Among the constellation of Cuban cigars that have faded into legend, the Don Cándido Selección No.505 occupies a unique position—a smoke that bridged tradition and modernity during one of the most dynamic periods in Cuba's tobacco heritage. This slender petit corona offered smokers a distinctive experience that has now become a prized artifact for collectors seeking to understand how Cuban cigar makers approached blending and construction in the late twentieth century.
The Era of Creation
The late 1960s represented a transformative moment for Cuba's cigar industry. Following the revolution, tobacco producers were establishing new protocols for cultivation, curing, and rolling that would define Cuban cigars for generations. It was within this context that the Selección No.505 first appeared on store shelves, representing the Don Cándido marca's attempt to capture smokers who appreciated elegance over power.
Manufacturing continued uninterrupted until 1982, giving this vitola roughly fifteen years of commercial availability. While some cigars achieve decades of production, the Selección No.505's relatively brief lifespan has contributed to its mystique. Surviving boxes have become treasured possessions among those who appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Technical Specifications
Factory records identify this vitola internally as the "Entreactos," a designation that hints at its intended role as an intermezzo—a cigar meant for moments of reflection rather than extended contemplation. The proportions embodied the aesthetic preferences of its time, featuring a 30-ring gauge and a 100mm length that translated to approximately 3⅞ inches.
These dimensions placed the Selección No.505 firmly in the petit corona category, though its specific measurements distinguish it from more common formats. The official weight of 3.27 grams reflects the lightweight construction that characterized many Cuban smokes from this period. As a fully handmade product, each stick represented the skill of torcedors who assembled the filler, binder, and wrapper through traditional methods passed down through generations.
Presentation and Distribution
Don Cándido dressed this vitola with the standard band A designation, maintaining visual consistency with other releases under the marca. The packaging approach utilized semi boîte nature boxes holding twenty-five cigars—a middle ground between the elaborate presentations of premium brands and the utilitarian packaging common among everyday smokes.
This presentation strategy balanced sophistication with practicality, allowing retailers to display the cigars attractively while ensuring adequate protection during transport. The semi boîte format, featuring wooden frames with sliding lids, became synonymous with Cuban cigar presentation during this era and remains highly valued by collectors today.
Modern Availability and Legacy
Those seeking to experience the Selección No.505 today must navigate the secondary market, where pricing varies dramatically based on storage conditions, box integrity, and provenance documentation. The cigars have now aged for four decades or more since production ceased, transforming them from everyday smokes into historical artifacts requiring careful handling.
The Sélection No.505 stands as a testament to a specific chapter in Cuban cigar manufacturing—one defined by experimentation and refinement following the political upheavals of the 1950s. For enthusiasts researching the evolution of Cuban tobacco traditions, this vitola offers valuable insights into how manufacturers balanced consistency with innovation.
Understanding the broader Don Cándido catalog provides essential context for appreciating this particular release. The Selección No.505 was not an isolated creation but rather one expression within a larger portfolio that included various sizes and strengths. Exploring these related offerings illuminates the brand's overall philosophy and the diverse preferences it attempted to satisfy during its years of operation.