165mm x 42 format, though the Longos typically delivered a slightly fuller body than the Montecarlos. The Longos utilized tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region with a distinctive fermentation process that emphasized earthy, mineral qualities over the Montecarlos' more floral, delicate approach. Construction consistency favored the Longos in its prime production years. Current auction values reflect this distinction: authenticated Longos boxes command 15-20% premiums over comparable Montecarlos vintages, attributable to the marque's greater scarcity and cult following among seasoned collectors.

What is the history of La Escepción Longos and when was it discontinued?

The La Escepción Longos was a regular production cigar from La Escepción, one of Cuba's oldest marques founded in 1855 by José Gener. The Longos format measured approximately 165mm x 42 ring gauge, placing it in the lonsdale category. Production ceased in the late 1980s when the brand was delisted by Habanos S.A., making surviving examples genuine collector's items. The marque itself was briefly revived in 2011 with limited regional editions, though the Longos vitola never returned to regular production.

What are the typical flavor characteristics of an aged La Escepción Longos cigar?

Properly stored vintage Longos develop a refined, medium-bodied profile distinct from modern Cuban offerings. Expect pronounced cedar and leather foundations with secondary notes of dried fig, toasted almond, and subtle honey sweetness. The 42 ring gauge allows the wrapper's influence to remain balanced against the filler blend. Well-aged specimens from the 1970s-1980s often display a characteristic mustiness reminiscent of old book pages—desirable among collectors—though this requires precise 65-67% humidity storage to develop without deterioration.

How does the La Escepción Longos compare to other discontinued Cuban lonsdales like the Por Larrañaga Montecarlos?

Both vitolas share the elegant 165mm x 42 format, though the Longos typically delivered a slightly fuller body than the Montecarlos. The Longos utilized tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region with a distinctive fermentation process that emphasized earthy, mineral qualities over the Montecarlos' more floral, delicate approach. Construction consistency favored the Longos in its prime production years. Current auction values reflect this distinction: authenticated Longos boxes command 15-20% premiums over comparable Montecarlos vintages, attributable to the marque's greater scarcity and cult following among seasoned collectors.

Cigar Information

La Escepción Longos

The La Escepción Longos represents a bygone era of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the storied past of one of Cuba's most historic marques. This discontinued regular production cigar holds a special place in the annals of Cuban tobacco history, having been introduced before 1960 and remaining in production for nearly three decades.

Historical Significance

The Longos entered the market as part of La Escepción's distinguished lineup prior to 1960, a period widely considered the golden age of Cuban cigar production. The cigar enjoyed a substantial production run before being discontinued around 1988, making it a sought-after find for collectors and connoisseurs of vintage Cuban cigars today.

Vitela Specifications

Known by its factory name "Ninfas," the Longos measured an impressive 178mm (7 inches) in length with a slender ring gauge of 33. This elegant proportions placed it firmly in the pantheon of classic Cuban formats, delivering a smoking experience that balanced extended duration with refined delicacy. Each cigar weighed approximately 7.07 grams and was entirely handcrafted, reflecting the traditional artisanal methods that defined Cuban cigar making during its production era.

Specification	Detail
Factory Name	Ninfas
Length	178mm (7 inches)
Ring Gauge	33
Official Weight	7.07g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Dress box of 25 cigars
Release Date	Pre-1960
Status	Discontinued c.1988

Presentation and Packaging

The Longos was presented in traditional dress boxes containing 25 cigars, each adorned with La Escepción's standard band A. This classic presentation reflected the brand's commitment to elegance and established the cigar as a premium offering within the La Escepción portfolio.

Legacy

As part of the broader La Escepción family of cigars, the Longos contributed to the brand's reputation for producing distinctive and memorable smoking experiences. While no longer in production, surviving examples of this vitola remain treasured pieces of Cuban cigar heritage, representing craftsmanship from an era that helped define what premium cigars would become.

Questions & Answers

Back to Encyclopedia