5 Discontinued Cuban Cigars I Miss: A Nostalgic Look at Lost Classics
Cuban cigars are iconic for their rich history, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavours. However, just like any other product, some brands and vitolas come and go. While many remain popular, others are discontinued, leaving fans with nothing but memories. In this post, we’ll explore five discontinued Cuban cigars from the past 25 years that hold a special place in my heart, each offering a unique story and unforgettable smoking experience.
Punch Black Prince: A Lost Classic
If I had to choose one Cuban cigar to bring back, it would undoubtedly be the Punch Black Prince. This cigar, a 5⅝″ x 46 Corona Gorda, was officially discontinued in 2002. But as often happens in the Cuban cigar world, “officially discontinued” does not always mean the end of production as production only ended in 2006. I managed to buy boxes of these cigars from a well-known Swiss online retailer in the late 00s, and I can confidently say they were the finest Cuban cigars I’ve ever smoked.
The Punch Black Prince is remembered for its perfect balance of flavours, combining earthy notes with hints of cocoa and leather. Its smooth draw, coupled with the unique aroma it produced, made it an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, these cigars are now hard to come by and often fetch sky-high prices at auction, leaving many of us to reminisce about a time when they were more easily accessible.
Romeo y Julieta Celestiales Finos: The Perfecto That Vanished
The Romeo y Julieta Celestiales Finos, discontinued in 2002, is another cigar that has become a distant memory for many aficionados. This 5⅜″ x 46 Perfecto had a unique shape that set it apart from other cigars in the Romeo y Julieta portfolio. The brand, known for its consistency and approachable flavours, produced a cigar that was not only aesthetically striking but also delivered a wonderfully smooth and balanced smoking experience.
Though the cigar had a long history—dating back before the Cuban Revolution—its official disappearance in 2002 marked the end of an era for the line. What I particularly miss about the Celestiales Finos was its shape. There are plenty of other perfectos on the market, but nothing with this particular shape.
La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or #2: The Cigar That Changed My Perspective
When I first started smoking cigars, I was hesitant to try thinner vitolas. As a larger individual, I thought I’d look somewhat out of place with a delicate cigar. That was until a seasoned lounge owner convinced me to try the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or #2, a 26-ring gauge beauty that measured 6¾ inches in length. This thin cigar, with its understated elegance, completely changed my outlook on smaller vitolas.
The Medaille d’Or #2 is what sparked my appreciation for Lonsdales, Coronas, and Lancero cigars. The flavours it offered were truly something special, with an intensity that belied its size. I’ve since learned that thinner cigars often provide a more nuanced, concentrated flavour profile, and it’s all thanks to this La Gloria Cubana. I owe a lot to that one conversation at the lounge, and it makes me sad that this cigar was discontinued. It was a small vitola that carried a big punch in terms of flavour.
Quai d’Orsay Gran Corona: A Perfect Morning Smoke
Quai d’Orsay is a brand that has had a rather tumultuous history, with many of its cigars discontinued over the years. The brand has seen a resurgence in recent years, but one of its casualties was the Gran Corona, discontinued in 2010. For those who were lucky enough to experience it, the Gran Corona was a perfect morning cigar, pairing beautifully with a cappuccino or a leisurely breakfast.
The mild, creamy flavours of the Quai d’Orsay Gran Corona made it ideal for those early hours when you wanted a cigar that wasn’t too overpowering. It was a cigar you could light up with no rush, taking your time as you read the paper or sipped your coffee. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the calm, unhurried pleasure this cigar offered. The revival of the Quai d’Orsay brand is a positive development, but I can’t help but miss the simple pleasures of the Gran Corona.
Diplomaticos #4: The Underrated Alternative
Diplomaticos is a brand that was created primarily for the French market, offering a milder alternative to the Montecristo line. The Diplomaticos #4, which was discontinued in the early 2000s, holds a special place in my memory for its smoothness and approachable character. While it never gained the same fame as the Montecristo #4, in my opinion, it was the superior cigar.
The Diplomaticos #4 was a perfect cigar for those occasions when you wanted something lighter and more nuanced but still wanted the quality of a Cuban cigar. It was a smaller, more accessible smoke that fit well into busy mornings, especially when you didn’t have the time for a larger, more time-consuming cigar. Like the Quai d’Orsay Gran Corona, it was a cigar that complemented a relaxed, slow-paced morning routine.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Cuban Cigars
The discontinuation of these cigars reflects broader trends in the cigar industry. As consumer preferences evolve, brands and lines that were once popular are often phased out in favour of newer offerings. The loss of these cigars is often met with nostalgia, as aficionados look back on the flavours, experiences, and memories they created with them. While some cigars may never return, they continue to live on in the minds of those who were fortunate enough to enjoy them.
For those who have been part of the Cuban cigar scene for a long time, the end of these beloved cigars is a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change. While newer releases and limited editions continue to capture attention, it’s the classics—like the Punch Black Prince or the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or #2—that truly stay with us.
Whether or not these cigars will ever make a return is uncertain, but for now, we can only cherish the memories of the times when they graced our humidors.
A Toast to the Lost Classics
Though the Cuban cigar market continues to evolve with new releases and trends, there are certain discontinued cigars that will always hold a special place in the hearts of aficionados. Whether it’s the rich flavours of the Punch Black Prince or the elegant simplicity of the Quai d’Orsay Gran Corona, these cigars represent a time when Cuban craftsmanship truly shone. As we continue to explore new cigars, let’s not forget the classics that once defined the experience. Which discontinued Cuban cigars do you miss? Let us know in the comments.
Header photo by Nejc Soklič on Unsplash
