Trio of Cuban San Cristóbals to Get Cut
Every year, a few Cuban cigars are deleted from Habanos S.A.'s portfolio of sizes. This year, a trio of San Cristóbal de la Habana sizes are on the chopping block.
The Muralla, Mercaderes and Oficios are scheduled to be taken out of production. Though not part of the original core line, which was launched in 1999, these sizes were released in 2006 as La Casa del Habano exclusives.
At the time of their launching, these sizes were available only at La Casa Del Habano stores, the official retail outlet licensed by Habanos S.A. Cigars that are La Casa del Habano exclusives can be identified by a secondary sienna-colored band that bears the franchise logo in gold.
Each of these San Cristóbal sizes were unique within the Habanos portfolio, as no other brands utilized those specifications. The Muralla measured 7 1/8 inches long by 54 ring. Called a Rodolfo in Cuban cigar factories, it was the largest regular production torpedo size made in Cuba. The Mercaderes, also referred to as Hermosos No. 1, measured 6 5/8 by 48 ring and the Oficios, or Dalias Cortas, were rolled at a diminutive 5 3/8 by 43.
This cut will bring the San Cristóbal brand back down to its original four sizes: El Morro, 7 1/8 by 49; La Fuerza, 5 1/2 by 50; El Principe, 4 3/8 by 42; and La Punta, a 5 1/2 by 52 belicoso.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Source: Cigar Aficionado