Let’s explore10 discontinued Cuban cigars that still hold a special place in the hearts of cigar aficionados today.
Hello dear reader,
There’s a certain magic in lighting up a cigar that’s no longer in production. It carries with it the romance of a bygone era, when Cuban cigar production seemed limitless, and every puff was a reminder of the craftsmanship that has shaped the industry. Smoking a discontinued cigar from Habanos’ golden years is like holding a piece of history, a snapshot of a time when the finest cigars in the world were crafted without compromise. To experience one of these cigars today is a rare honor, a journey back to a time when Cuban cigars were at their peak.
Below is a list of 10 discontinued cigars that I wish Habanos would bring back, each with its own story, vitola, and flavor profile that has been lost to time, but not to memory.
1. Hoyo de Monterrey - Hoyo des Dieux
Vitola de Galera: Coronas Gordas (42 x 155 mm)
Discontinued: 2014
The Hoyo des Dieux was a classic cigar for aficionados who appreciated subtlety over strength. Known for its elegant presentation and smooth smoking experience, this cigar was a perfect example of how Hoyo de Monterrey mastered the art of balance. I had the pleasure of smoking the Hoyo des Dieux, it was still filled with notes of light cedar, cream, and a hint of floral sweetness, making it a delicate yet refined smoke. Its disappearance in 2014 was felt by many aficionados that were enjoying this one everyday.
2. Partagás Fabulosos
Vitola de Galera: Gran Coronas (50 x 237 mm)
Discontinued: 1970s
The Partagás Fabulosos was nothing short of impressive, not just for its size but for its bold and full-bodied flavor profile. This cigar was known for its deep, earthy richness, often combined with notes of leather, black pepper, and cocoa. Though I’ve never personally smoked one, those who have said that it offered a complex yet well-rounded experience that evolved beautifully over its long smoking time. It was discontinued in the 1970s, and its absence is still felt by those who crave the cigar that makes the Partagas Salomon or Lusitania look like Petit Robustos.
3. Romeo y Julieta Romeos
Vitola de Galera: Romeo (52 x 162 mm)
Discontinued: 1970s
The Romeo y Julieta Romeos was a cigar that symbolized elegance and complexity. As part of the Romeo y Julieta brand, it featured a unique Romeo vitola, which lent itself to an hour or more of smoking pleasure. It definitely had the flavors of rich, sweet tobacco, layered with hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit, like the notes that Romeo y Julieta kindly spoils us with but sadly, it was discontinued in the 1970s
4. Bolívar Coronas Gigantes
Vitola de Galera: Julieta No. 2 (47 x 178 mm)
Discontinued: 2017
The Bolívar Coronas Gigantes was, in many ways, the quintessential Bolívar. With its bold, robust flavors, it captured everything aficionados loved about the brand: power, complexity, and depth. For me it had flavors of dark earth, leather, and spice, with an underlying sweetness that made it stand out. Discontinued in 2017, this cigar leaves behind a legacy of powerful smokes that defined the Bolívar line. It’s the kind of cigar that would appeal to those looking for a full-bodied, complex experience, one of my favorites from this brand
5. Ramon Allones 8-9-8
Vitola de Galera: Coronas (42 x 142 mm)
Discontinued: Mid-1970s
The Ramon Allones 8-9-8 was a cigar beloved for its nuanced flavor and perfect balance. Known for its beautifully layered flavors of nuts, spices, and a hint of sweetness, it was a favorite among those who sought a more refined smoking experience but strong at the same time. While I haven’t had the chance to enjoy this one personally, aficionados recall its consistency and smooth progression through each moment. Discontinued in the mid-1970s, its absence is a reminder of the kind of refinement that Ramon Allones brought to their portfolio.
