A classic format from the regular production lineup, the Rafael González Panetelas Extra offers enthusiasts a taste of Cuban cigar heritage stretching back to before 1960. This slender panetela has undergone an interesting evolution throughout its history, transitioning from machine-made origins to its current handmade form.
History and Background
Originally released prior to 1960, the Panetelas Extra carried the factory name "Vegueritos" and was produced as a machine-made cigar until approximately 2002. During that era, it was known specifically as "Vegueritos Mano," maintaining the same dimensional specifications of 37 ring gauge by 127mm length. The cigar eventually transitioned to fully handmade production, where it remains a current offering in the Rafael González portfolio.
Specifications
| Vitola | Panetelas Extra |
| Factory Name | Vegueritos |
| Length | 127mm (5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 37 |
| Official Weight | 6.10 grams |
| Construction | Handmade, short filler |
| Band | Standard band B |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars |
| Status | Current regular production |
Construction and Presentation
The Panetelas Extra is crafted using short filler tobacco, hand-rolled into the classic slender panetela format. The cigar features the brand's standard band B and is presented in traditional dress boxes containing 25 cigars. This format delivers the elegant smoking experience characteristic of the panetela shape, with its refined proportions and measured burn.
Flavor Profile
Based on 105 consumer reviews, the Panetelas Extra earns an overall rating of 3.04 out of 5, with particular strengths in balance. The flavor profile centers on coffee and wood notes, which emerge as the most prominent characteristics. These core flavors are complemented by cocoa, earth, nut, and toast elements that add depth to the smoking experience.
Additional tasting notes detected by reviewers include subtle hints of tobacco, almond, bitter chocolate, cedar, chocolate, dried fruits, floral notes, fruit, grass, hay, leather, milk chocolate, oak, spice, and the distinctive Cuban twang. Walnut notes also make occasional appearances, contributing to the cigar's layered complexity.
Smoking Characteristics
| Elegance | 2/5 |
| Balance | 3/5 |
| Strength | 2/5 |
| Complexity | 2/5 |
| Aftertaste | 2/5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.04/5 |
The cigar presents a mild to medium-bodied experience, with strength rated at 2 out of 5. Its balanced nature makes it an approachable choice for various occasions, while the short filler construction provides a consistent and reliable draw throughout the smoke.
Special Releases
A notable special edition, the Rafael González Panetelas Extra Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, was released as part of the millennium celebrations, representing a prestigious iteration of this historic vitola.