El Rey del Mundo Grandes De Espana
A forgotten giant.
Among Cuba’s oldest cigar houses, El Rey del Mundo occupies a place of quiet distinction and enigmatic origins. Though officially recognized as a pre-revolution brand established in 1882, historical sources suggest that its true inception may reach further back to 1848, when Emilio Ohmstedt, a German national, is believed to have created the brand alongside Sancho Panza. The more widely accepted account credits Antonio Allones, a seasoned cigar entrepreneur, with formally founding El Rey del Mundo in 1882, aiming to establish a line of premium cigars after decades of experience in the industry.
By the turn of the 20th century, El Rey del Mundo had gained international acclaim, with its reputation bolstered by legendary figures like Zino Davidoff, who championed its finesse and elegance. The brand became synonymous with Cuban craftsmanship of the highest order, utilizing Vuelta Abajo tobacco—the finest leaf grown in Cuba.
Today, El Rey del Mundo is classified by Habanos S.A. as a niche brand offering a limited regular production. Its current portfolio includes only two vitolas: the Choix Suprême (Hermosos No.4 – 48 × 127 mm) and the Demi Tasse (Entreactos – 30 × 100 mm). However, this streamlined lineup contrasts sharply with its pre-revolution heyday, when the brand boasted a rich vitolario of 17 regular formats, spanning an impressive array of sizes and profiles.
Despite its reduced global visibility today—overshadowed by the popularity of more robust blends—El Rey del Mundo continues to hold a special place among discerning aficionados. Its cigars are known for their light to medium strength and nuanced character, making them ideal for moments of quiet reflection and refined enjoyment.
One of the most captivating expressions in El Rey del Mundo’s historic portfolio is the Grandes de España. Rolled in the rare and elegant Delicados size (38 × 192 mm), this long and slender cigar offered an exceptional smoking experience marked by finesse and subtlety.
Believed to have been released prior to 1960, the Grandes de España remained in production until it was officially discontinued in 2010. Its long format and refined construction reflected a bygone era of cigar design—an era where elegance and restraint were paramount.
Rolled with premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco, the Grandes de España delivered a sophisticated blend, tailored for connoisseurs who appreciated complexity without overpowering strength. Its graceful proportions made it a rare treasure, now highly sought after by collectors and vintage cigar enthusiasts.
Though no longer in production, the El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España endures as a testament to the golden age of Cuban cigar making. Like a forgotten masterpiece rediscovered in a gallery, it reminds us of the artistry and tradition that once defined the pinnacle of cigar culture.
El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España — a forgotten giant, remembered by those who still value elegance over extravagance.
> Discover more about the history of the El Rey Del Mundo brand.
EL REY DEL MUNDO Grandes de España - Box of 25
Vitola: Delicados (38 × 192 mm)