Quintero Nacionales (1)
The Quintero Nacionales (1) represents a significant chapter in Cuban cigar history, serving as one of the brand's long-running machine-made offerings before its eventual discontinuation. This cigar holds particular interest for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand the evolution of the Quintero marque.
History and Background
The Nacionales (1) traces its origins to the pre-1960 era, making it one of the earlier releases under the Quintero brand name. For decades, this machine-constructed cigar served as an accessible entry point into Cuban tobacco, offering smokers a taste of the island's renowned leaf in a more affordable format.
Production continued for over four decades until approximately 2002, when the Nacionales (1) was officially discontinued. Its lengthy production run speaks to the cigar's enduring popularity among value-conscious smokers who appreciated the Quintero blend.
It is worth noting that a separate iteration—the Nacionales (2)—exists as a current production short-filler handmade cigar, providing modern enthusiasts with a connection to this historic name.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cigar Name | Nacionales (1) |
| Factory Name | Nacionales Mano |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Length | 140 mm (5½″) |
| Official Weight | 8.28 g |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Band | Standard band A |
| Status | Discontinued (c. 2002) |
Construction and Presentation
As a machine-made cigar, the Nacionales (1) was produced using automated processes rather than traditional hand-rolling techniques. This method of construction allowed for consistent production and accessible pricing while still utilizing genuine Cuban tobacco.
The cigar featured the standard Quintero band (Band A), maintaining visual consistency with the broader brand lineup.
Packaging Formats
The Nacionales (1) was available in multiple packaging configurations to suit different purchasing preferences:
- Cardboard pack of 5 cigars in cellophane
- Cardboard pack of 5 cigars
- Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane
- Dress box of 25 cigars
This variety of packaging options made the cigar accessible for both casual purchases and more dedicated collection.
Collectibility
Given its discontinuation around 2002 and its pre-1960 origins, the Nacionales (1) has become a sought-after piece for Cuban cigar collectors. The machine-made construction distinguishes it from the handmade Nacionales (2) that followed, making it a unique representation of Quintero's production history during a transformative period in Cuban cigar manufacturing.