For aficionados of Cuban tobacco, the departure of a beloved vitola often feels like losing an old friend. Such is the case with the Por Larrañaga Panetelas (2), a cigar that quietly exited the market in 2019 after nearly two decades of production. While it may not have possessed the stratospheric price tags of the brand's "A" grade limited editions, this particular size held a unique position in the Habanos portfolio, bridging the gap between industrial efficiency and artisanal tradition. Its story is one of evolution, offering a fascinating case study on how a historic brand modernized one of its core offerings.
A Shift Toward Handmade Quality
The history of this specific cigar is defined by a significant transition that occurred in 2002. Prior to this date, the Por Larrañaga portfolio included a machine-made iteration known as the Panetelas (1). However, the decision was made to upgrade the line, discontinuing the machine-rolled version in favor of a fully handmade alternative.
This new iteration, designated the Panetelas (2), marked a commitment to higher standards. By moving away from automated processes, the brand demonstrated that even smaller, more accessible formats deserved the attention of skilled torcedores. This shift allowed the cigar to carry the prestige of a true handmade product while maintaining a profile that was approachable for a wide range of enthusiasts. The production run lasted for roughly 17 years, a testament to the success of this transition before the cigar was ultimately retired from the regular lineup.
Technical Specifications and Construction
Known internally at the factory by the name Vegueritos, this cigar adhered to the classic definitions of a panetela format. It measured a slender 127 mm (or exactly 5 inches) in length and featured a ring gauge of 37. This thin silhouette created an elegant appearance, hearkening back to older styles of cigar smoking where length and slenderness were prized over the thick "robusto" formats popular today.
In terms of construction, the Panetelas (2) was categorized as a handmade short filler cigar. This is a crucial distinction for the smoker; unlike long filler cigars which use whole leaves running the length of the stick, short filler cigars utilize smaller pieces of tobacco. This method often results in a different burn dynamic and draw, frequently making the smoking experience more accessible from a pricing perspective. Smokers could expect an official weight of 6.10 grams, presented in standard dress boxes containing 25 units. The band used was the standard Por Larrañaga livery, instantly recognizable to fans of the marca.
Tasting Notes and Smoking Experience
While the Panetelas (2) may not have been a complex powerhouse, it carved out a reputation for consistency and balance. Aggregated consumer reviews, based on nearly three dozen submissions, awarded the cigar a solid average rating. Across metrics such as elegance, balance, strength, and aftertaste, the vitola scored consistently in the "average to good" range, suggesting a reliable smoke without significant flaws.
The flavor profile was distinctly rooted in classic Cuban earthiness but distinguished by a surprising sweetness. Reviewers noted that the dominant sensation was that of pure tobacco, providing a robust foundation for the other notes to build upon. However, the most frequently cited secondary flavor was vanilla, appearing in half of the reviews collected. This vanilla sweetness, combined with the core tobacco taste, painted a picture of a mellow and approachable cigar.
Flavor Breakdown
Beyond the core notes, the palate revealed a variety of subtle nuances:
- Primary Notes: Tobacco and Vanilla were the defining characteristics.
- Secondary Notes: Toast and hay were detected by a minority of smokers, adding a dry, cereal-like quality.
- Subtle Undertones: Nutty and earthy flavors appeared occasionally, while singular mentions of anise, cedar, cinnamon, citrus, coffee, pepper, and spice added layers of complexity for discerning palates.
The End of an Era
The discontinuation of the Panetelas (2) in 2019 closed the book on this particular chapter of Por Larrañaga history. For 17 years, it served as a fine example of how a brand could successfully transition from machine-made origins to a respectable handmade product. It offered a smoking duration that was neither too brief nor overly demanding, perfectly suited for a morning coffee or a midday break. While it is no longer possible to purchase these fresh from the retailer, the legacy of the "Vegueritos" remains as a reminder of the diverse and evolving landscape of Cuban cigar production.
