In the rich tapestry of Cuban cigar heritage, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of the Don Cándido Selección No.506. This remarkable smoke, which graced the shelves of tobacconists for roughly fourteen years, has since become a sought-after treasure among serious collectors. Its journey from production staple to discontinued rarity offers a fascinating window into the evolution of Habanos and the shifting preferences of cigar aficionados throughout the decades.
The Birth of a Cuban Classic
The late 1960s marked a pivotal moment for Cuba's tobacco industry. The revolutionary government had spent years reorganizing the nation's cigar production, bringing disparate manufacturers under state control while attempting to maintain the quality standards that had made Cuban cigars legendary worldwide. It was during this period of transformation and consolidation that the Selección No.506 made its debut.
The Don Cándido brand itself carried weight in the Cuban marketplace. Named after one of the most influential figures in tobacco cultivation, the marque represented a bridge between the pre-revolution private enterprise era and the new state-controlled production model. The Selección No.506 quickly established itself as a cornerstone offering within this brand's portfolio, demonstrating that quality craftsmanship could endure even amid dramatic industry changes.
Dimensions and Smoking Experience
A Substantial Vitola
What immediately distinguished the Selección No.506 was its impressive physical presence. Crafted in the Coronas Gordas format, this cigar commanded attention with its generous proportions. Measuring 143 millimeters—or approximately five and five-eighths inches—in length, paired with a 46 ring gauge, the vitola offered enthusiasts a substantial smoking experience that could easily occupy an hour or more of contemplative pleasure.
The factory designated this particular format as Coronas Gordas, a classification that places the cigar comfortably within what modern smokers might recognize as the robusto extra category. This sizing represents something of a sweet spot for many enthusiasts: substantial enough to deliver complexity and development throughout the smoke, yet not so large as to become unwieldy or excessively time-consuming.
Weight and Construction Quality
Each Selección No.506 rolled off the bench with an official weight specification of 11.41 grams. This figure speaks volumes about the density and quality of construction that characterized Cuban cigars of this era. The hand-rolled nature of each piece meant that skilled torcedores carefully layered filler tobaccos to achieve optimal draw and burn characteristics while maintaining structural integrity throughout the smoking experience.
The weight also hints at the generous filler quantities packed into each cigar. Unlike some modern machine-made or budget offerings that might feel light or spongy, the Selección No.506 embodied the substantial, firmly-rolled construction that serious smokers have come to expect from premium Cuban productions.
Presentation and Packaging Options
Habanos offered the Selección No.506 in two distinct packaging configurations, each catering to different purchasing preferences and collecting habits:
- Semi boîte nature boxes – These distinctive containers held 25 cigars and featured the classic semi-flat presentation that many collectors prize for their aesthetic appeal and relatively compact footprint on storage shelves.
- Slide lid boxes – The larger format accommodated 50 cigars within a traditional slide-top design, offering better value for frequent smokers and creating an impressive display piece for humidors.
Both packaging styles featured the standard band A design that identified Don Cándido products during this production period. The visual consistency helped establish brand recognition and allowed smokers to quickly identify their preferred smoke from a crowded humidor selection.
The End of an Era
After approximately fourteen years of regular production, the Selección No.506 reached the end of its commercial journey in 1982. The decision to discontinue this particular vitola reflected broader strategic shifts within the Cuban tobacco industry. As consumer preferences evolved and production priorities realigned, certain established offerings inevitably made way for new additions to the Habanos catalog.
The discontinuation transformed what had been a readily available production cigar into something far more exclusive. Today, finding authentic examples of the Selección No.506 represents a significant challenge for collectors. Those fortunate enough to locate well-preserved specimens must contend with the inevitable effects of age on tobacco, though many enthusiasts argue that proper storage conditions can yield extraordinary smoking experiences from these decades-old treasures.
The legacy of the Don Cándido Selección No.506 extends beyond its physical characteristics. It serves as a tangible reminder of a specific moment in Cuban cigar history—a time when the industry was finding its footing in a transformed political and economic landscape while striving to maintain the standards that had earned Cuban tobacco its global reputation. For modern collectors and enthusiasts, understanding this cigar means understanding an essential chapter in the broader story of Habanos.