Description
A Refined Classic That Doesn’t Get Nearly Enough Attention
You know what’s funny? Everyone’s always chasing after the big-name Cubans – the Cohiba this, the Montecristo that. And I get it, I really do. But while you’re waiting in line for those heavy hitters, there’s this elegant little smoke sitting quietly on the shelf that most people walk right past. The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is one of those cigars that makes me shake my head every time I light one up, wondering why more people haven’t caught on yet.
Here’s the thing: Rafael Gonzalez isn’t trying to compete in the strength Olympics. It’s not gonna knock you over with full-bodied punch or overwhelm your palate with intensity. What it does – and does brilliantly – is deliver a refined, medium-bodied smoking experience that’s all about finesse. If you’re the type who appreciates subtlety and complexity over raw power, you’re gonna want to keep reading. I’m gonna walk you through everything that makes this panetela worth your time, from its smooth Vuelta Abajo wrapper to that satisfying finish that lingers just right.
What Makes Rafael Gonzalez Stand Out
The Rafael Gonzalez marca has been around since the 1920s, and honestly, it’s maintained this reputation for being the gentleman’s choice. Not stuffy or pretentious – just refined. The brand was actually named after the original factory owner, and throughout its history, it’s stayed true to that original vision of creating elegant, medium-strength cigars that don’t need to shout to get your attention.
The Panetelas Extra format is particularly interesting because it’s one of those classic vitolas that’s been somewhat overlooked in recent years. Everyone’s obsessed with robustos and toros these days (and look, I love those too), but there’s something special about the panetela’s slender profile. It concentrates the flavors in a way that thicker ring gauges just can’t replicate. The wrapper-to-filler ratio means you’re getting more of that beautiful Cuban leaf wrapper in every puff, which really comes through in the taste.
This isn’t a cigar for someone looking to make a statement or impress clients with a thick Churchill. This is for the smoker who knows what they like and doesn’t need validation. Morning smoke on the patio? Perfect. Afternoon break when you’ve got about 45 minutes? Ideal. The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is versatile, approachable, and consistently well-constructed – which, if you’ve been smoking Cubans long enough, you know isn’t always a given.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Panetelas Extra |
| Length | 5 inches / 127 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 36 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 40-50 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What to Actually Expect
Right off the bat, before you even light this thing up, the pre-light aroma is subtle but promising. You’re getting cedar notes, maybe a touch of hay, and that distinctive earthy sweetness that good Cuban tobacco always delivers. The cold draw – if it’s properly stored (and that’s key with these slender vitolas) – gives you a preview of the smooth ride ahead. Not tight, not loose. Just right.
First third is where the Rafael Gonzalez really introduces itself. You light it up and within the first few puffs, you’re getting this clean, creamy smoke with notes of toast and mild pepper. Thing is, the pepper isn’t aggressive – it’s more like a gentle wake-up call for your palate. I’ve found that taking your time here really pays off. Don’t rush it. The flavors are subtle enough that if you’re puffing away like you’re late for something, you’ll miss the nuances. There’s a sweetness underneath everything that reminds me of honey, or maybe light caramel. The burn is typically dead even (Rafael Gonzalez construction is usually spot-on), and the ash builds up white and firm.
As you transition into the second third, things get interesting. The complexity starts building – you’re picking up more of that classic Cuban twang, some coffee notes creeping in, maybe a hint of nuts. The pepper from the first third has settled down and integrated into the overall profile. What really stands out is how smooth everything remains. There’s no harshness, no bitter spots, just this elegant progression of flavors that keeps your attention without demanding it. The strength stays firmly in medium territory – you’re not getting nicotine buzzed, but you’re definitely aware you’re smoking a proper Cuban cigar. The retrohale (if you’re into that) gives you more of the spicy notes with some earthiness.
Now, the final third is where some panetelas can get a bit temperamental – they heat up, things get harsh, you’re fighting to finish. Not this one. I’ve smoked probably two dozen of these over the years, and the consistency in the final stretch has impressed me every time. Sure, the flavors intensify a bit – you’re getting more of that earthy, woody character, and the strength ticks up slightly – but it never crosses into harsh territory. The smoke remains cool and the flavors stay balanced right down to the nub. That’s proper Cuban craftsmanship right there. The ash typically holds for about an inch before naturally dropping off, and you can smoke these down pretty far if you want to get every bit of enjoyment out of them.
How Does It Compare?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra | Medium | 40-50 minutes | Refined daily smoke, morning or afternoon |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium to Medium-Full | 45-60 minutes | Classic Cuban experience, special occasions |
| H. Upmann Half Corona | Mild to Medium | 25-35 minutes | Quick smoke, beginners |
Look, if you’re trying to decide between this and a Montecristo No. 4, you’re looking at different animals. The Monte is gonna give you more body, more intensity, and honestly more of what people typically think of as “that Cuban taste.” But it’s also gonna demand more of your attention and more of your time. The Rafael Gonzalez is more approachable, easier to fit into your day, and won’t overwhelm your palate if you’re planning to smoke something else later.
Compared to something like an H. Upmann Half Corona, the Panetelas Extra offers more complexity and a longer, more satisfying experience. The Half Corona is great for what it is – a quick, mild smoke – but if you’ve got the time and want something with more depth, the Rafael Gonzalez wins hands down.
