For devotees of Cuban tobacco craftsmanship, few releases embody the spirit of a bygone era quite like the Bolívar Las Tres Coronas Selección. This exceptional offering from one of Havana's most storied factories delivered a curated journey through three distinct corona sizes, each one a testament to the bold, full-flavored character that has made the Bolívar name synonymous with robust excellence since the brand's inception. Spanning several decades of production, this special selection has become a prized find for collectors seeking authentic pieces of Cuban cigar heritage.
The Three Crowns Collection
True to its name, which translates from Spanish as "The Three Crowns Selection," this release assembled three corona formats into a single, thoughtfully composed presentation. Each vitola within the collection adhered to the traditional 42 ring gauge that has long defined classic Cuban construction, while varying in length to accommodate different smoking durations and intensity preferences. This deliberate approach allowed enthusiasts to experience the brand's signature full-bodied profile across multiple formats, from a quick morning smoke to an extended evening indulgence.
The collection featured the Coronas, measuring 142 millimeters with a weight of 9.29 grams, offering a substantial smoking experience that showcased the Bolívar house style in its most traditional form. Complementing this flagship size was the Coronas Junior, a more compact 110-millimeter vitola weighing 7.46 grams, perfect for those seeking a concentrated flavor burst without the time commitment. The third member of this distinguished trio, the Petit Coronas, measured 129 millimeters and weighed 8.46 grams, striking a balance between its siblings and providing versatility for various occasions.
Craftsmanship and Packaging
Each cigar bearing the Las Tres Coronas Selección label was crafted entirely by hand, a practice that distinguishes premium Cuban cigars from mass-produced alternatives. The artisans responsible for these cigars followed time-honored techniques passed down through generations, ensuring that every draw delivered the rich, complex smoke that seasoned smokers have come to expect from the Bolívar marque.
The presentation reflected the collection's premium status through its boîte nature packaging—a natural wood box design that permitted proper air circulation while allowing the cigars to mature gracefully over time. With 50 cigars housed in each box, collectors acquired not merely individual smokes but an entire ecosystem for aging and appreciating these Cuban treasures. The cigars featured Bolívar's iconic band A, the classic identification that instantly signals authenticity and heritage to knowledgeable enthusiasts.
Historical Context and Legacy
The Las Tres Coronas Selección traces its origins to the pre-1960 period, placing it among the earlier expressions within the Bolívar portfolio. During its production run, which continued until the mid-1980s, the selection served as an accessible entry point for smokers seeking to explore the brand's diverse corona offerings within a single purchase. Its discontinuation marked the end of an era, as changing market preferences and manufacturing considerations prompted the house to streamline its offerings.
Today, surviving boxes of this selection command significant attention in collector circles, representing genuine artifacts of Cuban cigar history. These preserved specimens offer modern enthusiasts a window into historical blending and construction techniques, while their scarcity ensures their continued appreciation among those who recognize their significance. The enduring appeal of the Las Tres Coronas Selección speaks to both its smoking qualities and its role as a tangible connection to a particular chapter of Havana's legendary tobacco tradition.
Related Bolívar Releases
For those drawn to explore further, the Bolívar brand offers numerous other corona expressions worth discovering. The Coronas Junior appears in contemporary lineups including the Siglo XXI and Millennium Humidor series, representing the house's evolution while maintaining its characteristic strength. Similarly, the Petit Coronas format continues through various special releases and regular production runs, ensuring that smokers today can experience the vitola that helped define the Bolívar legacy. These related releases demonstrate how the traditions established by earlier selections continue to influence the brand's modern offerings, bridging past excellence with present-day appreciation.
