In today’s write-up, we’re diving into another cigar from Cuba’s budget-friendly corner. This time it’s the Quintero Favoritos, a short smoke with a reputation for delivering that unmistakable Cuban character at a fraction of the usual price.
As we mentioned in the first review of this mini-series, we’re exploring Cuba’s budget-friendly cigars. The next one up – or rather, the one we both instinctively reached for in the humidor – was the Quintero Favoritos.
It’s not often that we get the chance to light up together, so when I heard that Piotr was free one early afternoon, I didn’t think twice – I opened the humidor and grabbed the cigar you’ll be reading about below.
But before we dive into our impressions, let’s take a closer look at the Quintero brand.
Quintero brand
The Quintero y Hermanos brand was founded in 1924 by Agustín Quintero and his four brothers in the coastal city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Over time, the family opened a large factory in Havana and began using tobacco from the famed Vuelta Abajo region – home to the island’s most celebrated leaf.
For decades, Quintero cigars were made either by machine or by hand, often using short-filler tobacco. This approach helped keep prices accessible, making the brand a go-to choice for smokers looking for an everyday Cuban. In 2002, Habanos S.A. decided that all Quintero cigars would be produced exclusively by hand, while still relying on short-filler blends.
Today, Quintero is regarded as a reliable “daily smoke,” offering solid Cuban character at a fraction of the price of the island’s premium marques. The current lineup includes:
- Petit Quintero (4 1/8″ x 43),
- Favoritos (4 1/2″ x 50),
- Panetelas (5″ × 37),
- Tubulares (5 1/4″ x 42),
- Londres Extra (4 7/8″ X 40),
- Brevas (5 1/2″ x 40).
In this review, we’ll share our impressions of the thickest cigar in the range – the Quintero Favoritos.
Quintero Favoritos
“Favoritos” – Spanish for favorite – is a cigar rolled entirely from Cuban tobacco. Its size is close to a classic Robusto, giving it a solid and familiar feel in hand. From what I was able to gather, this vitola was added to Quintero’s portfolio relatively recently, broadening the brand’s range with something more contemporary and substantial.
A few technical specs
The Favoritos comes in a Robusto-like format, measuring 4 1/2″ in length (about 11.4 cm) with a 50 ring gauge. At first glance, the wrapper leans toward the lighter side, with plenty of visible veins running across the leaf. The band is unmistakably Cuban in style – dominated by red with gold accents. In its straightforward design, it carries a certain charm. Rather than calling it simple, which might sound dismissive, I’d say it feels clean, almost minimalist – and that works very well here.
The Cut
Thanks to the rather flat head, I decided to open this one with a punch cutter something I don’t do very often, which made it all the more enjoyable this time. Before that, I gave the cigar a good sniff to set my senses in motion. The wrapper offered a very subtle aroma, with a touch of floral sweetness.
After punching, the cold draw turned out excellent – right where I like it. In those moments, I usually think to myself: alright, now let’s see where this journey takes us. On the cold draw, I picked up pleasant cedar notes, setting the stage for what felt like an ideal companion to the cup of coffee I already had waiting next to me.
The Light
I gave the foot a thorough toasting with my jet flame, then lit it with a few short, gentle puffs. After letting it rest for a moment, I settled in with Piotr on the line, ready to see what this Favoritos had to offer.
Right from the start, I was greeted by flavors of coffee, cedar wood, and just a hint of cream lingering in the background. Everything felt light and delicate for an opening. There were also some mineral notes weaving in, adding an interesting layer. As the cigar progressed, the profile turned noticeably creamier, with a touch of spice – hard to pin down, but definitely there. Toward the end of the session, more wood came forward.
What struck me as unusual was the absence of that distinctive “Cuban twang” – the hallmark note I usually find in cigars from Havana.
Strength & Body
I’d rate the strength of the Favoritos as mild. Despite the relatively early hour for me, I paired it with a cup of coffee – in my opinion, the best companion for a cigar.
Aroma & Smoke
The smoke carried a beautiful aroma, with a creamy sweetness that echoed the flavors on the palate. The cigar also produced a generous amount of smoke, which added to the overall enjoyment.
Construction & Burn
In terms of construction, it delivered a very relaxed experience. None of the short filler pieces found their way into my mouth, which I’ve had happen with other short-fill Cuban cigars. The burn line often corrected itself, though the ash tended to fall whenever it pleased. Only after dropping the ash was it clear that this cigar was made with short filler.
A note from Piotr Siwiński
Ah, Quintero. I have to admit, this cigar caught me off guard. I tried hard not to set any expectations for this so-called “budget” Cuban, but in the back of my mind I couldn’t help recalling my experiences with New World sticks in the same price range – usually meaning bold strength and punchy flavors that hit you straight in the head.
But this was nothing like that.
Mateusz and I smoked it together over a call, and right from the start, the woodiness stood out. I’ve mentioned before that I’m particularly sensitive to that note. Yet here, it was joined by a delicate creaminess that completely surprised me – in the best way.
The burn was even, though the ash had to be tapped off quite often. Short filler isn’t as forgiving, unlike what we experienced with the Jose L. Piedra. The profile itself was pretty linear, but surprisingly pleasant for its price point – and that deserves to be acknowledged. Given some time, I think it will mellow even further. Even now, alternated with the Jose, it’s a great option for everyday smoking.
And I’ll say this again: it’s cigars like these that reveal the true magic of Cuba. The subtle nuances, that creamy softness of the leaf, capable of drawing you in and keeping you curious. Even though, as Mateusz pointed out, the classic Cuban “spark” wasn’t as pronounced here. Still – worth trying, especially in the morning with a cup of coffee, knowing you can easily spend close to an hour and a half with it.
Final Thoughts on Quintero Favoritos
I think one note scribbled in the margin of my tasting journal sums it up best: at this price point, it’s hard to find a better cigar. I genuinely enjoyed it, and I remember telling Piotr that I wouldn’t mind keeping a few of these around for coffee outings. It’s not a case of wild excitement – more the simple pleasure of knowing you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy something good.
From flavor to construction, Quintero Favoritos proved to be a solid smoke. I can honestly recommend it, echoing the opinion of many aficionados who see it as a great everyday Cuban.
This cigar was provided to us by Premium Cigars, thanks to the efforts of Szymon Kwiatkowski.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Piotr Siwiński, @mycigarway, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
