Rafael Gonzalez Panetela Extra

[jazznut]

"One For The Short-Term"

Rafael Gonzalez Panetela Extra from Cuba
Size: 5 inches by 37 ring gauge (Vegerito-mano)

I ended a longtime hiatus from one of Cuba’s more modest vitolas today by lighting up a Rafael Gonzalez Panetela Extra in the park during lunch-hour. This particular machine-bunched and hand-finished sample had slept through many moons in the lower section of my humidor.

If you’re looking for an elegantly endowed Cuban, then the little Panetela Extra will doubtless disappoint. My ‘catch of the day’ sported a fairly bumpy surface texture, the wrapper leaf exhibiting some stretch marks as well. On top of this, the triple-seam cap, though deeply set, was unevenly applied. The cigar felt to be no more than middling in terms of firmness.

Despite these shortcomings, the hue of the Rafael Gonzalez displayed a lovely sandalwood Colorado Claro hue with a greenish khaki cast. The capa was also mottled with deep Kalamata markings from internal oils having impregnated the outer leaf.

Upon lighting, the burn line of the cigar’s naval grey ash proceeded to zig and zag, finally assuming a 30 degree angle. Yet the ash itself held on reasonably well in the breeze, and I never experienced any problems with combustion.

The initial palate presentation comprised barely charred toast abundantly garnished with butter. But the flavour very quickly acquired a walnut soufflé-like creaminess around which danced fresh notions of cedar, herbs and citrus. This portion of the session was very mild in manner.

The Rafael Gonzalez gradually filled out during the middle of the smoke, with an ultra-smooth tobacco taste taking hold. This aspect was so round and velvety that it reminded me of nougat. Yet that hint of cedar persisted throughout, thereby adding a subtle edge.

Perusing my previous notes on the Panetela Extra brought to light a definite evolution over the intervening period, from elements of leather, subdued spice and perhaps even a chip or two of chocolate to more amalgamated confectionery-like characteristics. The difference is worth taking into account as you decide between these two distinct flavour personas and adjust your short-term ageing time frame accordingly.

The Rafael Gonzalez Panetela Extra offers an honest if relatively demure taste of the island. And what it may lack in outward beauty is more than made up for by the attractiveness of its price.