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Cuban Box Codes as compiled by members of the CW community. Discussion regarding this is ongoing in this topic on the CW Forums. Special thanks to ak2000, Lizzard, Sancho Panza, stogiesmoker00, Skeeter, dartplayer1, Mad Dawg, cigartexan, Benecio and others for putting this information together.
Thanks http://www.cigarweekly.com/ for the update on the codes!!!
BlkCigarCzar
1. Introduction
The process of bringing cigars to market is a gray area to most outside of Havana. Tobacco is distributed in parcel based on vitola/vitolas to be rolled. This process is strictly controlled, based on region, vega, class, sub class, etc, required to achieve the desired profile.
A number of a certain vitola may be rolled by numerous factories or not; they are brought to market as needed and the entire supply may or may not be exhausted
The same parcel/batch of tobacco used to roll a vitola can have varying date codes depending upon when they leave the factory. If a new order of the same vitola is rolled with a different batch of tobacco the issue then becomes the obvious: storage, rollers, etc.
Some factories produce better cigars based on skills, management, etc as this is an artisan form of production. It is also possible to have two boxes of cigars with the same codes, some being pulled from existing inventory and others from a more current batch, depending upon whether or not more need to be rolled to fill an order.
The following information is just that: information. Nothing can replace the knowledge gained by experience applied to your own tastes. Use this page to help draw your own conclusions and as a reference for your collection.
2. Historical Factoids
pre-revolutionary boxes were stamped: "MADE IN HAVANA-CUBA"
1961 this stamp was changed to: "HECHO EN CUBA"
1985 Cubatabaco started using date codes
1985-1995 a tobacco leaf (iron) is above Cubatobacco
1989 Cubatabaco introduced the stamp: "Totalmente a Mano"
1994 Cubatabaco changed to the Habanos S.A. logo
Factory codes may be encased in a rectangle (stamp) seen predominantly until 1999
Typically varnished boxes that come with a carboard outer box have the warranty seal and code on the cardboard. It can also be on the actual box itself as well
3. Definitions
Box Code: A code stamped in ink of varying colour on the bottom of the box that identifies the date and factory of production
Irons: The standard marks on the bottom of a box of Habanos. E.g. the words "Habanos SA" over an oval containing the words "Hecho en Cuba" over the scrpit "Totalmente a mano." All of these are "branded" into the bottom of the box by pressing a heated iron against the wood. Hence the term "irons" is used to describe these marks. As with all things related to Cuban cigars you should expect variation. Some folks have reported seeing irons that looked as if they were simply stamped in ink, but close examination revealed some indentation of the wood. Some were clearly colored (i.e., inked), not just burned, but which also showed at least a slight indentation. YMMV
4. Original Cuban Box Codes
Starting in 1985, Cubatabaco started using box codes as a way of identifying where and when any given box of cigars was produced. These codes are typically found stamped on the bottom of the box. They were never intended to be known by the consumer.
The original box codes identified the date using the NIVELACUSO scheme. Each number is signified by a letter, as follows:
N I V E L A C U S O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
The code signifies the month and year of manufacture. For example, the code NNSU would translate to 1198, which translates to November 1998. Similarly, OESC would translate as 0497, or April 1997. Under the NIVELACUSO scheme, the month is not always signified by two numbers. Hence, a code of CSC would translate to 797, or July 1997.
Original Factory Codes
Havana Factories
BM
Briones Montoto (Belascoain 852, Havana) - Romeo y Julieta
CB
Carlos Balino (San Carlos 816, Havana) - El Rey del Mundo
EH El
Habanero
EL El
Laguito (2302 Calle 146, Marianao, Havana) - Cohiba
FL/PL/PO
Por Larranaga (Carlos III no. 713, Havana)
FPG
Francisco Perez German (Industria 520, Havana) - Partagas
FR
Miguel Fernandez Roig (Zulueta 106, Havana) - La Corona
HM
Heroes de Moncada (13402 Ave. 57, Marianao, Havana) - Jose Peidra
JCS
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larranaga
JM
Jose Marti (Amistad 407, Havana) - H. Upmann
LM
Las Mambisas (sub contractor only)
Provincial Factories
CFG
Cienfuegos
CFGS
Cienfuegos (regional facility in Cienfuegos) - Quintero y Hno
FD/PR
Francisco Donantien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
LV
Las Villas
MAM
??? Las Mambisas ???
