Quintero Panetelas TAP MAR 22 (QQNCRW)

[hawkeye5050]

The Quintero logo brings back memories of overpriced cigars in Caribbean resort humidors. Places that are self-respecting enough to not have a fake Cohiba but don't mind selling Volume Brands to tourists for $30 a stick, because they are Cuban. I never went for one.

This is my first of the marca even though I have a box. Why? I think I purchased them to give out to curious cigar smokers who want to try a Cuban cigar or me cutting the lawn. This review is my excuse to give them a try and reap what late night wine soaked purchasing decisions(prior to me joining here, I can only go up) sow.

Brand Notes
"Quintero is a current pre-revolution brand, introduced circa 1924. The brand’s full name is Quintero y Hno (Quintero and brother). It is classified by Habanos S.A. as a Volume focused brand, and its range comprises cheap comparatively low quality cigars, handmade using short-filler tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo and Semi Vuelta regions. The Quintero line is generally medium strength." - CCW

Quintero Panetelas
Vitola de Galera: Vegueritos
Length: 127 mm / 5"
Ring Gauge: 37

Cold Draw - very little flavor, a bit of hay

1st /3 - a slight 'cuban' flavor that is wide in the mouth but fades fast. notes of hay/barnyard and light coco. the draw is tight.



2nd /3 (+15min) - the full mouth taste narrows quickly. more of a single note now, a blonde roasted coffee

3rd /3 (+30min) - coffee flavor darkens but also a bit more complex with some barnyard flavors

Summary: This post is picture heavy because the Quintero didn't move me to long descriptions. It is what it is, not something you will reach for in your humidor but also not something off putting. If you're in the population reading this it could be a novelty to give away to someone who wants to just try a Cuban cigar because it does have that flavor on the start. Maybe that will be enough to catch the interest of the smoker to move on to something else.

I am not sure when/if YOU should smoke one but I suspect my answer would be - a day when I have to do yard work & don't have a taste for anything & know I may need to put it down after 5 minutes & also don't want to give thought to the cigar. That is a lot of &s so even though it is a Volume stick the experience will be rare.    

Score: 60/100

Note: A serious question - Do people age short filler cigars? I am not familiar with box age being a thing for these but assume some age leads to some improvement.

[KCCubano]

I have many aged boxes of Qs. My 08 Panatelas are true gems! Never had a Quintero as young as your example. I would stick them away for a year and revisit. 

[Fugu]

37 minutes ago, KCCubano said:

I have many aged boxes of Qs. My 08 Panatelas are true gems! Never had a Quintero as young as your example. I would stick them away for a year and revisit. 

Same here. Lov’em. Certainly not a mainstream cigar. There’s nothing like a well-kept Brevas or Panetelas!

[hawkeye5050]

1 hour ago, KCCubano said:

I would stick them away for a year and revisit. 

Thanks, will give them a try in another year!