Description
The Siboney Coronas represents a transcendent journey into the golden era of Cuban tobacco artistry. As a prestigious, now-discontinued “dead marca” from the 1950s and early 1960s, these rare vintage cigars are the ultimate prize for the serious collector and the discerning aficionado. Hand-rolled in the historic Habanos factories of pre-revolutionary Havana, the Siboney Coronas is a masterclass in the slender Coronas vitola profile. Known for its medium-bodied strength and an exceptionally refined palate of aged cedar, vintage leather, and damp earth, this cigar offers a sophisticated smoking experience that modern productions struggle to replicate. To hold a Siboney is to hold a piece of Cuban history; to smoke one is to participate in a ritual of luxury that has been preserved for over six decades.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 (Historical/Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Cigars | 10 Cigars |
| Packaging Type | Classic Habanos Dress Box (Labelled) | Slide Lid Box or Small Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term Investment & Vintage Collections | Exclusive Gifting & Milestone Celebrations |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined for optimal maturation | Compact storage for delicate preservation |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Coronas (Varies by Tip No. 1, 2, 3) |
| Length | 120mm to 127mm (4¾″ to 5″) |
| Ring Gauge | 35 to 41 |
| Wrapper | Aged Vuelta Abajo (Cuba) |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Long-filler Cuban Tobacco (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Body | Refined and Elegant |
| Smoking Time | 20-30 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. (Pre-Revolutionary) |
| Brand Owner | Siboney (Historical Marca) |
Brand Heritage
The Siboney brand is a name whispered with reverence among those who study the history of Cuban viticulture. Established in the mid-20th century, the brand drew its name from the indigenous Siboney people of Cuba, grounding the brand’s identity in the very soil and heritage of the island. During the 1950s, Siboney was positioned as an elite choice for smokers who preferred the elegance of slender ring gauges and the nuanced complexity of high-grade Vuelta Abajo leaf. It stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other legendary names of the era, such as Cabañas and Maria Guerrero, representing the pinnacle of handmade craftsmanship before the industry shifts of the early 1960s.
Following the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent nationalization of the tobacco industry, many smaller, specialized brands were phased out to streamline production. Siboney was one of these casualties, officially becoming a “dead marca” by the early 1960s. This discontinuation has only served to inflate its legend. Today, the Siboney Coronas is not merely a cigar; it is an artifact. It represents a specific window in time when Cuban tobacco was entering its most celebrated period of international dominance. For the modern enthusiast, finding a well-preserved Siboney is akin to discovering a lost vintage of a First Growth Bordeaux—a rare opportunity to experience the exact flavors that defined luxury for a previous generation of global elites.
The legacy of Siboney saw a brief, localized revival in 2014 with a Regional Edition for Canada under the Flor de Cano name, but for the purist, nothing compares to the original 1950s Siboney Coronas. These original sticks carry the DNA of a bygone era, featuring the “Standard Band A” design and the meticulous construction standards of a time when every roller was a master of the craft. The rarity of these cigars ensures that they remain at the top of auction house catalogs and private portfolios worldwide.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon lighting a well-aged Siboney Coronas, the initial draw is surprisingly airy and elegant. The decades of rest have mellowed any aggressive spice, replacing it with a sophisticated bouquet of dried floral notes and toasted cedar. There is a characteristic “vintage musk” that is immediately apparent—a flavor profile unique to pre-1960s Cuban tobacco. Subtle hints of white pepper may dance on the retrohale, but the primary sensation is one of smooth, creamy smoke that coats the palate without overwhelming it.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the heart of the Coronas, the flavors deepen and settle into a rhythmic complexity. The earthy undertones become more pronounced, reminiscent of a damp forest floor or aged parchment. The leather notes, which are a hallmark of the Siboney blend, transition from a soft suede to a more robust, rich hide flavor. During this stage, a faint sweetness often emerges—think of dark cocoa or dried stone fruits—providing a perfect counterbalance to the woody core of the cigar. The construction remains impeccable, with the slender ring gauge ensuring a concentrated delivery of these ancient flavors.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Siboney Coronas reaches its peak intensity, though it never loses its medium-bodied composure. The cedar notes turn slightly more resinous, and the earthiness takes on a mineral quality that is highly prized in aged Habanos. The finish is remarkably clean; even after 60 years, the tobacco lacks any bitterness, instead offering a warm, honeyed nuttiness. The smoke remains cool, a testament to the quality of the original long-filler fermentation and the expert rolling techniques employed over half a century ago.