PR
Francisco Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
RD
Ricardo Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
SLR
??? Las Mambisas ???
SS
Sancti Spiritus (regional facility in Sancti Spiritus)
TLP
Lazaro Pena (group of factories in San Antonio)
TTB
Granma (regional facility in Bayamo)
TTH
Holguin (regional facility in Holguin) - not a good factory to buy from, bodhank)
VC
Villa Clara
VSC
Villa Santa Clara (regional facility in Santa Clara)
In 1994 the Habanos Seal (sticker across the box corner) was added. It is not uncommon to see stamps in red, blue, green or black ink across the years.
5. 1999 Cuban box codes
The original NIVELACUSO code was broken in 1997, thus rendering obsolete the objective of the code to prevent buyers from selectively purchasing cigars by factory. The penchant for seeking out Havana factory codes stemmed from the idea that some factories got the better raw materials. This is difficult to argue with those that have actual experience; Habanos S.A. would never admit as much. Allocations to factories is closely monitored now, hence less perceived discrepancy between factories.
Thus in 1999 the box codes were reworked to a different scheme. The date code was changed to the NETAGIDOCU scheme and the factory codes were redefined to all use 3 letter codes. The NETAGIDOCU scheme specifies the date that cigars were boxed, and is translated into numbers in the same manner as the earlier (NIVELACUSO) scheme. Together with the 3-letter factory code, the 4-digit NETAGIDOCU scheme designates the specific date and factory of origin for each box of Cuban cigars. For example, a box of Partagas Serie D No. 4 cigars boxed at the Partagas factory in March 1999 would have a box code EAT CCUT. (CCUT = 9903)
1999 Date Codes
First 1999 date code
N E T A G I D O C U
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Date Codes starting 5/99
?GOO 05/99
EPOO 05/99
ESOO 06/99
EUOO 07/99
EAOO 08/99
EOOO 09/99
LEOO 10/99
LLOO 11/99
LROO 12/99
1999 Factory Codes
Ciudad de La Habana - Havana
EGDCarlos Baliño - El Rey del Mundo
EDC
Briones Montoto - Romeo y Julieta
EUN
El Laguito
EAT
Francisco Pérez Germán - Partagás
EOG
Miguel Fernández Roig - La Corona
ENI
Héroes de Moncada
ECA
José Martí - H. Upmann
EEO
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larrañaga
Cienfuegos Province
OTC
Cienfuegos I
OAI
Cienfuegos II
OOG
Cruces
OET
Cumanayagua
OIN
Lajas
Granma Province
NAT
Bayamo
NOO
Jiguaní
Holguín Province
UNG
Antilla
UDI
Gibara
UAN
Holguín I
UCE
Holguín II
UET
San Andrés
La Habana Province
TEN
Artemisa I
TEC
Artemisa II
TND
Bejucal
TOU
Güines
TAE
Güira I
TDC
Güira II
TIO
Quivicán
TCI
San Antonio I
TNG
San Antonio II
TGT
San Antonio de las Vegas
TUD
San Nicolás de Bari
TTA
Santa Cruz del Norte
Pinar del Rio Province
GDI
Candelaria
GAO
Consolación del Sur
GCN
Piloto
GNU
Pinar del Río
GOC
San Juan (Rio Seco)
Sancti-Spíritus Province
CEG
Arroyo Blanco
COT
Cabaiguán
CGI
Fomento
CNE
Guayos
CTO
Jatibonico
CUN
Perea
CID
Sancti-Spíritus
CDU
Taguasco
CAC
Trinidad
CCA
Zaza del Medio
Santiago de Cuba Province
AGE
Santiago de Cuba
Villa Clara Province
DNU
Báez
DDE
Camajuaní
DIT
Esperanza
DEC
Manicaragua
DGC
Placetas
DAI
Quemado de Güines
DOD
Ranchuelo
DCO
Remedios
DTA
Santa Clara I
DAT
Santa Clara II
DNC
Santo Domingo
DUN
Vueltas
6. Code since 2000
In 2000 Habanos SA changed the code yet again. The new code uses a 5 digit alphanumeric sequence to define the date. The first 3 digits are alpha and indicate the month. The last two digits are numeric and correspond to the last two digits of the year made. Thus, December 2000 will be DIC00, January 2001 will be ENE01.
