For the discerning aficionado, the name Bolívar evokes images of rich, full-bodied smoke and a storied history that defines the golden age of Havana. Among the brand's most treasured artifacts is the Bolívar Tubos Selección, a special release that offers a window into the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Emerging from the pre-revolutionary period, this collection remained a staple of Cuban cigar catalogs until its eventual retirement in the 1980s. Today, finding an intact box is akin to discovering a time capsule, representing a level of artistry and tobacco blending that has become increasingly rare in the modern market.
The History Behind the Release
The Bolívar Tubos Selección is significant not just for its contents, but for its longevity. Launched prior to 1960, the line bridged the gap between the pre-embargo golden age and the subsequent decades of transformation within the Cuban cigar industry. Its production run, which spanned nearly three decades, serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the brand's robust flavor profile. However, all good things must come to an end; the line was eventually discontinued during the 1980s, transforming these cigars from standard shelf items into highly sought-after collector's pieces. Surviving examples are now viewed as museum-quality artifacts, preserving the legacy of Cuban cigar making at its finest.
A Trio of Sizes and Specifications
What set the Selección apart was its curation of three distinct sizes, or vitolas, all presented within protective aluminium casings. This format allowed smokers to enjoy a variety of smoking experiences under a single brand banner. The collection included a range of dimensions, catering to different preferences for length and ring gauge.
- Bolívar Tubos No.1: As the largest offering in the lineup, this cigar measures 142 mm (5⅝″) in length with a ring gauge of 42. Known by its factory name Coronas, it weighs in at 9.29 grams, offering a substantial smoke for the seasoned palate.
- Bolívar Tubos No.2: Slightly shorter but maintaining the classic 42 ring gauge, this size stands at 129 mm (5⅛″). Referred to internally as Marevas, it weighs approximately 8.46 grams, providing a slightly more concise smoking session than its larger counterpart.
- Bolívar Tubos No.3: The most slender of the group, this vitola features a ring gauge of 34 and a length of 125 mm (4⅞″). With the factory name Placeras and an official weight of 5.27 grams, this size offers a more delicate and focused flavor profile.
Presentation and Packaging
Beyond the tobacco itself, the presentation of the Bolívar Tubos Selección was designed with preservation and aesthetics in mind. Each cigar was hand-rolled and housed in a standard aluminium tube, ensuring the delicate wrapper leaves remained protected from humidity fluctuations and physical damage. The tubes were adorned with the brand's standard band, maintaining the iconic Bolívar imagery associated with the house. These tubed cigars were then arranged in a "dress box"—a decorative packaging style—containing a total of 30 units. This specific configuration of 30 cigars, divided among the three sizes, made the Selección a convenient and attractive purchase for consumers of the era.
Legacy and Collectibility
In the contemporary cigar market, the Bolívar Tubos Selección has achieved a status that few other releases can claim. As these cigars have not been produced since the 1980s, they represent a finite resource. Collectors prize them not only for their age-worthiness but also for the distinct flavor development that occurs in well-preserved vintage Cuban tobacco. The influence of this line persists, with the No.1 size famously reappearing in the Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor release, a nod to the enduring design and popularity of the original format. For those lucky enough to encounter a surviving box, the Selección remains a definitive example of historic Cuban cigar culture.
