```
Coronas
Montecristo Montecristo No.3, rolled in the Coronas size
The Coronas (commonly known as the Corona) is a classic straight-sided vitola de galera measuring 142 mm (5 ⅝ inches) with a 42 ring gauge. As a benchmark format in the Cuban portfolio, it offers a medium smoking time and a balanced ratio of wrapper to filler leaf. While many sizes have adopted the name as a suffix, the true Coronas remains a specific, historic factory measurement.
Factory Measurements versus Commercial Names
In Cuban cigar manufacturing, the vitola de galera denotes the precise factory dimensions and shape, whereas the vitola de salida is the commercial name printed on the box. The Coronas is a parejo shape, meaning it features straight sides and a rounded head. It requires careful rolling to ensure an even draw and consistent combustion throughout the length of the cigar.
What are its shape and smoking characteristics?
A traditional Coronas typically smokes for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the smoker's pace and the density of the blend. The slender 42 ring gauge allows the wrapper leaf to play a prominent role in the flavour profile, producing a clear, focused expression of the tobacco. The draw is generally steady, provided the cigar has been stored correctly and the box code confirms an appropriate resting period.
Notable Coronas in Regular Production
Several prominent Habanos houses maintain the Coronas in their active portfolios. The Montecristo No.3 is perhaps the most recognised example, offering the brand's signature profile in this classic format since 1960. The Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro, introduced in 1974, provides a lighter, more delicate approach to the size. Romeo y Julieta also uses the format for its Cedros de Luxe No.2, a cigar traditionally presented in a protective cedar sleeve.
How does the Coronas compare with similar sizes?
The Coronas sits closely to the Marevas (129 mm x 42), being slightly longer and offering an extended smoking duration. It is slimmer than a Hermosos No.4 (127 mm x 48) and shorter than a Cervantes (165 mm x 42). This makes it an ideal middle ground for smokers seeking the concentration of a narrow ring gauge without the time commitment of a Lonsdale.
Buying and Ageing
When purchasing Coronas, examining the box code is essential for assessing maturity. The slender 42 ring gauge ages predictably, often developing nuanced, subtle characteristics after three to five years of careful storage. Collectors should look for the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp when buying in the UK, ensuring the cigars have been imported through official channels and pass strict condition checks. Always maintain a stable humidity to prevent the wrapper from splitting, a common risk with narrower parejos if they become too dry. If you are concerned about provenance, consult our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars.
Specifications
Galera Name — Detail: Coronas
Common Name — Detail: Corona
Ring Gauge — Detail: 42
Length (mm) — Detail: 142 mm
Length (Inches) — Detail: 5 ⅝ inches
Shape — Detail: Parejo
Typical Smoking Time — Detail: 45–60 minutes
At MokaCigar
At MokaCigar, we rigorously inspect every box to ensure proper provenance and condition, checking the box codes to guide your resting periods. Our catalogue frequently features benchmark examples of the Coronas format, including the standard Montecristo No.3 and the Quai D'Orsay Coronas Claro. For collectors seeking vintage profiles, we occasionally source exceptional aged releases, such as the Montecristo No.3 1965, 1997, and 2004 editions, alongside rare items like the Montecristo No.3 House Reserve Aged & Rare 90th Anniversary Special Release. To explore our current English Market Selection inventory, visit the Montecristo shop page or the Quai d'Orsay shop page.