What is the history of the Por Larrañaga Juanitos?

The Por Larrañaga Juanitos is a notable chapter in Cuban cigar production, categorized as a machine-made vitola within the brand's portfolio. Produced for decades before its eventual discontinuation, this cigar was known internally at the factory by the alternative name "Chicos." As a machine-bunched and finished cigar, it offered smokers an accessible entry point into the historic Por Larrañaga marque, which is one of the oldest Cuban brands still in production. The Juanitos served as a staple in the lineup until it was phased out.

What size is the Por Larrañaga Juanitos cigar?

The Juanitos features a classic Cuban cigar format, measuring 140 mm (5.5 inches) in length with a 35 ring gauge (13.89 mm diameter). This specific dimension is known as a *Señoritas* vitola in the standard Cuban cigar nomenclature. While the factory name for this specific production was "Chicos," the dimensions align with a format that offers a longer smoking time than typical small machine-made cigars. It was designed to provide a consistent experience typical of mechanized production methods used in Havana factories.

Is Por Larrañaga Juanitos still available for purchase?

No, the Por Larrañaga Juanitos is no longer in production and has been officially discontinued. As a result, finding this specific vitola is increasingly difficult and usually limited to the secondary market or specialist retailers with aged inventory. Collectors often seek out remaining stock to experience the unique flavor profile that Por Larrañaga is known for, which typically includes grassy, nutty, and woody notes. While the brand continues to produce handmade premium cigars, the machine-made Juanitos represents a bygone era of Cuban cigar manufacturing.

What is the history of the Por Larrañaga Juanitos?

The Por Larrañaga Juanitos is a notable chapter in Cuban cigar production, categorized as a machine-made vitola within the brand's portfolio. Produced for decades before its eventual discontinuation, this cigar was known internally at the factory by the alternative name "Chicos." As a machine-bunched and finished cigar, it offered smokers an accessible entry point into the historic Por Larrañaga marque, which is one of the oldest Cuban brands still in production. The Juanitos served as a staple in the lineup until it was phased out.

What size is the Por Larrañaga Juanitos cigar?

The Juanitos features a classic Cuban cigar format, measuring 140 mm (5.5 inches) in length with a 35 ring gauge (13.89 mm diameter). This specific dimension is known as a *Señoritas* vitola in the standard Cuban cigar nomenclature. While the factory name for this specific production was "Chicos," the dimensions align with a format that offers a longer smoking time than typical small machine-made cigars. It was designed to provide a consistent experience typical of mechanized production methods used in Havana factories.

Is Por Larrañaga Juanitos still available for purchase?

No, the Por Larrañaga Juanitos is no longer in production and has been officially discontinued. As a result, finding this specific vitola is increasingly difficult and usually limited to the secondary market or specialist retailers with aged inventory. Collectors often seek out remaining stock to experience the unique flavor profile that Por Larrañaga is known for, which typically includes grassy, nutty, and woody notes. While the brand continues to produce handmade premium cigars, the machine-made Juanitos represents a bygone era of Cuban cigar manufacturing.

Cigar Information

Por Larrañaga Juanitos

The Juanitos represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a machine-made vitola from the esteemed Por Larrañaga marque that served smokers for decades before its eventual discontinuation. This compact cigar, known internally at the factory as "Chicos," offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into an earlier era of Cuban cigar production.

Historical Background

The Juanitos traces its origins to before 1960, making it one of the older releases in the Por Larrañaga portfolio. The cigar enjoyed a lengthy production run spanning nearly half a century before being discontinued in 2005. Today, remaining examples are considered fairly rare, making them sought-after pieces for serious collectors of vintage Cuban cigars.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Juanitos
Factory Name	Chicos
Ring Gauge	29
Length	106 mm (4⅛″)
Official Weight	3.00 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band A

Construction and Format

As a machine-made cigar, the Juanitos was produced using automated manufacturing processes rather than traditional hand-rolling techniques. This production method allowed for greater consistency and volume, though it placed the cigar in a different category than the premium hand-rolled cigars for which Cuba is most famous. The slender 29 ring gauge combined with the modest 106mm length created a quick-smoking format ideal for those seeking a brief but satisfying Cuban tobacco experience.

Packaging Options

Throughout its production history, the Juanitos was offered in several packaging configurations:

Dress box of 25 cigars – The final packaging format, discontinued along with the cigar itself in 2005
Cajón of 100 cigars in cellophane – Discontinued in the late 1980s
Cajón of 100 cigars – Also discontinued in the late 1980s

The transition from the larger 100-count cabinets to the smaller dress boxes reflects changing market preferences and distribution practices over the decades.

Collectibility

Given its 2005 discontinuation and pre-1960 origins, the Juanitos has become increasingly difficult to find in the modern market. Collectors seeking examples should be prepared to search specialty vendors and auction houses. As with all discontinued Cuban cigars, proper storage history is essential when evaluating potential purchases.

Questions & Answers

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