When a cigar can tell a story that stretches across decades of political upheaval, cultural transformation, and evolving taste, it becomes more than a smoking experience—it becomes a piece of history. The H. Upmann Petit Palatinos is exactly that kind of relic. Debuting before the Cuban revolution and surviving well into the post‑revolution era, this petite hand‑made vitola lingered on the shelves until the early 1980s, leaving behind a modest yet fascinating footprint in the brand’s catalog. For modern collectors, the few surviving specimens serve as tangible links to a time when Cuban cigar production was shaped by both tradition and the winds of change.
Historical Roots
The origins of the Petit Palatinos trace back to the mid‑twentieth century, well before 1960, when H. Upmann’s portfolio was still expanding under private ownership. After the 1959 revolution, many Cuban cigar makers faced nationalization, yet the Petit Palatinos managed to remain in production throughout the subsequent decades. Its lifespan of more than twenty years allowed it to witness the transition from private factories to state‑run operations, making it a silent witness to the shift in Cuba’s tobacco landscape. The cigar was eventually discontinued in the early 1980s, concluding a chapter that began before the world knew the term “cold war.”
Technical Specifications
Measuring a compact 115 mm (approximately 4½ inches) with a 36‑ring gauge, the Petit Palatinos falls squarely into the small‑format category, perfect for a quick yet flavorful smoke. Despite its modest size, the cigar is fully handmade, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of the era’s Cuban factories.
- Length: 115 mm (4½ inches)
- Ring Gauge: 36
- Weight: 5.43 g
- Factory Designation: Cadetes
- Band Styles: Standard H. Upmann bands A and B
The factory code “Cadetes” identifies this particular vitola within the broader production hierarchy, a designation that collectors often look for when cataloguing vintage releases.
Packaging and Presentation
Originally shipped in the brand’s classic dress boxes, each containing 25 cigars, the Petit Palatinos arrived individually wrapped in cellophane. This packaging method was standard for the period, serving both as a protective barrier against humidity fluctuations and as a visual cue of the cigar’s premium status. The dress box itself, typically adorned with the brand’s iconic gold lettering and emblem, reinforced the sense of occasion associated with opening a fresh bundle. Collectors note that the presence of the original cellophane and intact labeling can significantly enhance the specimen’s value on the secondary market.
Collectibility and Modern Relevance
Because production ceased over three decades ago, the Petit Palatinos has become a sought‑after item in auction houses and specialty tobacconists. Its historical role as a bridge between pre‑revolutionary luxury and the post‑revolutionary state‑run industry gives it a symbolic weight beyond its flavor profile. While modern smokers may not experience the exact taste that early aficionados enjoyed—aging and storage conditions can dramatically alter a cigar’s character—the mere act of lighting one of these relics offers a sensory voyage back in time. For collectors, proper storage is essential: maintaining a relative humidity of 68‑72 % and a temperature near 70 °F (21 °C) helps preserve the fragile wrapper and prevents the delicate oils from drying out. When sourced from reputable dealers, a well‑preserved Petit Palatinos can command a premium, reflecting both its scarcity and its narrative appeal.
