First rolled as a machine-made vitola, the Por Larrañaga Sportsman served in the brand's regular production lineup during the mid-20th century. Though no longer in production, this cigar remains a point of interest for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Cuban tobacco.
Historical Background
The Sportsman made its debut prior to 1960, positioning it among the earlier releases in the Por Larrañaga catalog. The cigar maintained its place in regular production throughout the 1960s before being discontinued during the 1970s, making it a relatively short-lived addition to the brand's portfolio.
As a machine-constructed cigar, the Sportsman reflected the industry trends of its era, when mechanized production methods were increasingly adopted to meet growing international demand while maintaining consistency across production runs.
Presentation and Packaging
The Sportsman was marketed with attention to presentation, each cigar housed in an individual glass tube. This packaging choice served dual purposes: protecting the cigar from environmental factors while also elevating the product's visual appeal at point of sale. The cigars were arranged in dress boxes containing 10 tubed cigars, creating an elegant offering for consumers.
The band designation for this release was Standard band A, consistent with the brand's visual identity during this period.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Vitola Name | Sportsman |
| Factory Name | Unknown |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 142 mm (5⅝″) |
| Official Weight | 8.51 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Tube Type | Glass tube |
| Packaging | Dress box of 10 cigars in glass tubes |
| Release Date | Pre-1960 |
| Discontinued | 1970s |
| Production Status | Discontinued Regular Production |
Collectibility and Legacy
Given its discontinuation in the 1970s and machine-made construction, surviving examples of the Sportsman are primarily of interest to collectors specializing in vintage Cuban cigar memorabilia or those documenting the historical evolution of the Por Larrañaga brand. The glass tube packaging, if preserved intact, adds significant value to any remaining specimens.
Related Releases
- All Por Larrañaga Cigars