Selección Petit Robustos
Habanos Selection Release
More ambitious than standard releases, the Selección Petit Robustos is one of Habanos S.A.'s multi-brand collections, uniting five prestigious Cuban cigar marques in a unified vitola format. This special release showcases the diversity of Cuba's cigar heritage while offering enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience distinct brand characteristics through a consistent smoking format.
The Collection Overview
Released initially in 2012, the Selección Petit Robustos collection features five cigars sharing identical physical dimensions. The selection includes offerings from Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, Cohiba, H. Upmann, and Partagás — each interpreting the Petit Robustos format through their unique blending philosophies.
Release Details
The collection debuted in 2012 with a limited production run of 5,000 selection boxes, each containing 10 cigars (two of each brand). A subsequent release followed in 2015, expanding availability with 15,000 boxes produced. All cigars in this collection are entirely handmade using premium Cuban tobacco.
Unified Specifications
All five cigars in the Selección Petit Robustos collection share the following dimensional and weight specifications:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Factory Name | Petit Robustos |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Length | 102 mm (4 inches) |
| Official Weight | 9.59 grams |
| Quantity per Brand | 2 cigars |
| Construction | Handmade |
Individual Cigar Profiles
Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills
Unlike its companions in this collection, the Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills was already an established production size before being included in this selection. This cigar features the standard Romeo y Julieta band D accompanied by a distinctive secondary band specifically designed for the Petit Churchills line.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elegance | 4 |
| Balance | 4 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Complexity | 4 |
| Aftertaste | 4 |
| Overall Score | 4.0 |
Primary Tasting Notes: Cherry, walnut, and wood dominate the profile, with supporting notes of bitter chocolate, nutmeg, cocoa, fruit, and subtle spice undertones.
Montecristo Petit Robusto
Created specifically for this special release, the Montecristo Petit Robusto represents a new addition to the brand's portfolio. The cigar carries the standard Montecristo band C for the 2012 release version, while the 2015 version features band D.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elegance | 3 |
| Balance | 3 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Complexity | 2 |
| Aftertaste | 3 |
| Overall Score | 3.33 |
Primary Tasting Notes: Coffee, honey, and mocha characterize this blend, delivering the classic Montecristo sweetness in a compact format.
Cohiba Petit Robustos
As a new special release size for Cohiba, this addition brings the prestige of Cuba's most famous brand to the collection. The 2012 version displays band D, while the 2015 release features the updated band G design.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elegance | 3 |
| Balance | 3 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Complexity | 2 |
| Aftertaste | 3 |
| Overall Score | 3.33 |
Primary Tasting Notes: A focused profile of coffee, honey, and mocha notes, reflecting Cohiba's signature refinement in a shorter smoking experience.
H. Upmann Petit Robustos
This new special release size expands the H. Upmann range with a contemporary format. The cigar presents the standard H. Upmann band C, maintaining the brand's traditional visual identity.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elegance | 3 |
| Balance | 3 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Complexity | 2 |
| Aftertaste | 3 |
| Overall Score | 3.8 |
Primary Tasting Notes: Cedar, coffee, and shortbread form the core flavors, complemented by white pepper, toast, tobacco, and woody undertones.
Partagás Petit Robustos
Rounding out the collection, the Partagás Petit Robustos introduces this format to one of Cuba's oldest and most respected brands. The cigar features the standard Partagás band B.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elegance | 3 |
| Balance | 3 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Complexity | 2 |
| Aftertaste | 3 |
| Overall Score | 3.33 |
Primary Tasting Notes: Coffee, leather, sourdough, and spice create a robust and earthy character true to the Partagás tradition.
Comparative Analysis
The Selección Petit Robustos offers an intriguing study in how different houses approach the same vitola. With identical dimensions across all five cigars, the collection highlights the distinctive blending philosophies of each marca. The Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills emerges as the highest-rated selection, praised for its elegance, balance, and complex flavor development.
The 50 ring gauge by 102mm length provides approximately 30-45 minutes of smoking time, making these cigars ideal for modern enthusiasts seeking quality Cuban tobacco in a time-efficient format.