About the Veguero Especial No.1
The Veguero Especial No.1 belongs to the Vegueros family, a Habanos brand created in 1996 as a heartfelt tribute to the vegueros, the generations of farmers who have tended the tobacco fields of Pinar del Rio. This long panetela measures a slender 7.5 inches with a 38 ring gauge, a classic thin format crafted from leaf grown in Cuba’s most celebrated growing region. Where modern Vegueros releases lean toward thicker ring gauges, this svelte stick harks back to the brand’s earlier character, prized by smokers who appreciate the purity and concentration that only a narrow vitola can offer.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans clean and herbaceous, with cut-grass freshness and a soft note of toasted cedar threading through the smoke. Through the middle stretch the cigar settles into its rhythm, the grassy backbone joined by light hay and a faint sweetness that keeps things balanced rather than sharp. As you move into the final third a gentle peppery spice begins to assert itself, lending the panetela a touch more presence without ever tipping into heaviness, which keeps it firmly in mild to medium territory from light to nub.
Pairings
- A lightly aged Cuban rum, whose cane sweetness echoes the cigar’s subtle hay notes.
- A cup of freshly brewed espresso or cafe cubano to frame the toasted cedar.
- A crisp dry white wine or sparkling water with lime for a cleaner, daytime pairing.
Aging and storage
Thin panetelas reward patient cellaring, and the Especial No.1 is no exception. Kept at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 18 degrees Celsius, the cigar’s grassy edge softens over the months while its cedar and faint sweetness grow rounder and more harmonious. Because of its narrow gauge, this stick can dry out faster than a thick robusto, so a well seasoned humidor and a reliable hygrometer are worth the small effort to protect a format that is increasingly hard to find.
Who it is for
This panetela suits the smoker who values finesse over force. If you enjoy an unhurried morning or early afternoon cigar, prefer the cleaner, more aromatic character of slim Cuban vitolas, or simply want a gentler introduction to Pinar del Rio tobacco, the Veguero Especial No.1 fits the bill. Seasoned aficionados drawn to the elegance of vintage thin formats will find plenty to admire, while newer smokers will appreciate how approachable and easy going it remains throughout.
Frequently asked questions
What size and strength is the Veguero Especial No.1?
It is a long panetela measuring 7.5 inches by a 38 ring gauge, with a mild to medium body that stays gentle from start to finish.
What does the Veguero Especial No.1 taste like?
Expect a clean, herbaceous and grassy profile with toasted cedar and a slowly building peppery spice that adds gentle complexity in the final third.
How should I store a slender panetela like this one?
Keep it in a well seasoned humidor at around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity, since thin cigars can dry out more quickly than thicker formats.
Explore more
Browse all Vegueros cigars, or try the Veguero Seoane and Veguero Especial No. 2. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.
Howard Lynch –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The Cuban Cigar Veguero Especial No.1 delivered on flavor (cedar and spice) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Sharon Scott –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Veguero Especial No.1. Rich flavor profile featuring cocoa and pepper, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Matthew Jackson –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Veguero Especial No.1. Rich flavor profile featuring cocoa and pepper, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Harold Wells –
Exceptional cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of leather and wood throughout the 74 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Russell Fox –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 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.
Douglas Wells –
Very good cigar. The Cuban Cigar Veguero Especial No.1 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.
Rebecca Cook –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of nuts and earth. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Ruth Powell –
Incredible cigar! The Veguero Especial No.1 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of nuts and earth throughout the smoke. Lasted about 62 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Edward Coleman –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Cuban Cigar really knocked it out of the park with the Veguero Especial No.1. Rich flavor profile featuring nuts and earth, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Maria Patterson –
Solid cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 has nice flavors of nuts and earth and good construction. Enjoyed about 89 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Cuban Cigar.
Larry Barnes –
The Veguero Especial No.1 is a respectable cigar. Nice notes of honey and tobacco, decent construction. However, I found it a bit one-dimensional compared to other Cuban Cigar offerings. Not bad, but there are better options in this price range.
Christopher Wilson –
Very pleased with this Veguero Especial No.1. Cuban Cigar quality shines through with cocoa and pepper flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Alexander Green –
Excellent cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 has a refined flavor profile – lots of leather and wood. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 59 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Doris Spencer –
Very pleased with this Veguero Especial No.1. Cuban Cigar quality shines through with coffee and cream flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Helen Bennett –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial 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!
Debra Warren –
Incredible cigar! The Veguero Especial No.1 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of nuts and earth throughout the smoke. Lasted about 65 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Nicholas Allen –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Veguero Especial 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!
Brenda Gibson –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Veguero Especial No.1 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of honey and tobacco. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Keith Dixon –
Absolutely love this Veguero Especial No.1! Cuban Cigar continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with leather and wood, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Margaret Butler –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Veguero Especial No.1 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of honey and tobacco. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Steven Rivera –
Incredible cigar! The Veguero Especial No.1 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of nuts and earth throughout the smoke. Lasted about 57 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Cynthia Bailey –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Veguero Especial No.1 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 54 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – coffee and cream. Will definitely order more!