2000 Date Code
January ENE
February FEB
March MAR
April ABR
May MAY
June JUN
July JUL
August AGO
September SET
October OCT
November NOV
December DIC
2000 Factory Code
Factories Code
EOG, EAR
La Corona
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partazas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA,CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA,OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV,ALV,SSU,VEL,SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba
LOC
Carlos Balino(Rey Del Mundo)
2000-2003 Box codes with a little more detail
LOC
Carlos Balino ( Rey Del Mundo)
EOG, EAR
La Corona (note that SUA was used in 2000 according to one source)
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partagas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
2000 - LOME, LQME 2001 - CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA, CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA, OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV, ALV, SSU, VEL, SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba
7. New factory codes in 2003
Once again Habanos S.A. has changed factory codes. Starting in May 2003 several new codes have appeared. While we are still seeing quite a few codes from the 2000 list above, so far we have been able to decipher a few of the new ones.
Known 2003 Box codes
GKI
Francisco Pérez Germán (Partagás)
LLN
José Martí (H. Upmann)
KMM
Briones Montoto (Romeo y Julieta)
MKO
El Laguito (Cohiba)
FRH
Miguel Fernandez Roig (La Corona)
8. Factory Addresses and Known Brands
The following is a list of some factories with their addresses and the brands they are known to produce. This list should not, however, be considered inclusive nor exhaustive.
Factory Address Known Brands
Romeo & Julieta Belascoain 852, Havana El Rey del Mundo, Romeo & Julieta,
Quai d'Orsay, Cuaba, Saint Luis Rey
El Rey del Mundo San Carlos 816, Havana
Partagas Industria 520, Havana Ramone Allones, Bolivar, LaGloria Cubana,
Partagas
La Corona Zuleta 106, Havana San Cristobal, Hoyo, Por Larranga
Flor de Cano, Punch
H. Upmann Amistad 407, Havana Diplomatico, Monte Cristo,
H. Upmann, Robaina (closed/moved)
Por Larranga Carlos 111, Havana
El Laguito 2302 Calle 146, Havana Cohiba,Trinidad
Heroes de Moncada 13402 Ave 57, Mariano, Havana
La Habana Sancho Panza, Juan Lopez, Fonseca
Pinar del Rio Vegueros
Thanks http://www.cigarweekly.com/ for the update on the codes!!!
BlkCigarCzar
1. Introduction
The process of bringing cigars to market is a gray area to most outside of Havana. Tobacco is distributed in parcel based on vitola/vitolas to be rolled. This process is strictly controlled, based on region, vega, class, sub class, etc, required to achieve the desired profile.
A number of a certain vitola may be rolled by numerous factories or not; they are brought to market as needed and the entire supply may or may not be exhausted
The same parcel/batch of tobacco used to roll a vitola can have varying date codes depending upon when they leave the factory. If a new order of the same vitola is rolled with a different batch of tobacco the issue then becomes the obvious: storage, rollers, etc.
Some factories produce better cigars based on skills, management, etc as this is an artisan form of production. It is also possible to have two boxes of cigars with the same codes, some being pulled from existing inventory and others from a more current batch, depending upon whether or not more need to be rolled to fill an order.
The following information is just that: information. Nothing can replace the knowledge gained by experience applied to your own tastes. Use this page to help draw your own conclusions and as a reference for your collection.
2. Historical Factoids
pre-revolutionary boxes were stamped: "MADE IN HAVANA-CUBA"
1961 this stamp was changed to: "HECHO EN CUBA"
1985 Cubatabaco started using date codes
1985-1995 a tobacco leaf (iron) is above Cubatobacco
1989 Cubatabaco introduced the stamp: "Totalmente a Mano"
1994 Cubatabaco changed to the Habanos S.A. logo
Factory codes may be encased in a rectangle (stamp) seen predominantly until 1999
Typically varnished boxes that come with a carboard outer box have the warranty seal and code on the cardboard. It can also be on the actual box itself as well
3. Definitions
Box Code: A code stamped in ink of varying colour on the bottom of the box that identifies the date and factory of production
Irons: The standard marks on the bottom of a box of Habanos. E.g. the words "Habanos SA" over an oval containing the words "Hecho en Cuba" over the scrpit "Totalmente a mano." All of these are "branded" into the bottom of the box by pressing a heated iron against the wood. Hence the term "irons" is used to describe these marks. As with all things related to Cuban cigars you should expect variation. Some folks have reported seeing irons that looked as if they were simply stamped in ink, but close examination revealed some indentation of the wood. Some were clearly colored (i.e., inked), not just burned, but which also showed at least a slight indentation. YMMV
4. Original Cuban Box Codes
Starting in 1985, Cubatabaco started using box codes as a way of identifying where and when any given box of cigars was produced. These codes are typically found stamped on the bottom of the box. They were never intended to be known by the consumer.