6. Cuaba Diadema
Vitola de Galera: Diademas (55 x 233 mm)
Discontinued: 2013
Few cigars commanded attention quite like the Cuaba Diadema. Its impressive size and distinct vitola made it a showstopper, and its flavor profile was equally captivating. Those who have smoked it remember its rich, creamy smoke with notes of toasted nuts, coffee, and a subtle sweetness. The Diadema shape, combined with Cuaba’s reputation for balanced medium-bodied cigars, made this a unique experience. Its discontinuation in 2013 marked the end of one of Cuaba’s most distinctive offerings. There are some circulating the grey auction market today. It’s easy to spot as it’s wrapped in silver foil. Happy hunting, gents!
7. El Rey del Mundo Isabel
Vitola de Galera: Carlotas (35 x 143 mm)
Discontinued: 1985
The El Rey del Mundo Isabel was a smaller cigar, but it certainly packed a punch in terms of flavor. Known for its creamy, nutty profile with underlying notes of cedar, it was a cigar that delivered complexity in a shorter smoking time. Discontinued in 1985, this cigar remains a favorite among collectors who still seek out the few remaining examples. Its gentle, aromatic smoke made it perfect for those who appreciate the softer side of Cuban cigars. If you have the chance of smoking one, cca 40 years after it was rolled, be gentle and know that it might not be as flavourful today as it was back then. I wish Habanos would bring it back since it would fit perfectly between the Demi Tasse which is too small for my taste, and the Choix Supreme which is impossible to find.
8. Por Larrañaga Magnums
Vitola de Galera: You tell me, I couldn’t find it! (50 x 172 mm)
Discontinued: 1970s
The Por Larrañaga Magnums was a cigar that embodied the smooth, rich character of the brand. I would call this a double robusto vitola, a longer smoke that would provide plenty of character. Discontinued in the 1970s, the Magnums remains one of the cigars from Por Larrañaga’s lineup that seems to be completely forgotten.
9. San Luis Rey Double Coronas
Vitola de Galera: Prominentes (49 x 194 mm)
Discontinued: 2013
The San Luis Rey Double Coronas was a cigar that offered rich, bold flavors in a large format. I had the opportunity to enjoy its notes of dark chocolate, leather, and a touch of spice, making it a robust and satisfying experience. Its Prominentes vitola allowed for a slow, enjoyable smoke that evolved constantly. Discontinued in 2013, it remains a favorite among those who have enjoyed it, and for good reason.
10. San Cristobal de la Habana Muralla
Vitola de Galera: Rodolfo (54 x 140 mm)
Discontinued: 2011
The San Cristobal de la Habana Muralla was one of the more recent casualties of the Habanos discontinuation list. Known for its complex flavors of cocoa, leather, and sweet spices, the Muralla was a cigar that delivered a balanced and rich smoking experience. An absolutely amazing expression from the brand. Discontinued in 2011, it is still sought after by those who want to experience the unique blend that made San Cristobal de la Habana stand out. I know I am always looking for them.
Honorable Mention: Robaina Don Alejandro
Vitola de Galera: Prominentes (49 x 194 mm)
Discontinued: 2017
The Robaina Don Alejandro was a cigar that honored the legacy of Alejandro Robaina, one of Cuba’s most respected tobacco growers. This cigar was a tribute to the rich soil of the Vuelta Abajo region. Discontinued in 2017, the Don Alejandro remains a legendary smoke that aficionados still seek out. I highly recommend you hunt these down.
A Time That’s Lost, but Not Forgotten
Smoking these discontinued cigars is like traveling back in time, to an era when Cuban cigars were crafted without limitation, with every leaf and vitola reflecting the soul of the island. Each puff carries the spirit of a time when the possibilities seemed endless, and the craft of cigar-making was at its peak. While these cigars are no longer in production, their memory lives on, kept alive by those who were fortunate enough to savor them and by those who dream of what it must have been like.
And though we can hope that Habanos might one day bring them back, maybe in the travel humidor format as they are known to do, there’s something bittersweet in knowing that their absence makes the moments we had with them even more special and knowing that what we enjoy today will probably have the same fate.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company—until we meet again.