More refined than many of its contemporaries, the Montecarlos (1) occupies a fascinating chapter in the Por Larrañaga brand's long and storied history. As one of the older offerings from this esteemed Cuban marca, this cigar holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the heritage of pre-revolution Cuban tobacco craftsmanship.
A Historic Release
The Montecarlos (1) traces its origins back to before 1960, making it a genuine pre-revolution era release. For decades, this cigar served as a staple in the Por Larrañaga portfolio before eventually being discontinued around 2002. Its discontinuation marked the end of an era, as the Montecarlos (1) was subsequently replaced by the handmade Montecarlos (2), signaling a shift in production philosophy for this particular vitola.
Construction and Craftsmanship
Unlike its successor, the original Montecarlos (1) was produced using machine-made construction methods. This approach to manufacturing was common during its era and allowed for consistent production while maintaining the distinctive Por Larrañaga flavor profile that devotees had come to expect.
The cigar featured the brand's Standard band A, maintaining visual continuity with other offerings in the Por Larrañaga lineup.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Factory Name | Deliciosos (old) |
| Ring Gauge | 35 |
| Length | 159 mm (6¼″) |
| Official Weight | 6.67 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Standard band A |
Presentation and Packaging
The Montecarlos (1) was offered in dress boxes containing 25 cigars. These cigars were available both wrapped in cellophane for individual protection and without cellophane, giving collectors and retailers options for storage and display preferences.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the Montecarlos (1) exists primarily as a collector's item, with remaining stocks being highly sought after by those who appreciate the historical significance of pre-2002 Cuban cigar production. The transition to the handmade Montecarlos (2) represents the industry's broader movement toward premium handcrafted cigars, making the original machine-made version an interesting artifact of Cuban cigar manufacturing history.