Although often unfairly maligned, short filler cigars can offer the same great tobacco flavours found in premium quality long-filler cigars without the hefty price tag – the cigar novice has a chance to experience the various tastes of a Havana without breaking the bank, and seasoned smokers can also appreciate them as ideal for a round of golf, or a fishing trip where the effects of wind or a case of the dropsies will not lead to heartbreak.
These smokes are “hand finished” – meaning the torcedor uses chopped tobacco (cuttings left over during the rolling of premium cigars) and when assembled in a bunch using a flexible mat affixed to the table, she then applies the wrapper leaf in the usual manner. The resulting cigar may burn a little faster or inconsistently compared to a premium cigar, but will be priced at a third or even a quarter.
Hand finished cigars fill a definite need for the smoker and we will look at 5 that you should be familiar with.
RAFAEL GONZALEZ Panetela Extra (Vegueritos)
Said to be originally created in 1928 by Spaniard Márquez Raphäel González principally for the British market, the brand was famous for creating the first Lonsdale (42 X 165 mm) for Lord Lonsdale, a size that became very popular and was subsequently made by various brands. The brand disappeared for a time after the revolution of 1959 but re-emerged in 1965.
The Panetelas Extra (37 X 127mm) embodies the highest quality in short filler cigars. Often sporting better then average wrappers, these mild to medium-bodied cigars show flavours of spice, nuts and cedar. Try cutting them with a small punch cut which kicks the power up a notch, and adds another level of complexity. If you get a box with nice oily wrappers, and can bear to let them sit for a year or two these cigars can provide a 30 minute smoke to rival a premium cigar of 3 or 4 times the price.
QUINTERO Petit Quintero (Petit Cazadores)
When Quintero was established in 1924, it’s main focus was the Spanish market. By the late 1980’s, all fully hand made cigars in the line had been discontinued, leaving the brand to concentrate on short filler cigars – some hand-finished, some completely machine-made. Today, the range is made up of a half dozen cigars of which the Petit Quintero (43 X 105mm) is currently the most interesting.
For those looking for a half hour smoke and in need of something a little thicker than the Pan Ex, this Quintero might fit the bill. A little stronger and perhaps rougher around the edges, this short corona gains earthy and peaty notes as it progresses, eventually showing mocha and milky flavours in the final third.
POR LARAÑAGA Montecarlo (Deliciosos)
The Por Larrañaga brand was founded in 1834 by Spaniard Ignacio Larrañaga and was famous enough by end of that century to be referenced by Rudyard Kipling in his poem The Betrothed (“there’s peace in a Larrañaga”) in which he compares his love for the leaf to his love for his wife Maggie. Spoiler alert: Maggie comes in a distant second.
The Montecarlo (159 X 33) is a long panetella, a once popular size that has since gone somewhat out of favour. But there is a certain elegance in these long, thin smokes that exude elements of cedar, mild pepper and caramel through a firm slow burning draw.
SHOP LES FINES LAMES ON OUR 1492 SHOP
LA FLOR DE CANO Eligidos (Robusto)
The Eligidos (50 X 127mm) is one of only 2 Robusto size short-filler Cuban cigars currently on the market (the other being the Quintero Favorito). A low-key, family run business when it was first introduced in 1884 by the Cano brothers José and Tomás, not much is known about the brand’s history and the available range has always been on the small side and currently there are only 2 sizes available. The wrapper of the Eligidos tends to be a little rough and veiny. The initial lighting yields flavours on the dry side with some pepper and the expected cedar. As it progresses the pepper builds and the cigar develops an earthiness and notes of bitter almond but remains mild overall.
