Cuaba Generosos

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Cuaba Generosos

Here’s the thing that drives me absolutely nuts about most reviews I read on the Generosos – everyone treats it like it’s some kind of novelty act because of that figurado shape. Like it’s a circus trick rather than a serious smoke. I’ve been lighting up Cubans since ’98, and let me tell you straight up: this isn’t just Cohiba’s weird little brother trying to get attention with a funny shape.

The Cuaba Generosos is probably one of the most misunderstood cigars in the Cuban portfolio, and honestly? That’s fine by me. Means more for those of us who actually get it.

I remember my first encounter with the Generosos back in 2003 at a little shop in Montreal (this was before all the crazy regulations made everything complicated). The tobacconist – old French Canadian guy named Marcel – literally laughed when I reached for it. “You want the torpedo, not the football,” he said. But something about that double figurado shape just called to me. Maybe it was the rebel in me, or maybe I was just tired of smoking the same Churchill format everyone else was puffing on.

First Impressions: Not What You’d Expect

Right off the bat, you notice the construction is… different. Not just the shape (though yeah, it looks like a brown football), but the way the wrapper sits. These aren’t rolled by just anyone at the factory – they hand-pick rollers for the Cuaba line because of the technical skill required. And it shows.

The pre-light draw is interesting – maybe a bit tighter than you’d expect, but that’s intentional. The narrow head concentrates the flavors in a way that a traditional parejo just can’t match. I’ve always thought the Generosos smokes more intensely than its ring gauge suggests, and that concentrated draw is part of the magic.

Cold, you’re getting classic Cuban earthiness, but there’s something else lurking underneath. Cedar for sure, but also this almost mineral quality that reminds me of wet stones after a rain. My buddy Carlos (who’s from Pinar del Río and knows his tobacco) swears he can taste the red clay from the Vuelta Abajo in every Cuaba. I’m not sure I’m that sophisticated, but there’s definitely something distinctly terroir-driven about these smokes.

The Smoke: A Journey Worth Taking

Lighting the Generosos is where things get interesting. That tapered foot means you’re not getting the full ring gauge experience right away – it builds up to it. Some guys hate this, but I think they’re missing the point entirely.

The first few puffs are deceptively mild. Creamy, almost. There’s hay and leather, but gentle versions of both. If you’re used to the punch-in-the-face intensity of something like a Partagás D4, you might think something’s wrong. Be patient. This isn’t a cigar for people who need immediate gratification.

As you work through the first third (and the ring gauge opens up), the complexity starts revealing itself. The cream gives way to more assertive flavors – roasted nuts, dark coffee, and that earthy Cuban funk that either clicks with you or it doesn’t. For me, it clicked hard around 2004 and I’ve been a believer ever since.

Here’s where the Generosos gets really good though: the middle section. The wider ring gauge combined with the aged tobaccos (and these do age beautifully – more on that later) creates this perfect storm of flavor development. I’m tasting chocolate now, but not milk chocolate – think more like 70% dark cocoa with hints of vanilla. The earthiness is still there but it’s evolved into something more refined.

The final third is where opinions diverge, and I’ll be honest – this is where some people bail out. The intensity ramps up significantly. We’re talking about rich, almost chewy smoke with notes of espresso, dark fruit, and sometimes a slight peppery kick that wasn’t there before. The tapered head concentrates everything, so each puff is pretty substantial. If you’re not used to full-bodied Cubans, this might be overwhelming. But if you’ve put in the years smoking Cohibas and Montecristos, this is where the Generosos earns its place in your regular rotation.

What I Pair With Generosos (And What Actually Works)

Let me save you some trial and error here. I’ve paired this cigar with everything from cheap beer to $200 bottles of rum, and some combinations work way better than others.

My go-to pairing? Havana Club 15-year rum, neat, maybe with one ice cube if it’s a hot day. The aged rum complements the earthy complexity without competing with it. I’ve also had great success with a good single malt – Highland Park 18 works particularly well, though that might be my Scottish grandfather’s influence talking.

