Description
The Vegas Robaina Famosos is a masterclass in balance, representing the pinnacle of the Corona Extra vitola for the discerning enthusiast. As one of the few remaining jewels in the Vegas Robaina portfolio, this medium-strength Habanos is celebrated for its sophisticated evolution of flavor, characterized by a signature chocolate-colored wrapper that is as silky to the touch as it is pleasing to the eye. Sourced exclusively from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, the Famosos delivers a rich tapestry of hazelnut, aged wood, and white pepper, offering a smoking experience that is both approachable for the developing palate and deeply rewarding for the seasoned connoisseur. Its impeccable construction ensures a flawless draw, making it a definitive choice for those who appreciate the legacy of Cuba’s most famous tobacco grower, Alejandro Robaina.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Cigars | 10 Cigars (Special Edition/Sampling) |
| Packaging Type | Classic Habanos Dress Box | Standard Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and investment | Personal sampling and short-term travel |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined interior for preservation | Sealed for aromatic integrity |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Corona Extra (Hermoso No. 4) |
| Length | 127 mm (5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 48 (19.05 mm diameter) |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Colorado/Reddish Brown) |
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Tripa Larga) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Body | Smooth and Robust |
| Smoking Time | 45–60 Minutes |
| Factory | Former H. Upmann Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The Vegas Robaina brand occupies a unique position in the pantheon of Habanos. Launched in 1997, it was created to honor Alejandro Robaina, a man widely regarded as the “Godfather of Cuban Tobacco.” While most Cuban brands are named after literary figures or historic factories, Vegas Robaina is a tribute to a living legacy—specifically the Robaina family, who have cultivated premium leaf in the San Luis district of the Vuelta Abajo region since 1845. Alejandro himself took the reins of the family plantation in 1950 and famously remained an independent grower even after the 1959 revolution, a testament to the unparalleled quality of his tobacco.
The reputation of the Robaina farm is legendary among industry insiders. While the average Cuban farm might produce 35% wrapper-grade leaf, Robaina’s fields consistently yielded over 80%. These prized leaves were so superior that they were historically reserved for ultra-premium blends like Cohiba and Hoyo de Monterrey. Today, the Vegas Robaina Famosos carries this heritage forward, utilizing the same nutrient-rich soil and traditional curing methods to produce a cigar that embodies the soul of Cuban agriculture. It is a brand built not on marketing, but on the dirt, sweat, and mastery of the world’s most respected veguero.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon lighting, the Vegas Robaina Famosos greets the palate with an immediate sense of refinement. The cold draw, often hinting at vegetal notes and white pepper, transitions into a warm, inviting smoke dominated by creamy hazelnut and toasted oak. The spice is present but restrained, manifesting as a gentle tingle of white pepper on the retrohale. The medium-bodied smoke is exceptionally smooth, a hallmark of the high-quality wrapper leaf for which the Robaina name is famous.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the flavors deepen and the complexity intensifies. The initial woodiness evolves into a more profound earthy richness, reminiscent of the damp, fertile soil of the Pinar del Río province. The nutty profile remains a core component, shifting from fresh hazelnut to a denser, roasted almond character. There is a subtle sweetness that emerges here—not sugary, but rather a natural tobacco sweetness that balances the increasing strength, which leans toward the medium-full spectrum.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Famosos reveals its full robustness. The peppery nuances become more pronounced, providing a spirited finish that never veers into harshness. The wood and hazelnut notes remain persistent, providing a consistent anchor for the smoke. The vegetal earthiness takes a backseat to a more intense, savory profile, ensuring that the final inches of the cigar are just as engaging as the first. The construction remains impeccable, with the triple cap holding firm and the ash maintaining a solid, grey structure.
