Within the secretive echelons of premium tobacco collecting, few artifacts generate as much hushed reverence as a sealed jar of H. Upmann Cristales. These cigars are not merely remnants of a bygone era; they are phantoms of the industry, representing a standard of craftsmanship that has largely faded into history. For the dedicated aficionado, stumbling upon a genuine jar of these discontinued gems is akin to discovering a time capsule, offering a rare glimpse into the flavor profiles of pre-1990s Cuba.
The Profile of the 'Cosacos'
To understand the allure of the Cristales, one must first look at the physical attributes defined by its factory nomenclature. Known internally as the "Cosacos," this vitola offered a smoking experience grounded in tradition. It was never intended to be a novelty; rather, it was a standard-bearer for the brand's elegant profile.
The dimensions of this cigar speak to a time when smokers prioritized finesse over brute strength. With a ring gauge of 42 and a length of 135 mm (approximately 5⅜ inches), the Cristales provided an ideal balance between burn time and flavor development. It was a format that demanded patience, allowing the complex nuances of the H. Upmann blend to unfold gradually over the course of roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
- Factory Name: Cosacos
- Dimensions: 135 mm (Length) x 42 (Ring Gauge)
- Official Weight: 8.84 g
- Construction: Totally handmade
Weighing in at a precise 8.84 grams, the construction was consistently impeccable during its production years. It featured the standard branding expected of the house, yet it was the shape and feel of the cigar in hand that truly set it apart from contemporaries.
A Legacy Frozen in Time
The history of the Cristales stretches back to a vibrant period in Cuban tobacco production, originating well before the political shifts of the 1960s. For decades, this cigar was a fixture in the regular production lineup, a reliable companion for smokers who appreciated the medium-bodied, creamy notes characteristic of H. Upmann. However, nothing lasts forever, and the early 1990s brought significant upheaval to the Cuban cigar industry.
It was during this turbulent decade that the Cristales was removed from regular production. The discontinuation was not merely a catalog adjustment; it signaled the end of a specific style of presentation. Today, the surviving examples are treated with a reverence reserved for museum pieces. Because they have not been produced for decades, finding a specimen in smokeable condition is a monumental challenge, making them a high-value target for secondary market hunters.
The Iconic Glass Vessel
Presentation and Preservation
What truly separated the Cristales from the myriad other cigars of its time was its distinctive packaging. While most premium cigars were sold in wooden slide-lid boxes or cardboard cabinets, the Cristales was housed in elegant glass jars. This method of presentation was both visually striking and functionally superior for long-term storage.
These vessels were originally offered in two distinct capacities to suit different buyer needs:
- The 25-Count Jar: A more compact option for the casual smoker or those wishing to sample the blend without a heavy investment.
- The 50-Count Jar: A substantial repository for the serious connoisseur, often becoming a centerpiece in a private collection.
The use of glass provided an airtight environment that differed significantly from the breathability of cedar boxes. For collectors today, these jars are the "Holy Grail" of storage. If the seal has remained intact over the decades, the cigars inside can retain a level of humidity and freshness that is nearly impossible to replicate in modern storage. However, finding an original jar with an unbroken seal is an increasingly difficult feat, as time and handling have claimed many of the survivors.
The Modern Pursuit
In the contemporary market, the H. Upmann Cristales has transcended its status as a consumable product to become a collectible asset. The secondary market is rife with challenges, as the scarcity of the jars has led to a premium on price. For those lucky enough to acquire one, the decision often lies between preserving the jar as a historical artifact or opening it to taste a piece of history. Either way, the Cristales remains a definitive symbol of Cuban tobacco heritage, representing a level of quality and presentation that defined an era.