Here’s a pairing that surprised me: good espresso. Not regular coffee, but proper espresso pulled from freshly ground beans. I discovered this accidentally during a long evening at a cigar lounge in Tampa (Ybor City, if you know the area). The bitter edge of the coffee plays off the chocolate and earth notes beautifully.

What doesn’t work? Wine. I know some people swear by pairing Cubans with red wine, but the Generosos is too earthy and complex – it just muddies everything up. Also, avoid anything too sweet or fruity. This isn’t a dessert cigar despite those chocolate notes.

Storage and Aging: The Inside Scoop

Here’s something most reviews won’t tell you: fresh Generosos can be a bit disappointing. I learned this the hard way when I bought a box in 2009 and immediately started smoking them. They were good, but not great. The same cigars after three years of proper aging? Absolutely stellar.

The double figurado shape actually ages differently than traditional parejos. Something about the varying ring gauge means the oils develop in a more complex way. I keep mine at 65% humidity – slightly lower than some people prefer, but I find it prevents the wrapper from getting too oily and maintains the burn characteristics I want.

Temperature matters too. I learned this living in Phoenix for a few years – store these anywhere above 75°F and you’ll get burn issues. The narrow head is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Who Should Smoke Generosos (And Who Shouldn’t)

Let’s be real here: this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. If you’re new to Cubans, start with something more forgiving like a Montecristo No. 4 or a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. The Generosos requires some palate development to really appreciate.

This is perfect for the intermediate to advanced smoker who’s looking for something different. If you’re tired of the same old formats and want something that’ll challenge your palate without being aggressive for the sake of being aggressive, the Generosos hits that sweet spot.

I also think it’s ideal for special occasions. The unique shape makes it a conversation starter, and the complexity rewards slow, contemplative smoking. I’ve shared these at bachelor parties, business celebrations, and quiet evenings on the porch – works great in all those settings.

Who should skip it? Honestly, if you’re someone who needs predictability in your smokes, look elsewhere. The Generosos can vary from cigar to cigar more than some other Cuban lines. Also, if you prefer milder cigars or you’re used to non-Cuban premiums with their consistency and mild flavor profiles, this might be too much of a departure.

The Controversial Take

Here’s my unpopular opinion: I think the Cuaba Generosos is better than most Cohibas in the same price range. Yeah, I said it. The Cohiba gets all the prestige and marketing, but the Generosos offers more complexity and character for your money.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not knocking Cohiba entirely. But when I’m spending serious money on a Cuban, I want something that surprises me, that makes me think, that offers a unique experience I can’t get anywhere else. The Generosos delivers that in spades, while some Cohibas (especially the younger ones) can feel a bit… predictable.

Quick Questions People Always Ask Me

Q: How long does it take to smoke?

A: Plan on 90 minutes to two hours if you’re doing it right. This isn’t a quick smoke, and rushing it ruins the experience.

Q: Are they hard to find?

A: Harder than mainstream Cuban lines, but not impossible. Most serious tobacconists can order them, though you might wait a bit.

Q: What’s the best time of day to smoke one?

A: Evening, definitely. After a good meal, when you have time to really focus on it. I’ve tried them as morning smokes and it just doesn’t work.

Q: Box purchase or singles?

A: Try a few singles first, but if they click with you, buy the box. These age beautifully and having a few years on them makes a huge difference.

Bottom Line on the Generosos

Look, the Cuaba Generosos isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea (or should I say, shot of rum?). It’s quirky, it requires patience, and it doesn’t follow the rules that most cigars follow. But if you’re at the point in your cigar journey where you appreciate complexity over consistency, where you want something that makes you think rather than just something pleasant to puff on, then this is worth your time and money.

After two decades of smoking cigars from every major producing region, I keep coming back to the Generosos because it offers something I can’t get anywhere else. That’s rare in today’s market where so many cigars feel like variations on the same theme.

Just remember what I said about aging them. Fresh ones are fine, but aged ones are special. And take your time with it – this isn’t a cigar that reveals its secrets to someone in a hurry.