Description
Why Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra Deserves More Attention
The Rafael Gonzalez brand doesn’t get the hype it deserves. I’ve been saying this for years at my local cigar lounge, and I’ll say it here: while everyone’s chasing Cohibas and Montecristos, the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra sits quietly in humidors, waiting for smokers who actually know what they’re looking for. This is a cigar that represents old-school the art of enjoying Cuban cigars elegance – the kind that doesn’t need to shout to make an impression. If you’re the type who appreciates subtlety over showmanship, and you’ve got 40 minutes to spare on a weekday afternoon, this panetela might just become your new go-to. We’re going to break down everything from the first draw to the final inch, talk our team’s perspective on what makes this vitola special, and I’ll share some honest thoughts our team’s perspective on where it fits in your rotation.
What Makes This Panetela Different
Rafael Gonzalez has been around since the 1930s – yeah, we’re talking pre-Revolution Cuba here. The brand was actually created for the British market, which explains a lot about its character. British smokers back then wanted complexity without overwhelming strength, sophistication without pretension. That DNA is still there in every Rafael Gonzalez cigar, and the Panetelas Extra is maybe the purest expression of it.
This isn’t a cigar for your first smoke of the day when you want a nicotine punch. It’s not for impressing your buddy who thinks bigger ring gauges mean better premium offerings require proper storage. The Panetelas Extra is for that moment when you’re reading on the porch, or working through some thoughts, or just want something refined without demanding too much attention. The slender format – and we’re talking genuinely slim here – means you get concentrated flavor from those Vuelta Abajo tobaccos without the time commitment of a robusto. The wrapper comes from Cuba’s premier tobacco-growing region, and you can tell. There’s a smoothness to these leaves that cheaper premium offerings require proper storage just don’t have.
Who’s this for? Honestly, I think it’s perfect for experienced smokers who’ve moved past the phase of equating strength with quality. If you’re still in that “fuller is better” mindset, come back to this one in a year or two. But if you appreciate a well-constructed, nuanced smoke that doesn’t beat you over the head with pepper and spice, you’re going to love this.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Panetelas Extra |
| Length | 5.5 inches / 140 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 36 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 35-45 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From First Light to Final Draw
Right off the bat, the cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s a slight sweetness – not artificial, just that natural tobacco sweetness that good Cuban tobacco has. Maybe some hay notes? I always get a clean, almost grassy quality on the cold draw with these. The pre-light aroma is subtle. You’re not getting those in-your-face barnyard funk notes that some Cubans have.
First third hits different than you might expect from such a slim vitola. There’s immediate complexity – cedar for sure, some cream, and this gentle white pepper that tingles without overwhelming. The burn is usually razor-sharp if you’ve stored these properly. I keep mine at 65% humidity, and they perform beautifully. The ash is light grey, holds for about an inch before dropping. Construction on these is generally solid – Rafael Gonzalez doesn’t get enough credit for consistency, but in my experience, they’re as reliable as cigars from brands twice as famous.
Around the second third, things get interesting. Actually, scratch that – things get MORE interesting, because this cigar is engaging from the start. But this is where the leather notes start showing up. Not aggressive leather – think a well-worn jacket, not a new saddle. The creaminess from the first third is still there, playing nicely with some toasted almond flavors. The thin ring gauge means the smoke stays cool, even if you’re puffing more frequently than you should. I’ve noticed that if you retrohale during this section, you get additional complexity – some floral notes, maybe a touch of honey? It’s subtle stuff. You have to pay attention.
Final third is where mild-to-medium cigars sometimes fall apart, getting harsh or bitter. Not this one. The Panetelas Extra maintains its composure all the way down. The flavors concentrate a bit – the wood notes become more pronounced, there’s some cocoa showing up, and that gentle pepper from the beginning makes a comeback. I’ve smoked these down to the nub without getting any harshness. The key is not smoking too fast. This is a cigar that rewards patience and proper pacing.
One thing I should mention – and I’m probably biased here because I prefer well-aged cigars – but if you can let these rest for six months to a year after you get them, they smooth out even more. Fresh ones are good, but aged ones? They’re something special.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra | Mild-Medium | 35-45 min | Daytime smoking, contemplative moments |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 min | Classic the art of enjoying Cuban cigars experience, all occasions |
| H. the Upmann Half Corona Half Corona | Mild-Medium | 25-35 min | Quick smoke, morning sessions |
What to Pair With This
Coffee works beautifully with the Panetelas Extra – I’m talking a quality medium roast, not gas station coffee. The cigar’s creamy notes complement coffee’s natural sweetness without competing. I’ve had great experiences pairing this with Cuban coffee specifically, which feels appropriate given the cigar’s origin.
