For the seasoned connoisseur, the discontinuation of a longstanding Cuban vitola often feels like losing an old friend. Such is the case with the El Rey del Mundo Petit Coronas, a cigar that stood as a pillar of the brand’s portfolio for decades. While the name "King of the World" suggests a smoke of grandiose proportions, this particular release was beloved for its modesty and refinement. Removed from production in 2012, this cigar has transitioned from a readily available daily smoke to a sought-after artifact, representing a bygone era of Cuban cigar manufacturing.
A Half-Century of Heritage
The history of the Petit Coronas stretches back to an era preceding the 1960s, cementing its status as one of the elder statesmen within the El Rey del Mundo catalog. For over fifty years, this cigar weathered the storms of the industry, maintaining a consistent presence in regular production while other formats fell by the wayside. Its longevity is a testament to the smoke's widespread appeal; it delivered the brand's trademark elegance in a format that was neither too brief nor overly demanding of the smoker's time. The decision by Habanos S.A. to cease production in 2012 marked the conclusion of a significant chapter, forcing enthusiasts to look toward the secondary market to secure a taste of this classic.
Technical Specifications and Format
At the heart of this cigar lies the Marevas factory name, a designation familiar to aficionados as the standard for Petit Coronas. This format strikes a harmonious balance, offering a substantial smoking experience without the time commitment required for larger vitolas. The technical construction reveals a handcrafted product designed for even combustion and draw.
- Vitola: Marevas (Petit Coronas)
- Dimensions: 129 mm (5 1/8 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 42.
- Weight: Officially recorded at 8.46 grams.
This size has long been celebrated for offering the ideal ratio of wrapper to filler, allowing the nuanced flavors of the blend to shine through without being overpowered by volume.
Packaging Evolution and Presentation
Over its extensive production run, the packaging of the El Rey del Mundo Petit Coronas underwent several transformations, creating a diverse landscape for collectors to navigate. The most common presentation featured standard dress boxes containing 25 cigars. These boxes prominently displayed the brand's classic "Standard band A" design, identified by collectors as the B25s band, adding a touch of regal color to the presentation.
However, purists often sought out the slide lid boxes (SLBs), which presented the cigars in a more traditional, understated manner. Interestingly, cigars housed in these SLBs were frequently unbanded, allowing the natural beauty of the wrapper leaf to take center stage. This variation in banding—dressed versus undressed—adds a layer of complexity for those hunting down specific production years.
Discontinued Packaging Formats
The availability of specific box configurations narrowed over time, with several formats disappearing long before the vitola itself was retired. Collectors should note the following timeline for various presentations:
- Dress Box of 25: The final standard format, available until the vitola's discontinuation in 2012.
- Slide Lid Box of 50: A larger, traditional option that was phased out around 2003.
- Dress Box of 25 (Cellophane): An earlier variation where cigars were wrapped in cellophane, discontinued prior to the year 2000.
- Slide Lid Box of 25: Another pre-2000 casualty.
- Humidor of 100: A special presentation format that has not been seen since before the millennium.
The Collector's Landscape
Since 2012, the El Rey del Mundo Petit Coronas has ascended from a staple of humidors to a collectible item. While the Marevas format is still utilized by other brands within the Habanos portfolio, the specific flavor profile and construction of this El Rey del Mundo release are now consigned to history. Because the production run was so extensive, vintage boxes from various decades can still be located, though prices have inevitably risen. The cigars available today have benefited from considerable aging, offering a smoking experience that is markedly different from fresh production. For the dedicated collector, securing a box is not merely about acquiring tobacco; it is about preserving a tangible piece of Cuban cigar royalty.
