Eminentes
The Eminentes is a factory size (vitola de galera) commonly known to collectors as a Corona. Measuring 132 mm in length with a 42 ring gauge, this traditional format delivers a balanced expression of a cigar blend. It remains a staple for several historic Havana houses, offering a medium-duration smoke for those who prefer classic proportions.
H. Upmann Coronas Major, rolled in the Eminentes size
Dimensions and shape
In the Cuban cigar industry, the *vitola de galera* denotes the exact factory name and specifications used by the torcedores on the rolling floor. This is distinct from the commercial name printed on the box, known as the *vitola de salida*. The Eminentes is rolled as a classic *parejo*, meaning it is cylindrical and straight-sided with a rounded cap.
Its precise dimensions are 132 mm (roughly 5.2 inches) by a 42 ring gauge. This ring gauge translates to a diameter of 16.67 mm.
How the Eminentes smokes
The 42 ring gauge is a historic standard that restricts the volume of filler leaf compared to wider modern formats. This slender profile forces the blender to rely on a precise ratio of *seco* and *ligero* leaves. The result is a concentrated delivery of smoke directly to the palate, demanding a slow and steady smoking pace.
A typical Eminentes will smoke for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the draw and the smoker's habits. It sits neatly between the shorter Petit Corona and the longer Lonsdale in the traditional Havana portfolio, offering enough length for the blend to evolve without requiring an hour of your time.
Notable cigars using this format
Several venerable brands continue to utilise the Eminentes format for their regular production lines. Notable examples include the H. Upmann Coronas Major and the Partagás Coronas Senior. Both of these cigars have been active since prior to 1960 and are traditionally sold in aluminium tubes.
Partagás also produces the Petit Coronas Especiales in the Eminentes size. This vitola has maintained a consistent presence in the Habanos catalogue, serving as a reliable choice for everyday smokers who appreciate pre-revolution heritage.
Buying and ageing
When acquiring Eminentes, particularly those presented in tubes, collectors must consider their storage strategy. Tubed cigars age at a slower rate because the aluminium barrier restricts the exchange of air and moisture. To encourage faster maturation, you may remove the cigars from their tubes or simply take off the caps before resting them in your humidor.
Always inspect the cigar box code to verify the production date and the factory of origin. For collectors in the United Kingdom, looking for the English Market Selection (EMS) mark guarantees that the boxes have been imported through official channels and stored in correct climate conditions. If you have concerns about provenance, refer to our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars.
Eminentes specifications
Galera name — Detail: Eminentes
Common name — Detail: Corona
Ring gauge — Detail: 42
Length (mm) — Detail: 132 mm
Length (inches) — Detail: 5.2 in
Shape — Detail: Parejo
Typical smoking time — Detail: 40–50 minutes
At MokaCigar
We regularly source well-aged and recent production examples of the Eminentes format for our London humidor. Notable matches in our catalogue include the H. Upmann Coronas Majors, which offer classic light-to-medium Upmann flavours. You will also find various vintages of the Cohiba Coronas Especiales (including 2015 and 2016 releases) listed in our inventory; however, collectors should note that this specific Cohiba is rolled as a Laguito No. 2 rather than an Eminentes. To view our current stock of these formats, visit our H. Upmann and Cohiba brand pages.