The original box codes identified the date using the NIVELACUSO scheme. Each number is signified by a letter, as follows:
N I V E L A C U S O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
The code signifies the month and year of manufacture. For example, the code NNSU would translate to 1198, which translates to November 1998. Similarly, OESC would translate as 0497, or April 1997. Under the NIVELACUSO scheme, the month is not always signified by two numbers. Hence, a code of CSC would translate to 797, or July 1997.
Original Factory Codes
Havana Factories
BM
Briones Montoto (Belascoain 852, Havana) - Romeo y Julieta
CB
Carlos Balino (San Carlos 816, Havana) - El Rey del Mundo
EH El
Habanero
EL El
Laguito (2302 Calle 146, Marianao, Havana) - Cohiba
FL/PL/PO
Por Larranaga (Carlos III no. 713, Havana)
FPG
Francisco Perez German (Industria 520, Havana) - Partagas
FR
Miguel Fernandez Roig (Zulueta 106, Havana) - La Corona
HM
Heroes de Moncada (13402 Ave. 57, Marianao, Havana) - Jose Peidra
JCS
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larranaga
JM
Jose Marti (Amistad 407, Havana) - H. Upmann
LM
Las Mambisas (sub contractor only)
Provincial Factories
CFG
Cienfuegos
CFGS
Cienfuegos (regional facility in Cienfuegos) - Quintero y Hno
FD/PR
Francisco Donantien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
LV
Las Villas
MAM
??? Las Mambisas ???
PR
Francisco Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
RD
Ricardo Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
SLR
??? Las Mambisas ???
SS
Sancti Spiritus (regional facility in Sancti Spiritus)
TLP
Lazaro Pena (group of factories in San Antonio)
TTB
Granma (regional facility in Bayamo)
TTH
Holguin (regional facility in Holguin) - not a good factory to buy from, bodhank)
VC
Villa Clara
VSC
Villa Santa Clara (regional facility in Santa Clara)
In 1994 the Habanos Seal (sticker across the box corner) was added. It is not uncommon to see stamps in red, blue, green or black ink across the years.
5. 1999 Cuban box codes
The original NIVELACUSO code was broken in 1997, thus rendering obsolete the objective of the code to prevent buyers from selectively purchasing cigars by factory. The penchant for seeking out Havana factory codes stemmed from the idea that some factories got the better raw materials. This is difficult to argue with those that have actual experience; Habanos S.A. would never admit as much. Allocations to factories is closely monitored now, hence less perceived discrepancy between factories.
