Perlas
In the Cuban cigar industry, a vitola de galera is the factory name defining a cigar's exact dimensions and shape, which often differs from the commercial name printed on the box. The Perlas is a classic, short parejo (straight-sided) format that measures 102 mm (4 inches) by a 40 ring gauge. Commonly classified by smokers as a Petit Corona, this concise format delivers the full character of its respective blend in a brief, focused duration.
Cohiba Siglo I, rolled in the Perlas size
How does the Perlas smoke?
Designed for shorter intervals, a Perlas typically burns for 20 to 30 minutes. The 40 ring gauge is slender enough to concentrate the smoke directly onto the palate, emphasising the darker, more intense tobacco leaves if they are present in the blend. The draw on a well-constructed Perlas is direct and clear.
When assessing these cigars, check the box codes to ensure adequate resting time. Fresh production in this format can sometimes smoke a little warmly, obscuring the blend's nuances. A minimum of three years of age helps to temper the profile, regulate the combustion, and allow the tobaccos to integrate properly. Careful storage under English Market Selection (EMS) standards is critical for preserving the delicate wrapper on these smaller cigars.
Which houses produce the Perlas?
Several esteemed houses use the Perlas format for their regular production lines. The most celebrated is the Cohiba Siglo I, introduced in 1994 as part of the Línea 1492. It is a reliable, medium-bodied expression of the Cohiba blend, offering distinct notes of grass and cedar in a short format.
Another historical staple is the Montecristo No.5, which has been in regular production since 1960. It provides the signature earthy, roasted profile of Montecristo without requiring a long time commitment. In 2012, Habanos S.A. expanded the use of the factory name commercially with the Rafael González Perlas, a milder, approachable choice that serves as an excellent introduction to the brand.
How does the Perlas compare?
Smokers often weigh the Perlas against similar short formats in the Habanos catalogue. The Minutos (42 ring gauge by 110 mm), such as the Partagás Shorts, is slightly thicker and longer, offering a marginally cooler smoke. The Entreactos (30 ring gauge by 100 mm) is considerably thinner and burns much faster. The Perlas strikes a practical balance, maintaining enough girth to support a complex filler blend while remaining a strictly short smoke.
Vitola de Galera — Detail: Perlas
Common Name — Detail: Petit Corona
Shape — Detail: Parejo
Length (mm) — Detail: 102 mm
Length (inches) — Detail: 4"
Ring Gauge — Detail: 40
Typical Smoking Time — Detail: 20–30 minutes
At MokaCigar
Our inventory frequently revolves as we source vintage and aged stock from trusted collections. While our current selection features rare, aged formats such as the Bolivar Regentes Limited Edition 2021, Bolivar Tiempo RE France 2017, Cohiba Maduro No.5 Magicos, and Cohiba Maduro No.5 Genios, we selectively acquire classic Perlas like the Montecristo No.5 and Cohiba Siglo I when they meet our strict provenance standards. Browse our Cohiba and Montecristo selections to see current availability.