When the late‑1960s rolled around, Cuban cigar makers were already well into an era of bold experimentation with size and flavor. Among the quietly confident releases of that time, the Juan López Epicures stands out as a testament to the brand’s early identity—a slim, hand‑crafted vitola that slipped out of production before the 1970s ended, leaving a handful of aged sticks that now attract serious collector interest.
Origins and Era
The Juan López name traces its roots to the 1870s, a period when a handful of family‑run firms were laying the groundwork for what would become a globally recognized brand. The Epicures, known internally as Media Coronas, arrived on the market sometime before 1960, coinciding with a wave of modernization in Havana’s factories. For roughly two decades, it occupied a steady spot in the brand’s regular catalogue, catering to smokers who preferred a moderate, classic‑shaped smoke rather than the increasingly popular thick gauges that would dominate later decades.
Technical Specifications
Below is a concise breakdown of the vitola’s key measurements and production details:
- Vitola Name: Epicures
- Factory Designation: Media Coronas
- Ring Gauge: 38
- Length: 142 mm (5 ⅝ inches)
- Official Weight: 7.27 g
- Construction: Fully handmade
- Band Style: Standard A – the classic Juan López strip
- Packaging: Dress box containing 25 cigars
- Status: Discontinued
- Release Window: Pre‑1960
- End of Production: 1970s
Construction and Presentation
As a fully handmade offering, the Epicures benefited from the meticulous roller techniques that defined pre‑industrial Cuban cigars. The slender 38‑ring profile delivered a leisurely smoke, while the 5 ⅝‑inch length ensured a comfortable burn that allowed the nuanced, medium‑bodied flavors to unfold gradually. The standard A band—adorned with the brand’s timeless emblem—signaled authenticity and consistency, echoing the visual language found on other Juan López vitolas of the era. Each box shipped 25 individual cigars, presented in the elegant dress‑box style that was standard for premium releases at the time.
Collectibility and Market Appeal
Since its discontinuation in the 1970s, the Epicures has quietly risen in the ranks of sought‑after vintage Habanos. Its limited production run—approximately twenty years—means that surviving examples are comparatively scarce, especially when stored in optimal conditions. Collectors prize the vitola not only for its rarity but also for the insight it provides into mid‑20th‑century taste preferences: a time when moderate ring gauges and classic proportions were the norm rather than the exception. Today, a well‑preserved box of Juan López Epicures can command a premium, and single sticks in pristine condition are considered valuable additions to any serious humidor. The cigar’s history, coupled with its distinctive dimensions, makes it a compelling piece for those looking to own a slice of Cuban cigar heritage.