Pairing This Beauty Right
Coffee. Honestly, that’s my go-to pairing with the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra, especially in the morning or early afternoon. A good medium roast that’s not too acidic – something with chocolate or nutty notes – complements the cigar’s profile beautifully without competing with it. I’ve had great experiences pairing it with a Cuban coffee (keeping the theme going), but a quality Colombian or Costa Rican brew works just as well.
If you’re more of an afternoon or early evening smoker, a light rum is fantastic with this. Think Havana Club 3 Year or something similar – not too heavy, not too sweet. The rum brings out that inherent sweetness in the tobacco while the cigar’s subtle spice keeps everything balanced. A good aged cognac works too, though personally I find that can sometimes overpower the more delicate notes.
For non-alcoholic options, try it with sparkling water with a twist of lime, or even a quality ginger beer. The slight spice from the ginger actually plays really nicely with the pepper notes in the first third.
Occasion-wise? This is your everyday luxury cigar. Not for big celebrations necessarily (though it’d work fine), but for those moments when you want to treat yourself without making it a whole production. Sunday morning reading the paper, afternoon break on the golf course, or unwinding after work on a Tuesday. That’s where this cigar shines. And with that 40-50 minute smoking time, it fits into your schedule without requiring you to block off your whole afternoon.
Common Questions About Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra?
Keep these at around 65-68% relative humidity. The slender ring gauge means they’re more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than thicker cigars. Too dry and they’ll burn hot and harsh; too wet and you’ll have draw issues and potentially a tunneling burn. I’ve found that 65% is the sweet spot – they smoke perfectly at that level. If you’re storing them long-term, some aging at 62-65% can really smooth out the profile even more.
How does aging affect the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra?
These age beautifully, honestly. Fresh from the factory, they’re already smooth, but give them 2-3 years and the flavors marry together in this really harmonious way. The pepper mellows out even more, and you get more of those honey and toast notes coming forward. I’ve smoked some with 5+ years on them and they develop this almost creamy, vintage character that’s really special. That said, they’re perfectly enjoyable young too – it just depends on your preference.
Is the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the better Cuban cigars for someone new to the category. The medium strength means you’re not gonna get knocked on your butt with nicotine, and the smooth profile is forgiving. The smaller ring gauge also means a shorter smoke time, which is less intimidating for beginners. That said, it’s got enough complexity to keep experienced smokers interested – it’s not boring or one-dimensional. Great crossover appeal.
How often are Rafael Gonzalez cigars considered limited edition, and is this vitola part of the regular production?
The Panetelas Extra is part of Rafael Gonzalez’s regular production lineup from Habanos SA, not a limited edition. The brand occasionally releases special editions or regional releases, but this particular vitola has been consistently produced for years. That’s actually a good thing – means you can find them relatively easily and don’t have to worry about hunting down allocated stock or dealing with limited edition pricing.
What’s the best way to cut a Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra?
With the 36 ring gauge, you’ve got options. I typically use a straight cut with a sharp guillotine cutter, taking off just enough of the cap to open it up – we’re talking maybe 1/16 of an inch. Some folks like a V-cut on panetelas, which can work well and gives you a bit more control over the draw. Avoid punch cutters though – they don’t really work well on cigars this thin. And make sure whatever you’re using is sharp. A ragged cut on a panetela can unravel the wrapper pretty quickly.
Can I smoke a Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra right out of the box?
Depends on where you’re buying from and how they were shipped. If they’re coming from a reputable source with good storage conditions and haven’t been jostled around too much in transit, you can smoke them after just a day or two of rest in your humidor. But honestly? Give them at least a week to acclimate to your storage conditions. Cuban cigars, especially slender ones like this, benefit from some settling time after shipping. It’s not gonna ruin the cigar if you smoke it fresh, but a little patience usually rewards you with a better experience.
How does the wrapper quality affect the smoking experience?
With a 36 ring gauge, the wrapper plays a huge role – probably more than it would on a 50+ ring gauge cigar. You’re getting a higher proportion of wrapper to filler, which means that beautiful Vuelta Abajo leaf really shines through in the flavor profile. That’s where a lot of the smoothness and those subtle sweet notes come from. It’s also why proper storage is so critical – any damage to the wrapper on a panetela is more noticeable than on a thicker cigar. The good news is Rafael Gonzalez typically uses quality wrappers with good oil content and minimal veins.
Final Thoughts From the Lounge
Look, I’m not gonna tell you the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra is gonna change your life or redefine what you think a Cuban cigar should be. What I will tell you is this: it’s a damn fine smoke that delivers consistent quality, refined flavors, and an experience that punches above its weight class. In a world where everyone’s chasing the latest limited edition release or the strongest full-bodied monster they can find, there’s something refreshing about a cigar that just focuses on being excellent at what it does.
If you’re building out your humidor and looking for a reliable medium-bodied option that works for pretty much any time of day, you owe it to yourself to grab a box of these. They’re approachable enough for newer smokers but complex enough to keep veterans engaged. And honestly? That combination is harder to find than you’d think.
Give the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra a shot. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. And who knows – it might just become your new go-to smoke when you want something refined without all the fuss.
