About the San Cristobal El Morro
San Cristobal de la Habana arrived as one of the youngest Cuban marcas, launched in Havana on November 20, 1999, with a quartet of cigars named after the fortresses that once defended the colonial city. The El Morro is the largest format in that founding lineup, taking its name from the imposing Castillo del Morro at the mouth of Havana’s harbor. Built as a true Double Corona (the factory calls this vitola Paco), it rolls out long and stately, the kind of cigar made for an unhurried afternoon rather than a quick break. Tobaccos for the line come from the Vuelta Abajo region, and the result is a smoke that leans toward the classic, full-flavored side of the Habanos spectrum.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third tends to open with earthy, woody depth, leading with cedar and a backbone of roasted coffee that signals where the cigar is headed. As you move into the second third, the smoke fills out and gains complexity, with notes of dark cocoa and a faint leather edge weaving through the core tobacco character. The final third carries the most weight, where the spice picks up and a subtle sweetness rounds off the finish. It reads as a medium to full bodied experience that builds steadily rather than arriving all at once.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s woody, coffee-driven core.
- A robust espresso or a dark roast coffee to mirror the roasted notes already present in the smoke.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, balancing the cigar’s earthy depth without overpowering it.
Aging and storage
Like most full-flavored Habanos, the El Morro rewards patience. Kept in a properly seasoned humidor at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 18 degrees Celsius, the blend tends to soften its youthful edges and let the sweeter, more rounded notes come forward over the years. A long Double Corona also holds humidity well thanks to its sheer mass of leaf, so resist rushing it. Give boxes a few months of rest after purchase and you will usually notice a more harmonious draw.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who treats the ritual as the point, not the interruption. The seven inch length and 49 ring gauge translate to well over an hour of smoking, so it suits a relaxed evening, a celebration, or any moment that deserves room to breathe. Newer enthusiasts can certainly enjoy it, but its medium to full character and generous length make it most at home with experienced palates who appreciate a long, evolving Cuban classic.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the San Cristobal El Morro?
It is a Double Corona measuring approximately 7.1 inches (181 mm) with a 49 ring gauge, the factory vitola known as Paco.
How strong is the El Morro?
It sits in the medium to full bodied range, building in intensity from a woody, coffee-forward opening to a spicier, weightier final third.
How long does it take to smoke?
Given its length and ring gauge, expect well over an hour, which makes it best suited to an unhurried setting.
Explore more
Browse all San Cristobal de la Habana cigars, see our San Cristobal de la Habana price guide, or try the San Cristobal de la Habana 20 Aniversario and San Cristobal La Muralla Casa Del Habano. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.
Gloria Ferguson –
Very good cigar. The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes 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.
Douglas Wells –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of cocoa and pepper. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Nicholas Allen –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes delivered on flavor (cedar and spice) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Nancy Martin –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this San Cristobal El Morro Tubes is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 71 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cedar and spice. Will definitely order more!
Timothy Kelly –
Absolutely love this San Cristobal El Morro Tubes! San Cristobal continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with honey and tobacco, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Ryan Hall –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of honey and tobacco. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Michael Anderson –
The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the honey and tobacco notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Karen Lee –
Incredible cigar! The San Cristobal El Morro Tubes from San Cristobal is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the smoke. Lasted about 70 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Pamela Ward –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The San Cristobal San Cristobal El Morro Tubes exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of leather and wood. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Roger Webb –
Very pleased with this San Cristobal El Morro Tubes. San Cristobal quality shines through with coffee and cream flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Patricia Rodriguez –
Great smoke for the price. This San Cristobal El Morro Tubes offers excellent value for a premium San Cristobal cigar. Good flavor with notes of leather and wood, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Russell Fox –
Solid cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal El Morro Tubes has nice flavors of nuts and earth and good construction. Enjoyed about 46 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to San Cristobal.
Linda Davis –
Very pleased with this San Cristobal El Morro Tubes. San Cristobal quality shines through with leather and wood flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Barbara Thomas –
Exceptional cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal El Morro Tubes delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the 87 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!