About the San Cristobal La Fuerza
San Cristobal de la Habana arrived on the world stage in Havana on November 20, 1999, taking its name from the original 16th century name of the Cuban capital. The brand’s founding quartet was named after the fortresses that once guarded the city, and La Fuerza honors the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the old stone bastion overlooking the harbor. As one of the original vitolas, this robusto carries both heritage and a reputation for honest, well constructed Cuban smoking. It is hand rolled in Cuba and presented in a handsome Colorado wrapper that sets the tone before the first light.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans medium in body, with cedar and toasted tobacco out front and a pleasant nuttiness running underneath. As the cigar settles into its middle, earth and cocoa deepen the experience while a fleeting floral note drifts through the aroma. The final third gathers a touch more weight, where a dash of white pepper and hints of black coffee and sweet molasses bring the smoke toward its medium to full finish. Roughly forty five minutes of balanced, creamy flavor reward an unhurried pace.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cocoa and cedar.
- A cup of strong black coffee or espresso that mirrors its toasty, roasted character.
- A lightly peated single malt whisky for those who want a touch more contrast against the sweetness.
Aging and storage
Like most Cuban robustos, La Fuerza smokes well young but rounds out beautifully with patience. Keep it stored at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 18 degrees Celsius, which is close to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, in a seasoned humidor. A year or two of rest tends to soften the pepper and let the cedar, cocoa, and natural sweetness marry into a smoother whole. Rotate your boxes and check your hygrometer regularly to keep the wrapper supple and the draw consistent.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who appreciates classic Cuban flavor without committing to a long ceremony. Its robusto format suits an afternoon break or an after dinner moment, and the medium to full body offers enough depth for seasoned palates while remaining approachable for those still building toward stronger Habanos. If you enjoy earthy, cedary smokes with a cocoa sweetness, La Fuerza belongs in your rotation.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the San Cristobal La Fuerza?
It is a Robusto measuring roughly 4.9 inches in length with a 50 ring gauge, a comfortable everyday format.
How strong is this cigar?
La Fuerza sits in the medium to full range, with earthy depth and a touch of white pepper that builds toward the finish without overwhelming the palate.
What does the name La Fuerza mean?
It refers to one of the historic fortresses that defended old Havana, in keeping with the brand’s tribute to the city’s earliest defenses.
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.
Rose Martinez –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has good flavor – coffee and cream – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Samuel Morris –
Great smoke for the price. This San Cristobal La Fuerza offers excellent value for a premium San Cristobal cigar. Good flavor with notes of coffee and cream, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Philip Mason –
Top-tier quality from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza 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!
Janice Hart –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! San Cristobal really knocked it out of the park with the San Cristobal La Fuerza. Rich flavor profile featuring leather and wood, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Jesse Reynolds –
The San Cristobal San Cristobal La Fuerza is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the cedar and spice notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Kenneth Brooks –
Very good cigar. The San Cristobal San Cristobal La Fuerza lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted cedar and spice with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
George Collins –
Really enjoyed this San Cristobal La Fuerza. San Cristobal consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of coffee and cream. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Jeffrey Watson –
Absolutely love this San Cristobal La Fuerza! San Cristobal continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with nuts and earth, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Jean Stone –
Solid cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has nice flavors of leather and wood and good construction. Enjoyed about 45 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to San Cristobal.
Robert Martinez –
Very good cigar. The San Cristobal San Cristobal La Fuerza 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.
Patricia Rodriguez –
Solid cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has nice flavors of nuts and earth and good construction. Enjoyed about 69 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to San Cristobal.
Kevin Mitchell –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has good flavor – nuts and earth – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Doris Spencer –
Excellent cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has a refined flavor profile – lots of nuts and earth. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 77 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Paul Price –
Excellent cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has a refined flavor profile – lots of cedar and spice. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 67 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Russell Fox –
Incredible cigar! The San Cristobal La Fuerza from San Cristobal is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of nuts and earth throughout the smoke. Lasted about 45 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Mildred Pierce –
Excellent cigar from San Cristobal. The San Cristobal La Fuerza has a refined flavor profile – lots of cocoa and pepper. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 65 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.