Few cigars capture the essence of Cuba's most venerable brands like the Petit Lanceros, a notable chapter in the storied history of Por Larrañaga. This vitola, now relegated to the annals of discontinued Cuban cigars, offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolution of Cuban cigar production during a transformative era.
Historical Background
The Petit Lanceros entered the market prior to 1960, making it a pre-revolutionary release that survived the dramatic changes Cuba underwent during that tumultuous decade. The cigar continued production well into the post-revolutionary period before being discontinued during the 1980s, representing roughly two decades of availability to cigar aficionados of the era.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Petit Lanceros |
| Factory Name | Marevas |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 129 mm (5⅛″) |
| Official Weight | 8.46 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Band Information | Unknown |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Release Date | Pre-1960 |
| Discontinued | 1980s |
Vitola Characteristics
Classified under the factory name Marevas, the Petit Lanceros featured a ring gauge of 42 with a length of 129 millimeters (approximately 5⅛ inches). This places it firmly in the classic Corona category, a traditional format that has long been favored for its balanced smoking experience and manageable duration.
The cigar's official weight of 8.46 grams reflects the careful hand-rolling techniques employed by Cuban torcedores of the period. Each specimen was crafted entirely by hand, representing the artisanal traditions that have defined Cuban cigar production for generations.
Packaging
The Petit Lanceros was presented in dress boxes containing 25 cigars, a standard presentation format that allowed for both retail display and collector storage. The dress box format, with its distinctive aesthetic appeal, made these cigars suitable for gifting and special occasions.
Legacy and Collectibility
As a discontinued regular production cigar from the Por Larrañaga portfolio, the Petit Lanceros has become a sought-after item among vintage Cuban cigar collectors. Its production span, bridging the pre-revolutionary and post-revolutionary periods, adds historical significance to any remaining specimens that may surface in the secondary market.
Por Larrañaga, established in 1834, remains one of the oldest continuously operating Cuban cigar brands. The Petit Lanceros stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to offering diverse vitolas to satisfy the preferences of discerning smokers throughout different eras of Cuban cigar history.