Among the pantheon of rare Cuban smokes that have captured the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide, the Por Larrañaga Fox Selección No.119 stands out as a true treasure from tobacco's golden era. Commissioned exclusively for the prestigious J. J. Fox tobacconist, this handcrafted masterpiece embodies everything that made mid-century Cuban cigars legendary. Though production ceased decades ago, the No.119 continues to command attention from serious collectors seeking authentic pieces of cigar heritage.
The Origins of a Legendary Smoke
The story of this exceptional vitola begins long before many contemporary collectors were born. The Por Larrañaga Fox Selección No.119 was first introduced to the market before 1960, a time when Cuban tobacco craftsmen were producing some of the finest cigars the world had ever witnessed. This particular release was specifically created for J. J. Fox, one of the most respected names in the luxury tobacco trade, as part of their exclusive limited-production program.
Following the revolutionary changes that swept across Cuba, the cigar remained in continuous production throughout the subsequent decades. However, like many specialty items that catered to niche markets, the No.119 eventually fell victim to shifting commercial priorities. By the 1980s, Habanos S.A. made the decision to discontinue this particular production, marking the end of an era for this distinctive offering. Today, surviving examples represent authentic artifacts from one of the most transformative periods in Cuban tobacco history.
Construction and Technical Profile
The Fox Selección No.119 showcases the meticulous handcraftsmanship that characterized traditional Cuban cigar factories. Each specimen was entirely handmade, reflecting the skill and dedication of Cuba's master torcedores who devoted their lives to the art of premium tobacco production. At the factory, this particular vitola was known by the simple designation "Coronas," a format that had long been favored by connoisseurs who appreciated its balanced proportions.
- Ring gauge: 42
- Length: 142 millimeters (5⅝ inches)
- Official weight: 9.29 grams
- Construction: Exclusively handmade
- Presentation: No decorative band
One distinctive characteristic of this cigar was its unadorned appearance. Unlike many premium offerings that featured elaborate bands and decorative elements, the No.119 arrived without any ornamental band. This minimalist approach reflected a particular aesthetic sensibility prevalent during the mid-century period, when the quality of the smoke itself was considered sufficient presentation. The cigars were shipped in traditional cedar cajónes, with each box containing 100 units, though finding surviving examples in their original packaging has become extraordinarily uncommon.
The Collector Appeal
For serious collectors, the Por Larrañaga Fox Selección No.119 represents far more than a smoking experience. It serves as a tangible connection to an era when Cuban cigar production represented the absolute pinnacle of tobacco craftsmanship. The exclusivity factor cannot be overstated, as this was never a mass-market product available to the general public. Instead, it was a carefully curated offering designed specifically for the discerning clientele of one of the world's premier tobacconists.
The historical significance of this cigar cannot be overlooked. Spanning the transition from pre-revolutionary luxury to the state-controlled production that followed, the No.119 captures a unique moment in time. Its discontinuation during the 1980s means that no new specimens will ever enter circulation, making existing inventory the only source for acquisition. This fundamental scarcity ensures that demand will continue to outpace supply for the foreseeable future.
Acquisition Considerations
Prospective collectors should understand that vintage examples of the Fox Selección No.119 require careful authentication. As with many discontinued Cuban cigars, the market contains replicas and misidentified specimens. When evaluating potential acquisitions, it is essential to verify provenance and condition. Documented measurements indicate the standard dimensions as 142 millimeters in length with a 42 ring gauge, though minor variations may exist among surviving pieces due to the handmade nature of production and the effects of aging.
Storage conditions play a critical role in preserving these aged treasures. Proper humidity control and temperature management will ensure that any acquired specimens maintain their quality for future enjoyment. Given the rarity and historical importance of this particular release, many collectors choose to preserve their acquisitions rather than smoke them, viewing them as investment pieces and cultural artifacts rather than consumable products.