Thus in 1999 the box codes were reworked to a different scheme. The date code was changed to the NETAGIDOCU scheme and the factory codes were redefined to all use 3 letter codes. The NETAGIDOCU scheme specifies the date that cigars were boxed, and is translated into numbers in the same manner as the earlier (NIVELACUSO) scheme. Together with the 3-letter factory code, the 4-digit NETAGIDOCU scheme designates the specific date and factory of origin for each box of Cuban cigars. For example, a box of Partagas Serie D No. 4 cigars boxed at the Partagas factory in March 1999 would have a box code EAT CCUT. (CCUT = 9903)
1999 Date Codes
First 1999 date code
N E T A G I D O C U
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Date Codes starting 5/99
?GOO 05/99
EPOO 05/99
ESOO 06/99
EUOO 07/99
EAOO 08/99
EOOO 09/99
LEOO 10/99
LLOO 11/99
LROO 12/99
1999 Factory Codes
Ciudad de La Habana - Havana
EGDCarlos Baliño - El Rey del Mundo
EDC
Briones Montoto - Romeo y Julieta
EUN
El Laguito
EAT
Francisco Pérez Germán - Partagás
EOG
Miguel Fernández Roig - La Corona
ENI
Héroes de Moncada
ECA
José Martí - H. Upmann
EEO
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larrañaga
Cienfuegos Province
OTC
Cienfuegos I
OAI
Cienfuegos II
OOG
Cruces
OET
Cumanayagua
OIN
Lajas
Granma Province
NAT
Bayamo
NOO
Jiguaní
Holguín Province
UNG
Antilla
UDI
Gibara
UAN
Holguín I
UCE
Holguín II
UET
San Andrés
La Habana Province
TEN
Artemisa I
TEC
Artemisa II
TND
Bejucal
TOU
Güines
TAE
Güira I
TDC
Güira II
TIO
Quivicán
TCI
San Antonio I
TNG
San Antonio II
TGT
San Antonio de las Vegas
TUD
San Nicolás de Bari
TTA
Santa Cruz del Norte
Pinar del Rio Province
GDI
Candelaria
GAO
Consolación del Sur
GCN
Piloto
GNU
Pinar del Río
GOC
San Juan (Rio Seco)
Sancti-Spíritus Province
CEG
Arroyo Blanco
COT
Cabaiguán
CGI
Fomento
CNE
Guayos
CTO
Jatibonico
CUN
Perea
CID
Sancti-Spíritus
CDU
Taguasco
CAC
Trinidad
CCA
Zaza del Medio
Santiago de Cuba Province
AGE
Santiago de Cuba
Villa Clara Province
DNU
Báez
DDE
Camajuaní
DIT
Esperanza
DEC
Manicaragua
DGC
Placetas
DAI
Quemado de Güines
DOD
Ranchuelo
DCO
Remedios
DTA
Santa Clara I
DAT
Santa Clara II
DNC
Santo Domingo
DUN
Vueltas
6. Code since 2000
In 2000 Habanos SA changed the code yet again. The new code uses a 5 digit alphanumeric sequence to define the date. The first 3 digits are alpha and indicate the month. The last two digits are numeric and correspond to the last two digits of the year made. Thus, December 2000 will be DIC00, January 2001 will be ENE01.
2000 Date Code
January ENE
February FEB
March MAR
April ABR
May MAY
June JUN
July JUL
August AGO
September SET
October OCT
November NOV
December DIC
2000 Factory Code
Factories Code
EOG, EAR
La Corona
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partazas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA,CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA,OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV,ALV,SSU,VEL,SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba
LOC
Carlos Balino(Rey Del Mundo)
2000-2003 Box codes with a little more detail
LOC
Carlos Balino ( Rey Del Mundo)
EOG, EAR
La Corona (note that SUA was used in 2000 according to one source)
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partagas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
2000 - LOME, LQME 2001 - CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA, CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA, OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV, ALV, SSU, VEL, SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba
7. New factory codes in 2003
Once again Habanos S.A. has changed factory codes. Starting in May 2003 several new codes have appeared. While we are still seeing quite a few codes from the 2000 list above, so far we have been able to decipher a few of the new ones.
Known 2003 Box codes
GKI
Francisco Pérez Germán (Partagás)
LLN
José Martí (H. Upmann)
KMM
Briones Montoto (Romeo y Julieta)
MKO
El Laguito (Cohiba)
FRH
Miguel Fernandez Roig (La Corona)
8. Factory Addresses and Known Brands
The following is a list of some factories with their addresses and the brands they are known to produce. This list should not, however, be considered inclusive nor exhaustive.
Factory Address Known Brands
Romeo & Julieta Belascoain 852, Havana El Rey del Mundo, Romeo & Julieta,
Quai d'Orsay, Cuaba, Saint Luis Rey
El Rey del Mundo San Carlos 816, Havana
Partagas Industria 520, Havana Ramone Allones, Bolivar, LaGloria Cubana,
Partagas
La Corona Zuleta 106, Havana San Cristobal, Hoyo, Por Larranga
Flor de Cano, Punch
H. Upmann Amistad 407, Havana Diplomatico, Monte Cristo,
H. Upmann, Robaina (closed/moved)
Por Larranga Carlos 111, Havana
El Laguito 2302 Calle 146, Havana Cohiba,Trinidad
Heroes de Moncada 13402 Ave 57, Mariano, Havana
La Habana Sancho Panza, Juan Lopez, Fonseca
Pinar del Rio Vegueros
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