Campanas
The Campanas is a traditional Cuban cigar size, or vitola de galera, most commonly referred to by smokers as a pyramid. Measuring 140 mm in length with a 52 ring gauge, this tapering figurado is prized for its ability to deliver concentrated flavours. It is the architectural foundation for several highly regarded Havana cigars, most notably the Bolívar Belicosos Finos.
Bolívar Belicosos Finos, rolled in the Campanas size
Shape and specifications
In Cuban cigar manufacturing, the factory name for a size is the vitola de galera, while the market name printed on the box is the vitola de salida. The Campanas is a figurado, meaning it is not a straight-sided cylinder; rather, it tapers to a pointed head. This requires exceptional skill from the torcedor to roll correctly, ensuring an even draw without restricting the airflow at the tip.
Compared to its nearest relative, the Pirámides (52 x 156 mm), the Campanas is noticeably shorter. This more compact format provides a smoking duration of roughly 45 to 60 minutes, making it a robust but manageable choice for experienced smokers.
Factory name (Galera) — Detail: Campanas
Common name — Detail: Pyramid
Ring gauge — Detail: 52
Length (mm) — Detail: 140 mm
Length (inches) — Detail: 5 ½ inches
Shape — Detail: Figurado
Typical smoking time — Detail: 45–60 minutes
How does a Campanas smoke?
The tapered head of a Campanas alters how the blend expresses itself on the palate. As the smoke is drawn through the narrowing neck, it condenses, intensifying the profile of the tobaccos. Smokers can control this concentration slightly by how deep they cut the head, though a conservative cut is always recommended to avoid unravelling the wrapper.
Because of the heavy 52 ring gauge at the foot, the cigar allows for a complex arrangement of filler leaves. It typically begins with a voluminous smoke output and cool burning temperature. As the ember approaches the narrower head, the intensity and heat gradually increase, delivering a highly concentrated finish.
Notable production cigars
Several historic Havana houses utilise the Campanas vitola for regular production cigars. The most famous is the Bolívar Belicosos Finos, introduced prior to 1960, which remains a staple for smokers who appreciate a strong, full-bodied blend.
The Romeo y Julieta house also offers a Belicosos, providing a balanced, medium-bodied profile characterised by cedar and floral notes. From the older, more understated marques, the Sancho Panza Belicosos delivers a refined, slightly salty and woody smoke. In 1999, San Cristóbal de la Habana adopted the size for La Punta, a lighter and sweeter interpretation of the shape.
Buying and ageing the Campanas
When purchasing a Campanas, inspect the wrapper at the pointed head carefully. The leaf should be smooth and taut; any peeling here suggests poor handling or a dry storage environment. Always ensure you are buying English Market Selection (EMS) boxes from a verified specialist. It is wise to consult a cigar box code guide to verify the factory and date of production, and review how to spot fake Cuban cigars when acquiring sought-after figurados.
The Campanas format ages remarkably well, particularly in the stronger blends. A box of Bolívar Belicosos Finos benefits greatly from five to ten years of careful storage. Over time, the aggressive tannins recede, allowing the dense earthy and spicy notes to integrate properly.
At MokaCigar
Our humidors regularly feature the Campanas format. For those seeking the benchmark expression of this vitola, we offer the Bolívar Belicosos Finos in standard production, alongside rare finds like the Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016, both available through our Bolívar selection. We also maintain stocks of the classic Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, located in our Romeo y Julieta catalogue. Depending on our vintage sourcing, collectors may occasionally find aged stock such as the Sancho Panza Belicosos from 1998 and 2002 via Sancho Panza, or the contemporary San Cristobal La Punta from San Cristóbal de la Habana.