Coronas Gordas
The Coronas Gordas is a classic Cuban factory format, widely known by its common name, the Grand Corona. Measuring 143 mm in length with a 46 ring gauge, this parejo straight-sided shape is considered by many seasoned smokers to offer the ideal balance between wrapper influence and filler complexity. It sits in the catalogue as a format that delivers a sustained, nuanced smoking experience.
Cohiba Siglo IV, rolled in the Coronas Gordas size
Anatomy and smoking characteristics
The vitola de galera refers to the exact factory dimensions used by the rollers on the bench, whereas the vitola de salida is the commercial name printed on the box for retail. The Coronas Gordas is a straight-sided parejo format with a 46 ring gauge (a diameter of 18.26 mm), which allows the torcedor to blend up to three types of filler leaf. This provides sufficient thickness for an effortless draw while ensuring the wrapper leaf remains a defining contributor to the profile.
The length of 143 mm (5 ⅝ inches) dictates a smoking time of approximately forty-five to sixty minutes. Because of the moderate diameter, the temperature remains relatively cool throughout the experience. This measured burn allows the subtle shifts in the blend to express themselves clearly without the risk of early harshness, provided the cigar is smoked at a patient rhythm.
Notable examples in production
Several distinguished houses rely on the Coronas Gordas to present some of their most respected blends. The Cohiba Siglo IV, introduced in 1994 as part of the Línea 1492, is a prominent modern example. However, older marcas have championed this size for much longer, establishing it as a cornerstone of their portfolios. The H. Upmann Magnum 46, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1, and Punch Punch Punch have all utilised this exact size continuously since 1960.
The Juan López Selección No.1, released as regular production in 1990, remains a quiet favourite among knowledgeable collectors. It offers a rich, reliable delivery in this precise format, demonstrating how well the size accommodates medium-to-full blends.
Size comparisons
When placing the Coronas Gordas in context, it is useful to look at adjacent factory sizes within the Habanos portfolio. It is longer and slightly thicker than a standard Corona (142 mm by 42), offering a fuller mouthfeel and a more complex filler blend. Compared to a Robusto (124 mm by 50), it is significantly longer but narrower. This narrower gauge shifts the tasting emphasis slightly more towards the wrapper leaf and extends the duration of the middle third.
Vitola de Galera — Details: Coronas Gordas
Common Name — Details: Grand Corona
Ring Gauge — Details: 46
Length (mm) — Details: 143 mm
Length (inches) — Details: 5 ⅝"
Shape — Details: Parejo
Typical Smoking Time — Details: 45–60 minutes
Collecting, buying and ageing
The Coronas Gordas is an excellent candidate for long-term maturation in the humidor. The specific ratio of wrapper to filler allows the tobacco to integrate gracefully when stored at a stable temperature and 65% relative humidity. When acquiring intact boxes, collectors should always inspect the factory box code stamped on the base to establish a firm baseline for ageing.
As always with Cuban cigars, sourcing through verifiable channels bearing the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp guarantees proper provenance and transit conditions to the United Kingdom. Should you have any concerns regarding a recent purchase, our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars outlines the correct packaging details to verify before adding them to your collection.
At MokaCigar
Our humidor regularly houses a carefully inspected selection of Coronas Gordas formats. You will often find regular production staples like the H.Upmann Magnum 46 alongside aged stock such as the H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 2014. Our vintage selection frequently features special releases, including the Bolivar Regentes Limited Edition 2021, the Bolivar Tiempo RE France 2017, and rare items like the Diplomaticos No.1 Hunters & Frankau House Reserve 2003/2019. Explore our full availability of these elegant formats on the H. Upmann and Bolivar brand pages.