About the Fonseca No.1
Fonseca occupies a quiet corner of the Cuban portfolio that smokers return to again and again, and the No.1 is the brand at its most recognizable. Created by Don Francisco Fonseca, the marca built its name on approachable, beautifully made smokes rather than power, and that philosophy still defines this cigar. Each one arrives wrapped in tissue paper, a small ceremony that has become part of the Fonseca identity. As a Cazadores, the No.1 is the largest regular vitola in the line, and it carries the brand’s signature creamy character across its full length.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening leans light and floral, with sweet hay and a soft cushion of cream setting an easygoing tone. Through the middle third the smoke gains a little weight, drawing in gentle wood, a touch of unsweetened coffee, and the occasional flash of citrus that keeps things lively. The final stretch loops back to that creamy sweetness, now joined by a faint suggestion of toast and a whisper of white pepper on the finish. Throughout, it stays in mild to medium territory, producing generous plumes of white smoke with a mellow, nutty aroma.
Pairings
- A cup of lightly roasted coffee or a milky cortado, echoing the cigar’s cream and toast notes.
- An aged white rum or a soft Cuban-style daiquiri to lift the floral, citrus side.
- A glass of chilled champagne or dry sparkling wine for a clean, festive contrast.
Aging and storage
Fonseca cigars are eminently smokeable young, yet the No.1 rewards a little patience. Kept around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 18 degrees Celsius, the blend tends to round out over a year or two, softening its edges and letting the creamy core deepen. Because the body is on the gentler side, avoid over-humidifying, which can flatten the delicate florals. A well seasoned humidor and a stable environment are all this cigar asks for.
Who it is for
This is a natural choice for newer smokers who want a genuine Cuban experience without a heavy hit of strength, and it is equally at home as a relaxed morning or daytime smoke for seasoned aficionados. Anyone who values balance, smooth construction, and easy flavor over sheer intensity will find a lot to like here. The long, slender format also makes it ideal for an unhurried session with a coffee or a light drink.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fonseca No.1 a strong cigar?
No. It sits firmly in the mild to medium range, making it one of the more approachable regular-production Cuban cigars while still offering layered, sophisticated flavor.
What size is the Fonseca No.1?
It is a Cazadores vitola measuring about 6.5 inches with a 44 ring gauge, the largest standard format in the Fonseca line.
Why is each Fonseca wrapped in tissue paper?
It is a traditional touch the brand has kept for decades. The thin paper protects the wrapper and has become a charming signature of the marca.
Explore more
Browse all Fonseca cigars, or try the Fonseca Cosacos Box of 25. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.
Gary Wood –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of leather and wood throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Rebecca Cook –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of cocoa and pepper throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Doris Spencer –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Fonseca No.1 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 49 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – coffee and cream. Will definitely order more!
Steven Ross –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of leather and wood. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Beverly Mason –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of coffee and cream. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Dorothy Hughes –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Fonseca No.1 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of cocoa and pepper. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Carl Chapman –
Really enjoyed this Fonseca No.1. Cuban Cigar consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of cedar and spice. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Jesse Reynolds –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of nuts and earth. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Edward Coleman –
Exceptional cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Fonseca No.1 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of leather and wood throughout the 88 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Mildred Pierce –
Great smoke for the price. This Fonseca No.1 offers excellent value for a premium Cuban Cigar cigar. Good flavor with notes of honey and tobacco, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Christine Hayes –
Really enjoyed this Fonseca No.1. Cuban Cigar consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of cocoa and pepper. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Ann Crawford –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Fonseca No.1 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 75 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – leather and wood. Will definitely order more!
Frances Hunt –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Fonseca No.1. Rich flavor profile featuring cedar and spice, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Matthew Jackson –
Incredible cigar! The Fonseca No.1 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of coffee and cream throughout the smoke. Lasted about 61 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Susan Richardson –
Excellent cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Fonseca No.1 has a refined flavor profile – lots of cocoa and pepper. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 48 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Frank Reed –
Incredible cigar! The Fonseca No.1 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the smoke. Lasted about 46 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Louis Webb –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 delivered on flavor (cocoa and pepper) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Stephanie Rogers –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of honey and tobacco. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Shirley Neal –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Fonseca No.1. Rich flavor profile featuring leather and wood, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Margaret Butler –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of honey and tobacco. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Paul Price –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 delivered on flavor (nuts and earth) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Angela Griffin –
Very good cigar. The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted leather and wood with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Joshua Clark –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Fonseca No.1 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of cedar and spice. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Keith Dixon –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Fonseca No.1 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of honey and tobacco, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Ryan Hall –
Very good cigar. The Cuban Cigar Fonseca No.1 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted coffee and cream with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.