Description
Cuban Robusto Plus Selection R1350.00
During our first years in the Johannesburg cigar business (in the 1970’s), there were plenty of Cuban cigars available, but one format cigar was revered above others: 124mm x Ring 50 (Epicure No.2), or 127mm x Ring 48 (Connoisseur No.1). In our ranges of cigars from the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua we found that this was our most popular size cigar. It became clear to us that this popularity was created by the dimensions of the cigar, not necessarily by the blend or taste. The draw is easy, the flavour is full and the length of smoking time comfortable.
When the Cuban Cohiba of this size was produced, they used the name “Robusto” – and this became the generic name for all cigars of approximately these dimensions.
This size is still (2025) one of the most desirable in any brand – Cuban and non-Cuban.
Gillian Wesley
Hoyo de Monterey Epicure No.2 (Robusto, 124mm x Ring 50)
Established in 1867 the flavour of this blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Cuban cigar. In South Africa, since before the 1970’s, the Epicure No.2 has been revered as the ultimate smoke. If you wanted a good cigar you were told by those in the know to buy an “epicurenumbertwo”. I don’t think that the brand name Hoyo de Monterrey was even considered in this context. And when Blue Mould seriously struck Cuba, there was near panic in the boardrooms, professional offices and homes of their devotees.
In fact its popularity was created mainly by the dimensions of the cigar, the Robusto.
What do you think?
Quintero Favoritos: Cuban (Short Robusto, 115mm x Ring 50)
Quintero is one of the few Habanos brands not born in Cuba’s capital city, Havana. Instead its founder Agustin Quintero with his four brothers set up shop in the south coast city of Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South”. Then as now all the tobaccos selected for Quintero came from the Vuelta Abajo region. The Quintero cigar blend is noted for a herbal flavor with sweet aftertaste, medium bodied. In April 2012, a new vitola was launched – totally handmade, short filler, a slightly shorter Robusto size, the Favoritos.
Being short filler it burns easily with a comfortable draw and usually a smooth taste. The flavour is true Cuban – a nice medium-bodied smoke. Would you enjoy it as a casual smoke?
Montecristo Open Regata (Petit Piramides, 135mm x Ring46)
This is one of the cigars in a recent list from the official Habanos importer. The Open series from Montecristo was introduced: “We want to attract a new generation of cigar smoker”. Habanos SA. Before buying I checked reviews on the internet – very mixed.
Experienced smokers found it not satisfying enough. Yet Cigar Aficionado in a blind tasting in February 2024 scored it with 92. “This little belicoso burns evenly and draws well, showing a cedary smoke with a sweet midpalate and herbal intonations. The cedar lingers on the finish.”
I had to offer it in a Selection, so I’ve sneaked it in with the Robustos. It offers a similar slow burning experience due to the relatively large ringsize and comparatively short length.
Do you find it too light compared with the other 2 Cuban cigars?
Or would it be suitable after a light lunch or in the early evening?