Coronitas
The Coronitas is a classic Cuban cigar format, known commonly on the market as the Petit Corona. Measuring 117 mm in length with a 40 ring gauge, this straight-sided parejo delivers a complete smoking experience in a concentrated timeframe. It serves as a traditional choice for smokers seeking the distinctive character of established houses in a shorter format.
Punch Petit Coronations, rolled in the Coronitas size
Factory Name versus Market Name
The term Coronitas is the *vitola de galera*, or factory name, used by the rollers in Havana. In contrast, the *vitola de salida*, or commercial market name, is often Petit Corona. Understanding the difference between a vitola de galera and a vitola de salida is essential; the former dictates the exact dimensions and weight in the factory, while the latter is how the cigar is presented and sold to the public.
Specifications and Smoking Profile
A standard Coronitas measures exactly 117 mm (4 ⅝ inches) in length with a ring gauge of 40. This slender profile concentrates the smoke, often delivering the blend's flavour with greater immediacy than a wider format. The draw is generally firm but smooth, provided the cigar has been stored correctly.
A typical smoking time for a Coronitas is between 30 and 40 minutes. The narrow ring gauge means the wrapper leaf plays a prominent role in the overall flavour profile. Consequently, the blend expresses itself clearly from the first third, requiring a slower smoking pace to prevent the cherry from overheating and compromising the tobacco.
Coronitas Specifications
Coronitas — Common Name (Salida): Petit Corona — Ring Gauge: 40 — Length (mm): 117 — Length (in): 4 ⅝ — Shape: Parejo — Typical Smoking Time: 30–40 minutes
Notable Examples in Regular Production
Several historic houses utilise the Coronitas format for their regular production lines, many of which have been active since 1960. Partagás produces the Coronas Junior, offering their signature earthy and robust profile in this compact size. Similarly, Punch employs the format for their Petit Coronations.
Romeo y Julieta is particularly associated with the Coronitas, using it for both the Regalías de Londres and the Romeo No.3. These cigars present the medium-bodied, floral notes characteristic of the house, demonstrating how successfully a nuanced blend can translate to a smaller ring gauge.
Buying and Ageing Notes
When purchasing Coronitas, collectors should pay attention to the box dates and factory codes. The slender ring gauge of this vitola means these cigars often respond well to medium-term ageing. A period of three to five years in a stable humidor can round off any youthful edges, particularly in stronger blends like the Partagás Coronas Junior.
Always ensure your purchases carry the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp when buying in the UK, as this guarantees the provenance and correct storage of the cigars. If you have concerns about the origin of a box, consult our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars for reference points on bands, packaging, and tax stamps.
At MokaCigar
Our humidor regularly stocks a selection of cigars rolled in the Coronitas format. Notable catalogue matches include the Punch Petit Coronations, the Bolivar Coronas Junior, and the Montecristo OPEN Junior. We also occasionally source rare examples and regional editions, such as the Por Larrañaga Regalías de Londres UK Regional 2010. View our current inventory to explore available stock, all thoroughly inspected and carrying the EMS guarantee.