Gordito
The Gordito is a Cuban cigar factory size measuring 141 millimetres (5.6 inches) in length with a 50 ring gauge. Commonly referred to by its market name of Robusto Extra, it is a thick, straight-sided cigar that extends the classic Robusto format to provide a longer smoking duration. In the Cuban system, the vitola de galera dictates the exact physical dimensions used on the rolling table, while the vitola de salida is the commercial name printed on the box.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, rolled in the Gordito size
Shape and smoking characteristics
As a standard parejo, the Gordito features straight, cylindrical sides leading to a softly rounded head. The generous 50 ring gauge ensures a cool combustion temperature, allowing the blender to incorporate a full range of filler leaves for complexity.
Due to the width, the draw is typically open and comfortable, producing a substantial volume of smoke. The additional length compared to a standard Robusto affords the tobaccos more space to develop and transition smoothly through the thirds. Expect a smoking time of 60 to 75 minutes, making it an appropriate choice for a measured, hour-long session.
Which houses use the Gordito format?
The Gordito is utilised for several well-regarded regular production Habanos. The most prominent example is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, introduced in 2008 as a regular line after a successful Limited Edition release in 2004. This cigar demonstrates how the Gordito format can deliver a light-to-medium profile with considerable nuance.
San Cristóbal de la Habana has used the size since the brand's launch in 1999 for its La Fuerza. More recently, La Gloria Cubana adopted the vitola for the Turquinos in 2022, expanding the brand's medium-bodied portfolio.
Comparing the Gordito
The Gordito sits comfortably within the broader category of robust and heavy ring gauge cigars. It is 17 mm longer than the classic Robusto (50 x 124 mm), providing an extra 15 to 20 minutes of smoking time while maintaining the exact same girth. It serves as a sensible middle ground between the standard Robusto and longer, more imposing formats such as the Julieta No. 2 (47 x 178 mm).
Specifications
Gordito — Common Name: Robusto Extra — Ring Gauge: 50 — Length (mm): 141 — Length (in): 5.6 — Shape: Parejo — Typical Smoking Time: 60–75 minutes
Buying and ageing Gorditos
When purchasing Gorditos for the humidor, the standard collector checks apply. Always verify the box code to understand the factory of origin and the exact vintage. In the UK, looking for the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp provides an initial layer of provenance.
Cigars in this size benefit greatly from structured resting. The thick ring gauge means the tobacco retains moisture, requiring a stable environment of 62–65% relative humidity for optimal ageing. Be sure to familiarise yourself with how to spot fake Cuban cigars when buying examples from secondary markets, particularly for sought-after marques.
At MokaCigar
Our humidor frequently holds examples of this versatile size. The defining modern Gordito is the Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure Especial, available both in its standard production and occasionally as the vintage Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure Especial Limited Edition 2004. We also stock the San Cristobal La Fuerza and the recent La Gloria Cubanas Turquinos when allocations allow. All our boxes are verified, carefully stored, and ready for your collection.