```
Vegueros: Centrofinos
Vegueros
Vegueros is an active Cuban cigar brand owned by Habanos S.A., formally established in 1996 as a tribute to the farmers who cultivate tobacco across the island. Characterised by a medium-to-full strength profile, the marque was entirely refreshed in 2013 with a modern, compact portfolio of short vitolas. It is designed to offer a direct, robust smoking experience tailored for contemporary preferences.
Origins and the Tribute to the Farmer
The word 'vegueros' translates directly to the farmers who tend the tobacco plantations in Cuba. For generations, these agricultural workers rolled their own cigars from the leaves they harvested, favouring a rustic, full-flavoured blend. Habanos S.A. launched the brand to honour this tradition, bringing a commercial representation of the farmer's daily smoke to the international market.
Initially, the brand featured long, slender vitolas, packaged in straightforward bundles and traditional boxes. This early incarnation remained in production for over a decade but eventually fell out of favour as consumer preferences shifted toward shorter, thicker ring gauges.
In 2013, Habanos S.A. made the decision to discontinue the original line and completely reinvent the brand. The relaunch introduced the Modern Portfolio, which stripped back the range to a few highly focused, thicker formats. The presentation was also overhauled; the traditional paper bands were replaced with a striking green and silver design, giving the brand a distinct, contemporary identity among the classic houses.
Despite the modernised appearance and updated sizes, the cigars continue to be rolled in Cuba using premium long-filler tobacco. They maintain the straightforward, medium-to-full character that reflects their namesake, providing a robust profile without the premium pricing associated with the global flagship brands.
The Modern Portfolio Vitolas
The current Vegueros lineup consists exclusively of regular-production cigars, structured around a tight selection of contemporary formats. The 2013 relaunch debuted three core sizes that remain in steady circulation today, all built to deliver intense flavour in a shorter smoking window.
The Entretiempos uses the Petit Edmundo vitola de galera, measuring 110 mm in length with a 52 ring gauge (4.33 inches). This thick petit robusto format allows for an immediate concentration of smoke and provides a cool draw. Alongside it, the brand introduced the Tapados. Formatted as a corona extra, it utilises the Mareva Gruesa vitola, measuring 120 mm by 46 ring gauge (4.72 inches), offering a slightly more traditional smoking duration.
Completing the initial 2013 trio is the Mañanitas. This distinctive cigar is a petit pyramid or short figurado, coming in at just 100 mm by 46 ring gauge (3.94 inches). The tapered head of the Mañanitas allows the smoker to control the cut and, consequently, the intensity of the draw, making it a highly adaptable short smoke.
As the market continued to demand thicker ring gauges, Habanos S.A. expanded the line in 2018 with the Centrofinos. Presented as a robusto under the Centro Fino factory name, it measures 130 mm by 50 ring gauge (5.12 inches). This addition provided a classic robusto option for smokers seeking a standard length alongside the established shorter formats.
The most recent introduction occurred in 2022 with the release of the Centrogordos. This petit robusto pushes the dimensions further, utilising the Centro Gordo format at 100 mm with a heavy 54 ring gauge (3.94 inches). It caters specifically to the modern preference for very short, heavy cigars that can be consumed in under forty-five minutes.
To date, the brand has maintained its focus purely on regular production. There are no limited editions, regional editions, or reserva releases associated with the marque.
Vegueros: Entretiempos
Collecting, Maturation, and Provenance
As a regular-production brand, Vegueros is highly accessible and well-suited for daily enjoyment, yet it still rewards careful cellaring. The cigars are distributed globally in standard dress boxes of 25, while sizes like the Entretiempos and Centrogordos are also offered in rigid cardboard packs of five. This varied packaging makes the brand convenient for both sampling and long-term storage.
Collectors must always inspect the box code stamped on the reverse of the dress boxes. These codes establish the exact month, year, and factory of rolling, providing essential data for tracking the maturation process. For boxes destined for the UK market, verifying the presence of the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp ensures the cigars have been imported through official channels, guaranteeing strict quality control and correct tax duties.
Given their medium-to-full body, Vegueros cigars possess the structure required for medium-term ageing. Resting them in a stable humidor for three to five years allows the raw intensity of the young tobacco to integrate. This maturation process often smooths the draw and reveals a more balanced profile, softening the edges of the blend.
Buyers should also familiarise themselves with how to spot fake Cuban cigars. While less commonly counterfeited than flagship brands, the modern green and silver bands of Vegueros must feature sharp, precise printing and correct embossing. Examining the factory seals and holograms on the outer packaging remains a crucial step in verifying authenticity.
Key Specifications
Centrofinos — Vitola de Galera: Centro Fino — Length (mm): 130 — Length (in): 5.12 — Ring Gauge: 50 — Shape: Parejo — Introduced: 2018
Centrogordos — Vitola de Galera: Centro Gordo — Length (mm): 100 — Length (in): 3.94 — Ring Gauge: 54 — Shape: Parejo — Introduced: 2022
Entretiempos — Vitola de Galera: Petit Edmundo — Length (mm): 110 — Length (in): 4.33 — Ring Gauge: 52 — Shape: Parejo — Introduced: 2013
Mañanitas — Vitola de Galera: Mañanitas — Length (mm): 100 — Length (in): 3.94 — Ring Gauge: 46 — Shape: Figurado — Introduced: 2013
Tapados — Vitola de Galera: Mareva Gruesa — Length (mm): 120 — Length (in): 4.72 — Ring Gauge: 46 — Shape: Parejo — Introduced: 2013
At MokaCigar
At MokaCigar, we monitor the availability of this robust and accessible Habanos house. Our catalogue currently tracks the Vegueros CentroGordos, Vegueros Entretiempos, Vegueros Centrofinos, and Vegueros Mañanitas. While stock naturally fluctuates, you can review our current holdings on the Vegueros shop page. All boxes sourced for the UK market carry the official EMS guarantee and are carefully stored in our climate-controlled humidors until dispatch.
In our cellar
Sold-out archive (4 releases, enquiries welcome): Vegueros CentroGordos, Vegueros Centrofinos, Vegueros Entretiempos, Vegueros Mananitas.