For spirits, I’d go with a lighter rum. Havana Club 7 Year is my usual choice. The rum’s vanilla and caramel notes play nicely with the cigar’s natural sweetness without overwhelming the more delicate flavors. Scotch can work too – something like a Speyside single malt, nothing too peaty. And honestly? Sometimes I just have sparkling water. The cigar has enough going on that it doesn’t need a strong drink competing for attention.
Time of day matters with this one. This is an afternoon cigar for me – post-lunch, before dinner. It’s too refined for a morning wake-up smoke but not substantial enough for after a big meal. I’ve enjoyed these during golf rounds, on the boat, basically any situation where you want a quality smoke but not something that demands your full attention. Perfect for when you’re having a conversation with friends at the lounge. You can puff away while talking without missing the cigar’s nuances.
How does the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra compare to other panetelas?
In my experience, it’s smoother and more refined than most panetelas at this level. The thin ring gauge could make it harsh in lesser hands, but Rafael Gonzalez nails the blend. It’s got more complexity than the H. Upmann Panetelas and better construction consistency than some of the smaller Partagas vitolas. If you’ve tried panetelas before and found them one-dimensional, this one might change your mind.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Honestly? It depends on the beginner. If someone’s new to cigars but has a refined palate from wine or whiskey, absolutely – the mild-to-medium strength won’t overwhelm them. But if they’re expecting big, bold flavors and lots of smoke production, they might not appreciate what this cigar offers. I’d say this is better as a second or third Cuban cigar rather than your very first. You need some experience to really catch all the subtleties happening here.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 66% at the highest. The thin ring gauge means these are more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than thicker cigars. Too much humidity and they’ll smoke wet, muting those refined flavors. Too dry and they’ll burn hot and harsh. Temperature-wise, keep them around 65-68°F if you can. They’re not as forgiving as robustos when it comes to storage conditions, so pay attention to your humidor.
How long should I age Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra?
They smoke well fresh if you need them to, but aging really elevates these. I’d recommend at least six months if you have the patience. A year is even better – the flavors marry together, any rough edges smooth out, and the overall experience becomes more cohesive. I’ve smoked some with three years on them that were absolutely phenomenal. The cedar and cream notes become more pronounced, and there’s this roundness to the flavor that younger ones don’t quite have.
Why isn’t Rafael Gonzalez as popular as other Cuban brands?
That’s a question I’ve been asking for years. I think it comes down to marketing and perception. Rafael Gonzalez doesn’t have the name recognition of the legendary Cohiba brand or the classic status of Montecristo. The brand was originally made for the British market, so it never had the same presence in other regions. Also – and this is just my theory – the refined, subtle character doesn’t appeal to people who want bold, in-your-face these Cuban classics. It’s a shame, really, because members of the cigar community who’ve discovered this brand tend to become loyal fans.
Can I smoke this on an empty stomach?
Yeah, you can, though I wouldn’t make it your first cigar of the morning on a completely empty stomach. The mild-to-medium strength means it won’t knock you over like a Partagas Serie D No. 4 might, but having a light breakfast or at least some coffee first is probably smart. I’ve definitely enjoyed these mid-morning with just coffee in my system and been fine. Your mileage may vary depending on your nicotine tolerance, but this is one of the gentler Cuban smokes out there.
What’s the best way to cut this cigar?
With the smaller ring gauge, I use a straight cut with sharp cutters – and I emphasize sharp. Dull cutters will mangle the cap on a cigar this thin. Some people like a V-cut on panetelas, which can work, but I find a clean straight cut gives the best draw. Just don’t cut too much – you only need to remove the cap, maybe 2-3mm. Cut too deep and you risk the wrapper unraveling, which would be a real shame on a cigar this well-constructed.
Final Thoughts on a Refined Smoke
The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra isn’t going to convert people who think bigger and stronger equals better. That’s fine – more for the rest of us. What it will do is remind experienced smokers why these Cuban classics earned their reputation in the first place. This is craftsmanship over marketing, subtlety over strength, refinement over flash. It’s a 40-minute vacation in cigar form, and if you’re building a humidor full of quality smokes for different occasions, this deserves a spot.
If you’re curious about exploring Cuban cigars beyond the usual suspects, or if you’re looking for something sophisticated for daytime smoking, order a few of these. Let them rest if you can, set aside an afternoon when you’re not rushed, and give them the attention they deserve. This is the kind of cigar that grows on you with each experience. Check your current location to confirm we can ship to your site, and if you’re already members of the finestcigars community, you know what kind of quality we’re offering. Once you’ve had a chance to review your experience with the Panetelas Extra, I think you’ll understand why some of us keep coming back to Rafael Gonzalez despite the brand flying under the radar.