Finish
The finish of the Siboney Coronas is lingering and nostalgic. It leaves a refined aftertaste of aged tobacco and sweet spice that stays with the smoker long after the cigar has been put down. It is a “clean” finish, devoid of the heavy oils found in younger cigars, reflecting the complete transformation of the tobacco leaves over decades of careful humidor aging.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Aged Cedar, Vintage Leather, Damp Earth |
| Secondary Notes | White Pepper, Dried Flowers, Dark Cocoa |
| Tertiary Notes | Toasted Walnuts, Honey, Mineral Salts |
| Finish | Clean, Woody, Slightly Sweet |
| Aroma | Classic Pre-Revolutionary Cuban Musky Bouquet |
Aging and Collector Value
The Siboney Coronas is the definition of a “collector’s cigar.” Having already undergone over 60 years of maturation, these cigars have reached a level of enzymatic complexity that is impossible to find in contemporary releases. The aging process has stripped away the volatile oils and harsh tannins of the youth, leaving behind a pure, distilled expression of the Vuelta Abajo terroir. For the investor, these cigars represent a diminishing asset; as each one is smoked, the remaining population becomes more valuable.
Optimal storage is critical for a cigar of this age. We recommend maintaining a strictly controlled environment with a Relative Humidity (RH) of 65-67% and a temperature of 65-68°F (18-20°C). Because the wrappers on vintage Siboneys can be fragile, it is vital to minimize handling and protect them from sudden changes in climate. When stored correctly, these cigars can continue to hold their peak flavor profile for another 5 to 10 years, though they are currently in their “golden window” for consumption. They should be kept in their original cedar dress boxes to preserve the aromatic integrity of the wood-to-tobacco marriage that has existed since the 1950s.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Havana Club 7 Años | The quintessential pairing; the rum’s molasses and vanilla notes amplify the cigar’s aged cedar. |
| Islay Single Malt (Peated) | The smoky, medicinal quality of the whiskey provides a bold contrast to the Siboney’s earthy sweetness. |
| Hennessy XO Cognac | The rich, leathery depth of a high-end cognac mirrors the cigar’s own secondary flavor characteristics. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the creamy smoke, highlighting the toasted nut notes. |
| Vintage Port | The dark fruit and fortified sweetness of the Port complement the mineral finish of the final third. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of rare vintage Habanos, authenticity is the cornerstone of value. We take exhaustive measures to ensure that every Siboney Coronas in our humidor is a genuine relic of the 1950s. Our procurement process involves rigorous physical inspection and provenance mapping.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – While modern seals were introduced later, we verify the period-accurate tax stamps and labels that were standard for the 1950s and 60s.
- Box Code Verification – We inspect the factory stamps and date codes (often found on the bottom of the dress box) to ensure they align with historical Habanos S.A. records.
- Factory Stamp – Each box is checked for the “Hecho en Cuba” and “Totalmente a Mano” stamps, verifying its handmade origin in Havana.
- Triple Cap – Our experts inspect the construction of the head; a genuine Siboney features the traditional Cuban triple cap, expertly applied even on slender vitolas.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or expert appraisal, we provide a full refund. We have been the trusted source for vintage Cuban collectors since 2015, maintaining an impeccable reputation for quality and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Siboney Coronas still in production today?
No, the Siboney Coronas was discontinued in the early 1960s. It is considered a “dead marca,” meaning the brand no longer exists in the current Habanos S.A. portfolio. Any original Siboney Coronas you find today is a vintage item from the 1950s or very early 1960s, making it a rare collector’s piece.
What is the difference between the original Siboney and the 2014 Flor de Cano Siboney?
The original Siboney was a standalone brand from the pre-revolutionary era. The 2014 Flor de Cano Siboney was a Regional Edition produced specifically for the Canadian market. While the 2014 release pays homage to the heritage of the Siboney name, it uses a different blend and is a modern production, whereas the original Coronas features 60-year-old aged tobacco.
How long does it take to smoke a Siboney Coronas Tip No. 1?
Because of its slender ring gauge (41) and length (120mm), the Siboney Coronas No. 1 typically offers a 20 to 30-minute smoking experience. It is designed for moments of refined indulgence where quality is prioritized over duration.
Can a cigar this old still be smoked?
Absolutely. If a Siboney Coronas has been kept in a humidity-controlled environment since its production, it will not only be smokable but will offer a unique, mellowed flavor profile that is unattainable in younger cigars. The key is ensuring the wrapper has not become too brittle and that the oils have been preserved through proper storage.
