What is the history of Partagás Cristal Tubos and when was it discontinued?

The Partagás Cristal Tubos was a machine-made vitola produced in Cuba during the mid-20th century as part of Partagás' regular production lineup. It represented an accessible entry point into the brand, packaged in aluminum tubes for convenience and protection. The cigar was discontinued in the early 2000s as Habanos S.A. shifted focus toward premium hand-rolled offerings. Today, it exists primarily as a collector's item, with sealed boxes commanding significant interest at auction due to its historical significance within the Partagás portfolio.

What are the dimensions and flavor profile of Partagás Cristal Tubos?

The Partagás Cristal Tubos measured approximately 5.5 inches (140mm) in length with a 42 ring gauge, placing it in the corona format. As a machine-made cigar using short filler tobacco, it delivered a medium-bodied smoke characteristic of the Partagás marque—earthy base notes with cedar, leather, and subtle pepper spice. The draw was typically looser than hand-rolled counterparts, and burn consistency varied. While lacking the complexity of premium Partagás lines like the Serie D No. 4, it offered an affordable introduction to the brand's distinctive tobacco blend.

Are Partagás Cristal Tubos still available to buy and are they worth collecting?

Authentic Partagás Cristal Tubos are no longer in production and only available through secondary markets, estate sales, or specialized auction houses. Condition is paramount—sealed aluminum tubes with intact cellophane and proper humidification history command premiums. Collectors value them for historical significance rather than smoking quality, as decades of aging have likely diminished the tobacco's character. Verify provenance carefully, as counterfeit Cuban cigars proliferate. For smoking, modern hand-rolled Partagás offerings provide superior experience; acquire Cristal Tubos primarily for completist collection purposes.

Partagás Cristal Tubos

The Partagás Cristal Tubos represents a fascinating chapter in the storied history of one of Cuba's most revered cigar marques. This machine-made vitola was part of the regular production lineup during the mid-20th century, offering enthusiasts a convenient and elegant smoking option presented in distinctive glass tube packaging.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Cristal Tubos
Factory Name	Conservas (old designation)
Ring Gauge	44
Length	145 mm (5¾″)
Official Weight	9.57 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Dress box of 25 cigars in glass tubes

History and Production

The Cristal Tubos was introduced prior to 1960, placing it among the earlier modern releases from the Partagás brand. The cigar remained in production through the 1960s before being discontinued during the 1970s, marking a relatively brief but notable run in the brand's extensive catalog.

Construction and Presentation

As a machine-made cigar, the Cristal Tubos represented Partagás' commitment to offering quality smoking experiences at accessible price points. The vitola featured the brand's standard "A" band, maintaining visual consistency with other offerings in the portfolio.

The presentation was particularly noteworthy: each cigar was individually housed in a glass tube, with 25 tubes arranged in an elegant dress box. This format provided excellent protection for the cigars while adding a touch of sophistication that made them popular choices for gifts and special occasions.

Legacy

Though no longer in production, the Partagás Cristal Tubos remains a point of interest for collectors and historians of Cuban cigars. Its machine-made construction and tube presentation reflect an era when Cuban cigar manufacturers explored various production methods and packaging innovations to reach broader markets.

For those interested in exploring other offerings from this legendary Havana brand, the complete Partagás portfolio offers numerous alternatives that continue the tradition of full-flavored, expertly crafted Cuban cigars.

Partagás Cristal Tubos