Few private commissions in Cuban cigar history are as intriguing as the Vegueros 135th Aniversario Humidor, a true collector's treasure. Released in 2003, this limited edition collection was commissioned by Caracol SA of Cuba to honor a significant milestone: the 135th anniversary of Pinar del Río's founding. As the undisputed "Capital of Cuban Tobacco," Pinar del Río earned its place at the heart of Cuba's tobacco-growing heritage, making this tribute particularly meaningful to cigar aficionados worldwide.
Each numbered humidor contains exactly 135 cigars, with only 135 units produced in total. The collection was signed by five leading tobacco cultivators, adding an extra layer of authenticity and prestige to this commemorative release.
The Collection
This carefully curated humidor presents five distinct vitolas, blending established production sizes with an exclusive new format created specifically for this release.
Especiales No.1
| Factory Name | Laguito No.1 |
| Quantity | 20 cigars |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Length | 192 mm (7½″) |
| Official Weight | 10.29 g |
Especiales No.2
| Factory Name | Laguito No.2 |
| Quantity | 15 cigars |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Length | 152 mm (6″) |
| Official Weight | 8.15 g |
Marevas
| Factory Name | Marevas |
| Quantity | 25 cigars |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 129 mm (5⅛″) |
| Official Weight | 8.46 g |
Seoane
| Factory Name | Seoane |
| Quantity | 25 cigars |
| Ring Gauge | 33 |
| Length | 126 mm (5″) |
| Official Weight | 5.01 g |
Vegueron
| Factory Name | Prominentes Cortas |
| Quantity | 50 cigars |
| Ring Gauge | 49 |
| Length | 141 mm (5½″) |
| Estimated Weight | 12.04 g |
The Story Behind the Vegueron
The Vegueron vitola represents perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this release. This unique size has no official name in the standard Cuban catalog, though factory workers referred to it internally as "Vegueron" — essentially meaning "Big Vegueros." Many reference sources call this cigar the "Cepo," though evidence suggests this designation stems from a misinterpretation of text referring to the ring gauge rather than an actual cigar name.
The origin story of this vitola adds considerable collector interest. Original plans called for the humidor to contain Belicosos Extra cigars. However, Caracol SA requested a last-minute change to the lineup. Rather than retooling entirely, the factory rolled cigars in the Prominentes format and then trimmed them down to accommodate the humidor's dimensions. This improvisation resulted in a one-of-a-kind factory size found nowhere else in Cuban production.
Construction and Presentation
All cigars in this collection are entirely handmade. Each vitola features two bands: the standard Vegueros band (Band A) alongside a special commemorative band matching the design used on the Belicosos Collector release. This consistent banding approach unifies the collection while distinguishing it as a special commemorative issue.
Historical Significance
Beyond its collectible appeal, this humidor celebrates the profound connection between the Vegueros brand and Pinar del Río province. The region's establishment 135 years prior to this release marked the formal recognition of what would become Cuba's most celebrated tobacco-growing territory. The signatures of five prominent cultivators on each humidor underscore the authentic agricultural heritage that defines both the region and the Vegueros name.