The Cuban Dunhill Estupendos is not just a cigar but a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and the rich history of cigar-making. This rare and coveted Churchill, recently auctioned by C.Gars Ltd for an astonishing £1,100 (about $1,525), is a testament to the legacy of the Dunhill brand in the world of premium cigars.
The journey of Dunhill cigars began with Alfred Dunhill Ltd’s ventures into the Cuban cigar market. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dunhill reintroduced Cuban-made cigars to European markets with brands like Don Alfredo and Flor del Punto. The Dunhill “Selección Suprema” was a hallmark of their offering, showcasing a meticulous selection process that ensured only the most superior products from leading Havana makers were chosen. This selection process took place in Cuba, where Dunhill’s agents handpicked the finest cigars of each brand to be part of their exclusive range.
Dunhill also created exclusive Cuban brands like Don Candido, which many considered the ultimate Dunhill cigar. The Don Alfredo and Flor del Punto series followed, further establishing Dunhill’s reputation for luxurious cigars.
However, the brand faced challenges in the 1980s. Dunhill produced cigars at various factories during this period, including the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Romeo y Julieta. The Estupendos, one of the most revered vitolas, was distinguished by its aluminum tube packaging and sold in boxes of 10. Despite the acclaim, the relationship between Dunhill and the Cuban government, which sought complete control over cigar production, began to deteriorate, culminating in the end of Dunhill’s Cuban cigar production in 1991.
The decline of Dunhill’s involvement in the cigar industry was marked by its acquisition by the Swiss group Richemont and the subsequent sale of the Dunhill tobacco trademark to British American Tobacco (BAT). As BAT shifted its focus away from cigars, the production eventually ceased, marking the end of an era for the Cuban Dunhill, including the revered Estupendos.
Today, the legacy of Dunhill, particularly the Cuban Dunhill Estupendos, lives on among collectors and aficionados. Its rarity and the high prices it commands at auctions reflect not just the quality of the cigar but also its historical significance as a symbol of the golden era of Cuban cigar-making.
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