What is the María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro and when was it produced?

The María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro was a machine-made Cuban cigar produced during the mid-20th century, specifically from the 1940s through the 1960s. This vitola measured approximately 5.5 inches by 42 ring gauge, wrapped in cedar (hence "en Cedro"). The María Guerrero brand itself was established in 1901 and became a popular domestic Cuban brand before nationalization. Production ceased in the late 1960s when Cuba consolidated its cigar industry, making these cigars historical collectibles today.

How does the María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro compare to hand-rolled Cuban cigars of the same era?

Unlike premium hand-rolled cigars from factories like Partagás or H. Upmann, the Favoritas en Cedro was machine-made using short filler tobacco, resulting in a more affordable product aimed at the Cuban domestic market. The draw was typically looser and the burn less consistent than hand-rolled counterparts. However, it utilized genuine Cuban tobacco, giving it authentic flavor notes of cedar, light earth, and mild spice—characteristics that distinguish it from non-Cuban machine-made cigars of the period.

Are María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro cigars still available for purchase?

Authentic María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro cigars are found only in the secondary market through auction houses, estate sales, or specialized vintage tobacco dealers. Due to their age—minimum 55+ years—any surviving examples require careful humidification and carry significant collector premiums. Condition varies dramatically; properly stored specimens remain smokeable, though most collectors acquire them for historical value rather than consumption. Counterfeits exist, so provenance documentation is essential when purchasing.

What is the María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro and when was it produced?

The María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro was a machine-made Cuban cigar produced during the mid-20th century, specifically from the 1940s through the 1960s. This vitola measured approximately 5.5 inches by 42 ring gauge, wrapped in cedar (hence "en Cedro"). The María Guerrero brand itself was established in 1901 and became a popular domestic Cuban brand before nationalization. Production ceased in the late 1960s when Cuba consolidated its cigar industry, making these cigars historical collectibles today.

How does the María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro compare to hand-rolled Cuban cigars of the same era?

Unlike premium hand-rolled cigars from factories like Partagás or H. Upmann, the Favoritas en Cedro was machine-made using short filler tobacco, resulting in a more affordable product aimed at the Cuban domestic market. The draw was typically looser and the burn less consistent than hand-rolled counterparts. However, it utilized genuine Cuban tobacco, giving it authentic flavor notes of cedar, light earth, and mild spice—characteristics that distinguish it from non-Cuban machine-made cigars of the period.

Are María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro cigars still available for purchase?

Authentic María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro cigars are found only in the secondary market through auction houses, estate sales, or specialized vintage tobacco dealers. Due to their age—minimum 55+ years—any surviving examples require careful humidification and carry significant collector premiums. Condition varies dramatically; properly stored specimens remain smokeable, though most collectors acquire them for historical value rather than consumption. Counterfeits exist, so provenance documentation is essential when purchasing.

Cigar Information

María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro

The María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the machine-made cigar production of mid-20th century Cuba. This discontinued vitola was part of the María Guerrero brand portfolio and featured distinctive cedar wrapping that gave the cigar its descriptive name—"en Cedro" indicating the cedar sleeve that encased each individual cigar.

Historical Background

The Favoritas en Cedro was introduced to the market sometime before 1960, placing it firmly in the pre-revolutionary era of Cuban cigar production. The cigar remained in production for approximately two decades before being discontinued around 1980. This timeline places the Favoritas en Cedro among the transitional cigars that spanned Cuba's dramatic political and economic changes during this tumultuous period.

Specifications

Vitola Name	Favoritas en Cedro
Factory Name	Unknown
Ring Gauge	40
Length	125 mm (4⅞″)
Official Weight	17.02 g
Construction	Machine-made

Construction and Craftsmanship

As a machine-made cigar, the Favoritas en Cedro was produced using automated manufacturing processes rather than traditional hand-rolling techniques. This method of construction means that dimensional measurements should be considered approximate, as machine-made cigars typically exhibit slight variations compared to their handmade counterparts. The 40 ring gauge combined with the 125 mm length positioned this cigar in the medium-sized category, making it suitable for a moderately timed smoking session.

Packaging and Presentation

The Favoritas en Cedro was presented in dress boxes containing 25 cigars, with each individual cigar wrapped in cedar. This cedar wrapping served both practical and aesthetic purposes—it helped maintain optimal humidity levels while also imparting subtle aromatic qualities to the tobacco within. The cigars featured the brand's standard band A, consistent with the María Guerrero visual identity of the era.

Collectibility and Legacy

Today, the María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro exists solely as a collector's item and historical curiosity. Having been out of production for over four decades, surviving examples are exceedingly rare. The cigar serves as a tangible reminder of the evolution of Cuban cigar manufacturing and the diverse range of products that once populated the Cuban export market.

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Cigar Information

María Guerrero Favoritas en Cedro

Historical Background

Specifications

Vitola Name	Favoritas en Cedro
Factory Name	Unknown
Ring Gauge	40
Length	125 mm (4⅞″)
Official Weight	17.02 g
Construction	Machine-made