What is the history of the Sancho Panza Molinos cigar?

The Sancho Panza Molinos was a long-standing Cuban cigar that served as a key part of the brand's regular production lineup for over half a century. Originally released prior to 1960, this cigar established a dedicated following among aficionados during its extensive production run. However, like many regional Cuban releases, it was eventually discontinued. Its long history makes it a notable reference point for collectors studying pre-revolution and post-revolution production shifts within the Sancho Panza brand.

Is the Sancho Panza Molinos still in production?

No, the Sancho Panza Molinos is no longer in production. This specific vitola was discontinued after being a staple in the brand's catalog for decades. While Sancho Panza remains a valid trademark within the Havana portfolio, the Molinos size has been removed from standard distribution. Enthusiasts looking for this specific cigar must now search the secondary market, where availability is limited to aged inventory from private collections or specialty retailers.

What size was the Sancho Panza Molinos?

The Sancho Panza Molinos was distinct for its unique dimensions, classified as a Gran Corona. It measured 164mm (approximately 6 1/2 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge. This slender, elongated format offered a significantly longer smoking duration compared to standard coronas, often providing over an hour of smoking time. The "Molinos" name, meaning windmills in Spanish, is a reference to the famous literary episodes in Don Quixote, fitting the brand's thematic naming convention.

What is the history of the Sancho Panza Molinos cigar?

The Sancho Panza Molinos was a long-standing Cuban cigar that served as a key part of the brand's regular production lineup for over half a century. Originally released prior to 1960, this cigar established a dedicated following among aficionados during its extensive production run. However, like many regional Cuban releases, it was eventually discontinued. Its long history makes it a notable reference point for collectors studying pre-revolution and post-revolution production shifts within the Sancho Panza brand.

Is the Sancho Panza Molinos still in production?

No, the Sancho Panza Molinos is no longer in production. This specific vitola was discontinued after being a staple in the brand's catalog for decades. While Sancho Panza remains a valid trademark within the Havana portfolio, the Molinos size has been removed from standard distribution. Enthusiasts looking for this specific cigar must now search the secondary market, where availability is limited to aged inventory from private collections or specialty retailers.

What size was the Sancho Panza Molinos?

The Sancho Panza Molinos was distinct for its unique dimensions, classified as a Gran Corona. It measured 164mm (approximately 6 1/2 inches) in length with a 42 ring gauge. This slender, elongated format offered a significantly longer smoking duration compared to standard coronas, often providing over an hour of smoking time. The "Molinos" name, meaning windmills in Spanish, is a reference to the famous literary episodes in Don Quixote, fitting the brand's thematic naming convention.

Cigar Information

Sancho Panza Molinos

The Sancho Panza Molinos was a distinguished Cuban cigar that held a significant place in the brand's regular production lineup for over half a century. Originally released prior to 1960, this cigar built a loyal following among enthusiasts before being discontinued in 2012, leaving behind a legacy as a refined and approachable smoke.

History and Background

As one of the older offerings in the Sancho Panza portfolio, the Molinos predated many of Cuba's most iconic releases. The cigar remained in continuous production for decades, surviving the various transitions and challenges that shaped the Cuban cigar industry throughout the 20th century. Its discontinuation in 2012 marked the end of an era for this classic vitola.

Specifications

Factory Name	Cervantes
Ring Gauge	42
Length	165 mm (6½ inches)
Official Weight	10.80 g
Construction	Handmade
Bands	Standard band A, B, C
Packaging	Dress box of 25 cigars
Status	Discontinued (2012)

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Molinos earned a reputation as an elegant, well-balanced cigar with a mild to medium strength profile. Based on 18 enthusiast reviews, the cigar achieved an impressive overall rating of 4.56 out of 5, with particularly high marks for elegance and aftertaste.

The flavor experience was characterized by the following notes, as reported by reviewers:

Primary Notes: Salt and wood were the most frequently detected flavors, each noted in 15 reviews
Secondary Notes: Cream appeared in 12 reviews, while floral elements were identified in 9
Tertiary Notes: Mushroom and tobacco each appeared in 3 reviews
Subtle Undertones: Cedar, herbal qualities, bitter chocolate, earth, forest floor, honey, leather, pepper, sourdough, and spice each made occasional appearances

Smoking Experience Ratings

Attribute	Score (out of 5)
Elegance	4
Balance	4
Strength	2
Complexity	3
Aftertaste	4
Overall Rating	4.56

Related Releases

The Molinos name also appeared in a special edition release: the Sancho Panza Molinos Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, which celebrated the turn of the millennium with a unique presentation of this beloved vitola.

Questions & Answers

Back to Encyclopedia