When a thin ribbon of smoke rises from a Cuban cigar, the spotlight often falls on names like Cohiba or Montecristo, yet tucked behind these giants is a modest but compelling size: the Rafael González Coronas Chicas. This short corona once filled the shelves of the middle decades of the twentieth century, offering smokers a brief, balanced experience that reflects an era when craftsmanship was measured in inches and flavor.
Historical Origins and Market Life
The Coronas Chicas made its debut before the calendar turned to 1960, placing it among the earliest releases of the Rafael González house. Throughout the 1960s it remained a steady offering, catering to aficionados who preferred a more concise smoke without sacrificing complexity. By the early 1970s the model was quietly retired, concluding a production run that spanned roughly twenty years. Its discontinuation marked a shift in the brand’s strategy, as Rafael González began to concentrate on the vitolas that would later become its signature selections.
Vitola Classification and Measurements
Inside the factory, the Coronas Chicas bore the internal designation Marevas—a term used for the classic corona format that emphasizes proportion over length. This size was prized for delivering a harmonious blend of tobacco flavors in a modest burn time. The exact dimensions were standardized to ensure a consistent smoking experience:
Technical Specifications
- Length: 129 mm (5 ⅛ inches)
- Ring Gauge: 42
- Weight: 8.46 g
Packaging and Visual Identity
The cigars were shipped in elegant dress boxes that held 25 units, a presentation style that mirrored the refined taste of the period. Each stick bore the iconic Band A label—a simple yet recognizable emblem that tied the Coronas Chicas to the broader Rafael González lineage. The packaging emphasized understated luxury, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for delivering quality without flamboyant excess.
Collectibility and Modern Relevance
Although production ceased more than four decades ago, the Coronas Chicas continues to attract interest from historians and collectors who study the evolution of Cuban cigar sizes. Its Marevas format is viewed as a snapshot of mid‑century craftsmanship—a period when manufacturers experimented with proportion to achieve a seamless balance between strength and flavor. Today, the Rafael González name endures, offering a range of premium cigars that carry forward the tradition established by earlier releases. Enthusiasts exploring the current catalog will discover vitolas that echo the same principles of balance and refinement that once defined the discontinued Coronas Chicas.
