When were Rafael González Slenderellas discontinued?

The Rafael González Slenderellas were officially discontinued in 2006. This slender vitola had been a staple of the brand's regular production lineup for decades prior to its removal. While the brand continued with other formats, the Slenderellas ceased production, making existing inventory highly sought after by collectors. This discontinuation aligns with Habanos S.A.'s periodic rationalization of certain vitolas across their portfolio during the mid-2000s.

What is the size of the Rafael González Slenderellas?

The Rafael González Slenderellas measures 180 mm (7.1 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 34. This substantial length combined with a very thin gauge classifies it as a specialized Deliciosos vitola. The format demands significant rolling skill to ensure a proper draw. Its dimensions provide a distinctively long smoking duration for a slender cigar, often exceeding an hour when consumed slowly.

What flavor profile does the Rafael González Slenderellas offer?

This cigar typically delivers a medium-bodied smoke characterized by distinct grassy and vegetal notes, common to the Rafael González brand. Smokers can expect a core of dry wood and mild spice, with a characteristic floral aroma. Due to the thin ring gauge, the flavor intensity is often more concentrated than in thicker robustos. Proper storage is essential, as the slender format can lead to a faster burn rate and potential harshness if smoked too quickly.

When were Rafael González Slenderellas discontinued?

The Rafael González Slenderellas were officially discontinued in 2006. This slender vitola had been a staple of the brand's regular production lineup for decades prior to its removal. While the brand continued with other formats, the Slenderellas ceased production, making existing inventory highly sought after by collectors. This discontinuation aligns with Habanos S.A.'s periodic rationalization of certain vitolas across their portfolio during the mid-2000s.

What is the size of the Rafael González Slenderellas?

The Rafael González Slenderellas measures 180 mm (7.1 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 34. This substantial length combined with a very thin gauge classifies it as a specialized Deliciosos vitola. The format demands significant rolling skill to ensure a proper draw. Its dimensions provide a distinctively long smoking duration for a slender cigar, often exceeding an hour when consumed slowly.

What flavor profile does the Rafael González Slenderellas offer?

This cigar typically delivers a medium-bodied smoke characterized by distinct grassy and vegetal notes, common to the Rafael González brand. Smokers can expect a core of dry wood and mild spice, with a characteristic floral aroma. Due to the thin ring gauge, the flavor intensity is often more concentrated than in thicker robustos. Proper storage is essential, as the slender format can lead to a faster burn rate and potential harshness if smoked too quickly.

Cigar Information

Rafael González Slenderellas

The Rafael González Slenderellas represents a classic vitola from one of Cuba's most distinguished heritage brands. This elegant, slender cigar was part of the brand's regular production lineup for decades before its eventual discontinuation in 2006. Known by its factory name of Panetelas Largas, this cigar exemplified the traditional Cuban approach to delicate, refined smoking experiences.

Specifications

Name	Slenderellas
Factory Name	Panetelas Largas
Ring Gauge	28
Length	175 mm (6⅞″)
Official Weight	5.01 g
Construction	Handmade
Band	Standard band A

History and Production

The Slenderellas traced its origins to the pre-1960 era, making it one of the older established vitolas within the Rafael González portfolio. The cigar maintained its place in the brand's regular production offerings throughout much of the 20th century, surviving the transition following the Cuban Revolution and remaining available to cigar enthusiasts worldwide.

Production of this slender Panetela continued until 2006, when it was officially discontinued. The decision to end production reflected broader industry trends toward thicker ring gauges, as consumer preferences gradually shifted away from the delicate dimensions that had once dominated Cuban cigar offerings.

Packaging

The Rafael González Slenderellas was offered in two presentation formats during its production run:

Dress box of 50 cigars — This larger presentation format was discontinued prior to 2003
Dress box of 25 cigars — The standard packaging option remained available until the vitola's full discontinuation in 2006

Both packaging configurations featured the brand's characteristic dress box presentation, adorned with the standard band A design that identified the Rafael González marque.

Related Releases

A special edition of the Slenderellas appeared in the Rafael González Slenderellas Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, a commemorative release that celebrated the turn of the millennium. This limited presentation offered collectors an opportunity to acquire the vitola in a distinctive format beyond the standard production offerings.

Today, the Slenderellas remains a fondly remembered chapter in the Rafael González story, representing an era when slender, elegant cigars held a prominent place in Cuban cigar culture.

Questions & Answers

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