Description
Indulge in the refined elegance of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra, a light-bodied Cuban cigar that embodies subtle luxury. This Vegueritos vitola, measuring 127mm (5 inches) with a 37 ring gauge, offers a meticulously crafted smoking experience. Savor the delicate dance of floral sweetness evolving into richer nutty notes, making it an ideal choice for discerning aficionados seeking a sophisticated and balanced smoke.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 |
| Packaging Type | Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Experienced aficionados, collectors, special occasions, aging |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined box, optimal for humidor storage |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Panetelas Extra / Vegueritos |
| Length | 127mm / 5 inches |
| Ring Gauge | 37 |
| Wrapper | Rich light brown to very dark speckled |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Short filler tobacco |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Body | Light |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Factory | Romeo y Julieta factory |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Founded in the 1930s as Flor de Rafael Gonzalez, this boutique Cuban brand pays homage to Márquez Rafael González. The brand is revered for its commitment to exquisite fragrance and mellow taste, making it a favorite among serious smokers who appreciate mild elegance, a characteristic that sets it apart from fuller-bodied brands like Montecristo.
Rafael Gonzalez cigars are crafted with a secret Vuelta Abajo tobacco blend and, for over 20 years, have been produced at the prestigious Romeo y Julieta factory. This association underscores the brand’s dedication to quality and tradition. The boxes themselves often feature elegant script, noting that the cigars are optimal for smoking either fresh or after aging, reflecting the brand’s understanding of the nuances of fine tobacco.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The first third of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra presents a light-bodied smoke, immediately engaging the palate with delicate notes of floral sweetness, complemented by subtle hints of almond and chocolate. The smoke is delicate and refined, setting the stage for the complexities to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the second third, an exceptional draw and sharp burn ensure a consistently enjoyable experience. Here, the flavor profile deepens, introducing a gentle spice, enriched by a creamy texture and undertones of espresso. The body gradually builds to a medium strength, adding a touch of intensity without overpowering the cigar’s inherent elegance.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is where the cigar truly shines, delivering a rich and satisfying close. A dominant nuttiness emerges, providing a full and well-rounded finish to the smoking experience. This crescendo of flavor leaves a lasting impression, solidifying the cigar’s reputation for refined luxury.
Finish
The finish of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is characterized by a clean and lingering complexity. Notes of nut and earth persist on the palate, creating a smooth and balanced aftertaste. This refined finish is a testament to the cigar’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Floral, Nutty |
| Secondary Notes | Chocolate, Almond, Spice |
| Tertiary Notes | Cream, Espresso, Coffee |
| Finish | Nutty, Earthy, Clean |
| Aroma | Sugar floral with a rich light brown wrapper |
Aging and Collector Value
The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra possesses excellent aging potential, making it a valuable addition to any collector’s humidor. Over time, the cigar’s subtle profile transforms into a deeper, more complex experience. We recommend aging these cigars for 3-5 years to unlock their peak luxury enjoyment. As the cigar ages, its fragrance and smoke become even more refined, offering a truly exceptional smoking experience.
For optimal preservation, store your Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra cigars in a humidor with a stable humidity of 70% and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). A cedar-lined humidor is ideal for enhancing the aging process and preserving the cigar’s delicate flavors. Smoking the cigar fresh within one month of purchase is also an option, but aging for at least one year will significantly enhance its character.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Espresso | The robust, dark notes of espresso amplify the cigar’s chocolate and coffee undertones, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing. |
| Coffee | A milder alternative to espresso, coffee complements the cigar’s nutty and earthy flavors, providing a smooth and balanced experience. |
| Light Rum | The subtle sweetness of light rum enhances the cigar’s floral and almond notes, creating a delightful contrast and a refreshing pairing. |
| Cognac | The rich and complex flavors of cognac harmonize with the cigar’s evolving spice and nutty notes, adding depth and sophistication to the smoking experience. |
| Creamy Whiskey | The smooth, creamy texture of certain whiskeys complements the cigar’s creamy notes and evolving spice, creating a luxurious and indulgent pairing. |
| Sparkling Water | A palate cleanser, sparkling water helps to refresh the palate between puffs, allowing you to fully appreciate the cigar’s delicate flavors. |
Authenticity Verification
We guarantee the authenticity of every Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra cigar we sell. Our commitment to quality ensures that you receive only genuine Habanos products.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos holographic seal, a key indicator of authenticity. This seal is meticulously applied and virtually impossible to replicate.
- Box Code Verification – Verify the authenticity of your box using the unique box code, accessible through the Habanos S.A. website. This code confirms the origin and production date of your cigars.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the factory stamp on the bottom of the box, indicating the specific factory where the cigars were produced. This stamp is a hallmark of genuine Habanos cigars.
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars are known for their triple cap construction, a sign of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra taste like?
The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra offers a light-bodied smoke with a complex flavor profile. Expect initial notes of floral sweetness, almond, and chocolate, evolving into spice, cream, and espresso in the middle third, and culminating in a rich nuttiness in the final third. The overall experience is subtle, elegant, and refined.
How long does it take to smoke a Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra?
The smoking time for a Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is approximately 60 minutes. This allows ample time to savor the cigar’s evolving flavors and appreciate its delicate nuances. The exact smoking time may vary depending on individual smoking habits and environmental conditions.
Is the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra handmade?
The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is a handmade cigar, crafted with precision and care. While the cigar was previously machine-made, production shifted to a handmade construction around 2002. This ensures a higher level of quality and consistency in the smoking experience.
What is the best way to age Rafael Gonzalez cigars?
For optimal aging, store your Rafael Gonzalez cigars in a humidor with a stable humidity of 70% and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). A cedar-lined humidor is ideal for enhancing the aging process and preserving the cigar’s delicate flavors. We recommend aging these cigars for 3-5 years to unlock their peak luxury enjoyment.