Finish
The finish is remarkably clean and lingering. It leaves a sophisticated aftertaste of spiced cedar and dark cocoa on the tongue, inviting the smoker to reflect on the nuances of the 45-minute journey. It is a satisfying conclusion that underscores the cigar’s status as a premium handmade Cuban puro.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Roasted Hazelnut, Aged Cedar, White Pepper |
| Secondary Notes | Damp Earth, Roasted Coffee, Vegetal Sweetness |
| Tertiary Notes | Leather, Dark Chocolate, Hint of Cinnamon |
| Finish | Clean, Spicy, Wood-driven |
| Aroma | Rich, Nutty, and Elegantly Floral |
Aging and Collector Value
The Vegas Robaina Famosos is widely considered a “connoisseur’s cigar” due to its exceptional aging potential. While it is enjoyable shortly after its box date, the high concentration of essential oils in the Vuelta Abajo tobacco allows it to transform beautifully over time. For the patient collector, an aging period of 2 to 5 years is the “sweet spot.” During this time, the initial peppery bite mellows, allowing the creamy nuttiness and earthy complexity to merge into a more harmonious and elegant profile.
To preserve the integrity of the silky wrapper and ensure the oils develop correctly, we recommend storing these cigars in a cedar-lined humidor at a consistent 65-72% relative humidity and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). As the Famosos is one of the few remaining vitolas in the brand’s regular production, its collector value remains high, particularly for well-maintained dress boxes that have been aged in professional conditions. It is a true heirloom cigar that pays dividends to those who understand the art of the long-term cellar.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum (7-15 Years) | The molasses sweetness and oak aging of the rum amplify the cigar’s natural earthiness and wood notes. |
| Speyside Single Malt | A lightly peated Speyside whiskey provides a nutty synergy that complements the hazelnut profile of the Famosos. |
| Double Espresso | The concentrated bitterness of the coffee mirrors the roasted undertones and enhances the cocoa-like finish. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The fruit and spice of a fine Cognac elevate the white pepper nuances without overpowering the medium body. |
| Vintage Port | The dark fruit and sweetness of the Port provide a luxurious contrast to the savory, vegetal notes of the tobacco. |
Authenticity Verification
At our luxury boutique, we understand that the provenance of your Habanos is paramount. Every box of Vegas Robaina Famosos we provide undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of the Cuban industry.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official holographic seal with a unique barcode, ensuring the product is an authentic Habanos S.A. release.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, allowing for full traceability.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which signify the highest tier of Cuban craftsmanship.
- Triple Cap – Each Famosos is finished with the traditional Cuban triple cap, a signature of master rollers in Havana.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vegas Robaina Famosos taste like?
The Vegas Robaina Famosos is defined by a sophisticated profile of hazelnut, cedar, and earth. It begins with a gentle spice of white pepper and evolves into a rich, nutty experience with subtle vegetal sweetness. It is often described as a more refined and “elegant” alternative to the spicier Partagás or the creamier Hoyo de Monterrey.
Is the Vegas Robaina Famosos medium or full-bodied?
This cigar sits firmly in the medium to medium-full range. It provides enough robustness and strength to satisfy experienced smokers, yet its delivery is so smooth and balanced that it remains accessible to those who typically prefer lighter cigars. It is a “sophisticated” strength rather than an aggressive one.
Where is the Vegas Robaina Famosos made?
The Famosos is handmade in Cuba, specifically at the legendary former H. Upmann factory in Havana. It uses 100% premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, which is widely considered the best tobacco-growing soil in the world.
How long does it take to smoke a Vegas Robaina Famosos?
Given its 48 ring gauge and 127 mm length, the Famosos typically offers a smoking time of 45 to 60 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a mid-afternoon break or a post-dinner ritual where you want a complex experience without the two-hour commitment of a Double Corona.
Does the Vegas Robaina Famosos age well?
Absolutely. In fact, many connoisseurs argue that the Famosos is one of the best aging cigars in the Habanos portfolio. Its medium-full strength and high oil content mean it can age gracefully for 5 to 10 years, though it reaches a beautiful peak of refinement at the 3-year mark.
