What size is the Rafael González Coronas Extra and when was it discontinued?

The Rafael González Coronas Extra measures 140mm × 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a corona grande format. This vitola was discontinued in 2010, ending decades of regular production that traced back to the pre-1960 era. The cigar featured a Marevas factory name and was produced at the Briones Montoto factory in Havana. Its retirement marked the loss of a classic Cuban corona size from the Rafael González portfolio, which remains one of the lesser-known but historically significant marcas in Habanos S.A.'s catalog.

What does the Rafael González Coronas Extra taste like compared to other Cuban coronas?

The Coronas Extra delivered a medium-bodied profile characteristic of the Rafael González marca's refined elegance. Smokers reported cedar and toasted tobacco core notes with subtle floral undertones and a honeyed sweetness on the finish. Unlike the more robust Punch or Partagás coronas, this vitola offered restrained complexity with a creamy mouthfeel and minimal spice. The 42 ring gauge allowed the wrapper's delicate qualities to dominate, producing a cooler, slower-burning smoke than thicker formats in the same line.

Is the Rafael González Coronas Extra still available to buy and how much does it cost?

As a discontinued 2010 release, the Coronas Extra exists only in dwindling private collections and auction markets. Authentic boxes command significant premiums—typically $800–$1,400 for 25-count cabinets depending on age and provenance. Serious collectors should verify box codes and Habanos S.A. seals, as counterfeits circulate. For smokers seeking comparable experiences, the current Rafael González Petit Coronas (42 × 129mm) offers the closest official alternative, though it lacks the extended aging potential and fuller development the Coronas Extra's additional 11mm length provided.

What size is the Rafael González Coronas Extra and when was it discontinued?

The Rafael González Coronas Extra measures 140mm × 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a corona grande format. This vitola was discontinued in 2010, ending decades of regular production that traced back to the pre-1960 era. The cigar featured a Marevas factory name and was produced at the Briones Montoto factory in Havana. Its retirement marked the loss of a classic Cuban corona size from the Rafael González portfolio, which remains one of the lesser-known but historically significant marcas in Habanos S.A.'s catalog.

What does the Rafael González Coronas Extra taste like compared to other Cuban coronas?

The Coronas Extra delivered a medium-bodied profile characteristic of the Rafael González marca's refined elegance. Smokers reported cedar and toasted tobacco core notes with subtle floral undertones and a honeyed sweetness on the finish. Unlike the more robust Punch or Partagás coronas, this vitola offered restrained complexity with a creamy mouthfeel and minimal spice. The 42 ring gauge allowed the wrapper's delicate qualities to dominate, producing a cooler, slower-burning smoke than thicker formats in the same line.

Is the Rafael González Coronas Extra still available to buy and how much does it cost?

As a discontinued 2010 release, the Coronas Extra exists only in dwindling private collections and auction markets. Authentic boxes command significant premiums—typically $800–$1,400 for 25-count cabinets depending on age and provenance. Serious collectors should verify box codes and Habanos S.A. seals, as counterfeits circulate. For smokers seeking comparable experiences, the current Rafael González Petit Coronas (42 × 129mm) offers the closest official alternative, though it lacks the extended aging potential and fuller development the Coronas Extra's additional 11mm length provided.

Cigar Information

Rafael González Coronas Extra

The Rafael González Coronas Extra stands as a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that traced its origins back to the pre-1960 era before ultimately being retired from production in 2010. This discontinued regular production cigar offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the heritage of one of Cuba's more understated yet respected marcas.

Historical Background

The Coronas Extra debuted during the golden age of Cuban cigars, with its release predating 1960. For decades, it remained a fixture in the Rafael González lineup, representing the brand's commitment to accessible yet refined smoking experiences. After more than half a century of production, the cigar was officially discontinued in 2010, making remaining stocks increasingly sought after by collectors.

An interesting detail for cigar historians: prior to the 1970s, this vitola was reportedly produced with slightly different dimensions, measuring 48 ring gauge by 140mm in length. The modern incarnation carried slightly slimmer proportions, reflecting evolving preferences in the Cuban cigar industry.

Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Cigar Name	Coronas Extra
Factory Name	Coronas Gordas
Ring Gauge	46
Length	143 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	11.41 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A
Packaging	Dress box of 25 cigars
Status	Discontinued (Pre-1960 – 2010)

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on enthusiast reviews, the Coronas Extra delivered a moderately complex and balanced smoking experience. With an overall rating of 4.14 out of 5 from 7 reviews, the cigar earned particular praise for its elegance and balance, both scoring 4 out of 5. The strength registered as medium, rated at 3 out of 5, making it approachable for various palates while still offering substance.

Complexity and aftertaste both received strong marks at 4 out of 5, indicating a smoke that evolved throughout the experience and left a satisfying finish.

Reported tasting notes from smokers include a diverse spectrum of flavors:

Almond
Butter
Citrus
Coffee
Cream
Earth
Floral notes
Lavender
Mint
Tobacco
Twang
Wood

This broad flavor palette suggests a cigar with considerable nuance, capable of revealing different characteristics depending on the smoker's palate and the specific conditions of each session.

Related Releases

Collectors should note the existence of a special edition: the Rafael González Coronas Extra Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor release. This limited presentation offered a unique opportunity to acquire the vitola in a commemorative format celebrating the turn of the millennium.

Questions & Answers

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