Hermosos No.4
The Hermosos No.4 is a classic Cuban cigar format, known in the factories by this vitola de galera (factory name) and most commonly presented to the market as a Corona Extra. Measuring 127 mm (5 inches) in length with a 48 ring gauge, it sits comfortably between a standard Corona and a thicker Robusto. This well-proportioned parejo format is favoured by blenders for its ability to deliver complex aromatics in a manageable smoking time.
El Rey del Mundo Choix Suprême, rolled in the Hermosos No.4 size
Specifications and smoking characteristics
Factory Name (Galera) — Detail: Hermosos No.4
Common Name (Salida) — Detail: Corona Extra
Ring Gauge — Detail: 48
Length (mm) — Detail: 127 mm
Length (inches) — Detail: 5 inches
Shape — Detail: Parejo
Typical Smoking Time — Detail: 45 to 60 minutes
The Hermosos No.4 is a parejo, meaning it has straight, parallel sides and a rounded head. Its 48 ring gauge provides enough diameter to incorporate a generous variety of filler leaves, allowing the torcedor to construct a highly expressive blend. The format smokes cooler than a slender panetela while delivering a more concentrated flavour profile than a 50 ring gauge robusto. The draw is typically smooth and consistent, assuming proper construction and storage.
Which houses use the Hermosos No.4?
Several established Habanos houses utilise this vitola for their regular production lines. It is the format chosen for the H. Upmann Connoisseur No.1 and the El Rey del Mundo Choix Suprême, both of which have been standard production cigars since at least 1960. The Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No.4, introduced in 1985, and the Saint Luis Rey Regios are also well-regarded expressions of this size.
In more recent decades, the vitola was adopted for the Vegas Robaina Famosos upon the brand's launch in 1997. The most recent addition to the Habanos portfolio is the Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales, introduced in 2021 as a new regular production cigar. Each of these cigars uses the exact same physical dimensions, yet they smoke entirely differently due to the distinct tobacco blends of their respective marques.
Buying, ageing and storage
When acquiring an Hermosos No.4, collectors should assess the cigar box code to verify the factory and year of production. The balanced proportions of a 48 ring gauge lend themselves well to medium and long-term ageing. A resting period of three to five years is often recommended to allow the blend to settle, particularly for medium-bodied marques like Romeo y Julieta.
Always ensure the boxes carry the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp when buying in the UK, as this indicates they have passed rigorous quality control standards by Hunters & Frankau. Understanding how to spot fake Cuban cigars remains essential, as popular formats are frequently targeted by counterfeiters. Ensure humidity is maintained carefully within your humidor, as the parejo shape requires stable moisture levels to maintain its wrapper integrity.
At MokaCigar
We regularly source and inspect these formats for our clients. Our catalogue includes the H. Upmann Connoisseur No.1, which remains highly sought after, alongside the historically significant El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme. We also offer newer expressions of this vitola, such as the Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales. Our inventory often features specialised releases alongside current stock, such as vintage 2014 boxes or Festival XVI bands. Please consult our shop for current availability and specific dates.