Quintero Panetelas – Box of 25

The Quintero Panetelas is the most affordable Cuban cigar in Habanos’ portfolio, offering a quick, no-frills tobacco experience. Measuring 117mm x 36 (4.6″ x 14.29mm), this slender short-filler provides a 20-30 minute smoke that’s perfect for coffee breaks or as an introductory Cuban. Packed in a simple cardboard box of 25, it’s the ultimate budget-friendly way to sample Havana’s tobacco.

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Construction & Practicality

• Wrapper: Thin colorado claro (machine-made with short filler)

• Box: Plain cardboard (no cedar lining)

• Performance Notes:
  ✓ Draw: Typically loose (expected for machine-made)
  ✓ Burn: Fast, sometimes uneven
  ✓ Ash: Flaky, light gray

Storage Tip: Keep at 58-60% RH (drier than premium cigars) to minimize burn issues

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Flavor Profile

A one-dimensional but authentic Cuban tobacco taste:

• Dominant Note: Sweet hay

• Secondary: Toasted bread

• Finish: Slightly earthy

Strength: Very mild (weaker than Favoritos/Brevas)

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Value Proposition

Best Uses:

• Golf course smoke

• “Practice” a cigar for beginners

• Emergency humidor filler

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Compared to Other Quinteros

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Final Verdict

★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5) – For budget-conscious purists only

Buy If:
✓ You want the absolute cheapest Cuban cigar
✓ Need ultra-short smokes (15-20 mins)
✓ Are curious about raw Cuban tobacco flavor

Avoid If:
✗ You expect complexity or good construction
✗ Prefer hand-rolled cigars

Current Market:

• Always available (low demand)

• 2024 production identical to past years

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Key Specifications

• Format: Machine-made short-filler

• Box: 25 loose cigars

• Strength: Very mild

• Humidity: 58-60% RH

• Realistic Use Case: “I just want to say I’m smoking a Cuban.”

Last Word: The Panetelas is to cigars what instant coffee is to specialty brews – it’s technically the real thing, but manages expectations accordingly. Keep a box for emergencies, but don’t judge Cuban cigars by this alone.