About the Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra
Few Cuban marcas wear their reputation as quietly as Rafael Gonzales, a brand built for those who appreciate restraint and finesse over volume. The Coronas Extra sits at the top of its range, a generous corona gorda measuring 143 mm by a 46 ring gauge. It belongs to the same celebrated family of Cuban coronas gordas as the Punch Punch and the H. Upmann Magnum 46, and it was discontinued in 2010, which has only added to the affection collectors feel for surviving boxes. Smokers who track this size do so for good reason, since it captures the gentlemanly character the brand promised on its lithographed lid.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third tends toward soft woody and herbaceous notes, with a creaminess that coats the palate early. As the burn settles into the middle, milk chocolate and toasted hazelnut step forward, threaded with a quiet sweetness that keeps things lively rather than heavy. The final third gathers a touch more body, layering in cedar and a measured pepper that rounds the experience off without ever turning aggressive. Through all three stages the smoke stays balanced, which is exactly what the marca is known for.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel sweetness echoes the cigar’s chocolate and nut tones.
- A lightly peated single malt, adding gentle smoke without overpowering the medium body.
- A strong espresso or cortado, lifting the toasted nut notes after a meal.
Aging and storage
This is a vitola that rewards patience. Kept at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 18 degrees Celsius, the Coronas Extra mellows beautifully over the years, with the woody edges softening and the chocolate sweetness deepening. Given that production ended in 2010, most examples in circulation already carry meaningful bottle age, so let them rest a few weeks after arrival before lighting one. A well seasoned humidor and a stable environment are all you need to preserve the character.
Who it is for
The Coronas Extra suits the smoker who values balance and subtlety over sheer power, and who enjoys a longer, contemplative cigar. Its medium to full profile makes it accessible to those moving beyond mild Habanos while still satisfying seasoned palates. If you appreciate classic, somewhat underrated Cuban brands and want a corona gorda for an unhurried evening, this is a natural choice.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra?
It is a corona gorda measuring 5.6 inches (143 mm) with a 46 ring gauge, the largest vitola in the Rafael Gonzales line.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the medium to full range, offering body and depth while staying balanced and approachable rather than overpowering.
Is the Coronas Extra still in production?
No. Habanos discontinued the Coronas Extra in 2010, so any boxes you find today are from older stock and often carry valuable age.
Explore more
Browse all Rafael Gonzales cigars, or try the Rafael Gonzales Lonsdales and Rafael Gonzales Pettit Coronas. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.
Frank Reed –
A true masterpiece from Cuban Cigar. This Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra 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!
Mildred Pierce –
Excellent corona from Cuban Cigar. The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra has a refined flavor profile – lots of leather and wood. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 85 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Marilyn Stone –
The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra is a quality corona. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the leather and wood notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Kimberly Roberts –
Absolutely outstanding corona! The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of leather and wood. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Ann Crawford –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of coffee and cream. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Joshua Clark –
Really enjoyed this Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra. Cuban Cigar consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of leather and wood. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Steven Rivera –
Incredible cigar! The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of leather and wood throughout the smoke. Lasted about 59 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Theresa Lawson –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of leather and wood. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Michelle Adams –
Solid corona from Cuban Cigar. The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra has nice flavors of honey and tobacco and good construction. Enjoyed about 80 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Cuban Cigar.
Jack Peterson –
Incredible cigar! The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the smoke. Lasted about 61 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Robert Martinez –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra delivered on flavor (honey and tobacco) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Victor Harper –
Incredible cigar! The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of coffee and cream throughout the smoke. Lasted about 76 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Karen Lee –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra 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!
Lisa Barnes –
Incredible cigar! The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of nuts and earth throughout the smoke. Lasted about 66 minutes. Already ordering another box!
George Collins –
Incredible cigar! The Rafael Gonzales Coronas Extra from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of honey and tobacco throughout the smoke. Lasted about 63 minutes. Already ordering another box!