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Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Depute, rolled in the Trabucos size
Trabucos
The Trabucos is the Cuban factory size for what is commonly known as a Short Panetela, measuring 110 mm (4 ⅜ inches) in length with a slender 38 ring gauge. It is a classic parejo (straight-sided) cigar designed to deliver the full character of a house blend in a highly compact format.
Understanding the Vitola
In Cuban cigar production, the *vitola de galera* refers to the exact factory dimensions and shape rolled by the torcedor, whereas the *vitola de salida* is the commercial name printed on the box. For more detail on these terms, consult our vitola glossary entry. The Trabucos format demands highly skilled rolling to maintain an even draw within its narrow 38 ring gauge. The traditional parejo shape ensures a consistent burn from the foot to the head.
Smoking Characteristics and Blend Expression
Smoking a Trabucos typically requires 20 to 30 minutes, placing it firmly in the category of a morning or cold-weather cigar. The slender ring gauge restricts the volume of filler leaf, meaning the wrapper and binder exert a dominant influence on the overall flavour profile. Smokers can expect a direct, concentrated expression of the brand's signature taste from the first draw. A perfectly stored example bearing an EMS stamp will draw with slight, satisfying resistance and burn cleanly.
Classic Examples in the Habanos Portfolio
Historically, the Trabucos has been used selectively by Habanos marques for their smaller, elegant offerings. The most traditional regular production example is the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Depute, introduced in 1960, which delivers the house's signature light, cedar-forward notes. In 2009, Montecristo adopted the vitola for the Junior, part of its OPEN series, designed to offer a fresh, medium-bodied smoke for outdoor pursuits.
Comparisons With Similar Formats
The Trabucos is often compared to other small formats in the Habanos portfolio. The Minuto (such as the Partagas Shorts) shares the 110 mm length but features a thicker 42 ring gauge, offering a slightly cooler smoke and a larger volume of filler. Conversely, the Perla (seen in the Montecristo No. 5) has a slightly thicker 40 ring gauge but is marginally shorter at 102 mm. The Trabucos remains distinct for its pronounced elegance and slim, classic profile.
Buying and Ageing Notes
When acquiring Trabucos cigars, always verify the factory stamp and date code on the base of the box. Familiarising yourself with our box code guide and our guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars ensures you are purchasing genuine stock. Due to their narrow ring gauge, these cigars respond well to careful ageing. Three to five years in a stable humidor will soften the youthful edges, integrating the wrapper and filler into a cohesive profile. Maintain strict humidity control, as thin cigars are particularly susceptible to drying out or splitting if subjected to fluctuations.
Specifications
Galera Name — Detail: Trabucos
Common Name — Detail: Short Panetela
Ring Gauge — Detail: 38
Length (mm) — Detail: 110 mm
Length (inches) — Detail: 4 ⅜ inches
Shape — Detail: Parejo
Typical Smoking Time — Detail: 20–30 minutes
At MokaCigar
We regularly source well-preserved examples of this elegant vitola for our clients. Within our current catalogue, you will find Trabucos and related short formats including the Hoyo De Monterrey Du Depute, the Montecristo OPEN Junior, and the similarly proportioned Bolivar Coronas Junior. Please check the individual product pages for current availability and box dates.