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Fonseca Fonseca No.1, rolled in the Cazadores size
Cazadores
The Cazadores is a Cuban cigar factory format, or vitola de galera, commonly referred to by its commercial name, the Lonsdale. A vitola de galera dictates the exact factory dimensions used by the rollers, distinct from the vitola de salida, which is the commercial name printed on the box. The Cazadores is a straight-sided parejo measuring 162 mm (6 3/8 inches) in length with a 43 ring gauge.
How does the Cazadores smoke?
The slender 43 ring gauge directs the smoke efficiently to the palate, meaning the wrapper leaf plays a pronounced role in the overall flavour. The draw is generally firm but smooth, requiring a measured smoking pace to prevent the tobacco from overheating. This elongated format concentrates the blend, and a typical smoking time ranges from 60 to 75 minutes depending on the density of the roll.
Which houses use the Cazadores format?
Currently, the Cazadores vitola is active in two regular production cigars from Havana. The most famous is the Romeo y Julieta Cazadores, introduced prior to 1960. It is packaged unbanded in foil bundles within the cedar box and is renowned among seasoned smokers for its formidable strength when young.
The format is also used by Fonseca for the Fonseca No.1, another pre-1960 release. In contrast to the Romeo y Julieta, the Fonseca provides a much lighter, more delicate smoking profile. This demonstrates how the same factory dimensions can yield entirely different results depending on the master blender's recipe and the selection of Vuelta Abajo tobaccos.
How does it compare to similar sizes?
Within the broader Lonsdale category, the Cazadores sits near the Cervantes vitola (42 by 165 mm). The extra point in ring gauge and slightly shorter length of the Cazadores offer a subtly cooler draw than the Cervantes, while maintaining a slender profile. Another close relative is the Dalias (43 by 170 mm), which shares the 43 ring gauge but provides a slightly longer smoking duration.
What should you look for when buying and ageing?
When purchasing the Cazadores format, inspecting the box code is essential to determine the vintage. The robust nature of the Romeo y Julieta blend in particular requires significant time in the humidor to soften its initial aggression. We recommend a minimum of five years of carefully monitored storage to allow the tannins to recede and the more nuanced flavours to emerge.
Collectors should also look for the English Market Selection stamp when sourcing these cigars in the UK. Given the format's susceptibility to variations in humidity, maintaining a consistent environment of 65% relative humidity is advisable. Proper storage ensures the wrapper remains supple and the draw remains unimpeded over long-term ageing.
Specifications
Factory name (galera) — Details: Cazadores
Common name (salida) — Details: Lonsdale
Ring gauge — Details: 43
Length (mm) — Details: 162 mm
Length (inches) — Details: 6 3/8 inches
Shape — Details: Parejo
Typical smoking time — Details: 60–75 minutes
At MokaCigar
Our temperature-controlled reserves occasionally hold mature examples of this classic format and other No.1 vitolas. From the Habanos catalogue, we have stocked the Romeo y Julieta Cazadores, alongside the Jose L Piedra Cazadores and Jose L Piedra Petit Cazadores. Collectors may also find rare No.1 formats from our archives, including the Montecristo No.1 Seleccion Suprema Dunhil C50 1970s and the Diplomaticos No.1 Hunters & Frankau House Reserve 2003/2019. We regularly source aged stock such as the H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 (including the Festival XVI Band 2014) and vintage Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No.1 from 1999 and 2000.