Panatela

The Panatela is a long, slender cigar format that emphasizes elegance, subtlety, and wrapper-driven flavor. Traditionally measuring between 6 to 7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 34 to 38, Panatelas are thinner than most modern vitolas, offering a refined draw and a nuanced smoking experience.

Size comparison of Panatela, Robusto and Churchill

Key Specifications

  • Length: 6.0 to 7.5 inches
  • Ring Gauge: 34 to 38
  • Shape: Parejo (straight-sided)
  • Smoking Time: 30–45 minutes depending on thickness and tobacco density

Citation: Cigar Aficionado – Panatela

Flavor and Performance

Due to its thin ring gauge, the Panatela emphasizes the wrapper leaf, which plays a significant role in flavor. These cigars:

  • Burn hotter and faster than wider cigars
  • Offer fewer filler leaves, resulting in a cleaner, sharper flavor profile
  • Require skillful construction to maintain a consistent draw
  • Often showcase milder to medium blends but are also used in full-bodied releases

This format rewards slower puffing and is best appreciated by smokers seeking flavor precision over volume.

Historical Significance

Before Robustos and Toros dominated the market, the Panatela was a standard vitola in premium Cuban and non-Cuban lines. Its popularity has declined in favor of thicker cigars, but it still retains a cult following among traditionalists and connoisseurs.

Panatela vs. Lonsdale vs. Lancero

Format Length Ring Gauge Notes
Panatela 6–7.5 in 34–38 Thin and elegant; wrapper-forward
Lonsdale 6.5 in 42 Slightly thicker, longer burn
Lancero 7.5 in 38 Ultra-slim with extended burn time

While often compared to a Lancero, the Panatela is usually shorter and slightly wider, making it more accessible in terms of smoking time and draw effort.

Citation: Davidoff – Cigar Sizes

Ideal Use Cases

  • Afternoon breaks where a quick yet elegant smoke is desired
  • Warm-weather smoking where a lighter cigar is more enjoyable
  • Introductory cigars for those intimidated by large ring gauges
  • Wrapper evaluation—great for discerning how the wrapper impacts taste

Hand holding a lit panatela cigar

Notable Panatela Cigars

  • Davidoff Signature No. 2 – Light, floral, and perfectly balanced
  • Montecristo No. 1 (Cuban) – A classic Panatela with creamy and woody tones
  • Illusione Fume d'Amour Petite Corona – Boutique blend with rich complexity
  • La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 4 – Slim, spicy, and Cuban heritage-rich

Note: Many brands today label Panatelas under broader categories such as "petite corona" or "slim," though traditional Panatela dimensions remain respected in high-end production.

Tips for Smoking a Panatela

  • Puff gently and slowly to avoid overheating
  • Store at stable humidity (65–70%) to prevent drying or unraveling
  • Use a sharp guillotine cutter for a clean, small cut
  • Expect a shorter ash due to the cigar’s narrow structure

Related Glossary Terms

Summary

The Panatela may not be as common as thicker cigars in today’s market, but it remains a vital part of cigar history and craftsmanship. Its thin, elegant form delivers a refined, wrapper-driven flavor ideal for smokers who value subtlety, tradition, and time-honored smoking rituals.