Por Larrañaga Cigars: A Guide to Havana's Oldest Marca

Por Larrañaga is the oldest cigar brand still in production in Havana, established in 1834 and treasured by connoisseurs for its mild-to-medium body, its silky cedar-and-honey character and a standard of construction that has long been quietly admired by those in the know. If you are looking for a refined, understated Cuban that rewards a slow, attentive smoke, this is the marca to know.

Oldest Havana marca: founded in 1834, Por Larrañaga is the most senior brand still produced in Cuba.
Profile: typically mild-to-medium, with delicate cedar, honey, light coffee, almond and a touch of dried fruit — elegant rather than powerful.
Connoisseur's favourite: long celebrated for impeccable construction and a smooth, even draw.
Best for: morning smokes, post-lunch moments and smokers who prize finesse over strength.
Storage: keep at 16–18 °C and 68–72% relative humidity to preserve its subtlety.

Who was Por Larrañaga, and why does the brand matter?

The marca takes its name from Ignacio Larrañaga, a Spanish émigré who founded the house in 1834. That date is significant: it makes Por Larrañaga the oldest cigar brand still in production on the island, predating many of the more famous names that today dominate the humidor. From its earliest years the brand built a reputation among the discerning rather than the masses — a cigar spoken of in respectful, lowered tones by those who valued refinement above reputation.

That quiet prestige was immortalised by Rudyard Kipling, who in his 1890 poem "The Betrothed" wrote, "There's peace in a Larranaga." Few brands can claim a literary endorsement of such vintage. Por Larrañaga has remained a relatively small, boutique production within the Cuban portfolio, and that scarcity has only deepened its appeal among collectors and seasoned aficionados.

What does a Por Larrañaga cigar taste like?

Por Larrañaga sits firmly at the gentler end of the Cuban spectrum, generally mild-to-medium in body. This is not a brand that announces itself with power; instead it unfolds with poise. Expect a creamy, cedary opening, followed by notes of honey, light roasted coffee, toasted almond and a delicate suggestion of dried fruit or candied citrus. The finish is smooth and lingering rather than assertive.

Because the flavours are so finely drawn, Por Larrañaga is a cigar that rewards patience and a calm setting. It is often recommended as an early-day smoke, when the palate is fresh enough to register its nuances. If you are still building your palate, our guide to the best Cuban cigars for beginners pairs neatly with this brand's approachable character.

A single Por Larranaga Exclusivo Paises Bajos Cuban cigar standing upright showing its gold and red band — Cigar culture, lived in the street.

Which Por Larrañaga vitolas should you know?

The regular production line is compact but beautifully judged, and it is complemented by a steady stream of sought-after Regional and Limited Editions. Here are the formats worth seeking out.

Everyday classics

Petit Coronas — a Mareva at 129 mm × 42 ring gauge, this is arguably the brand's signature smoke: a 35–40 minute classic that captures the house style of cedar, honey and gentle coffee in miniature.
Montecarlo — a slender Dalia-style format that draws beautifully and lets the delicate flavours shine; an ideal companion for a morning coffee.
Panetelas — a thinner ring gauge that concentrates the aromatic, floral side of the blend into a quick, refined smoke.
Picadores — a relaxed, easygoing vitola that makes an excellent introduction to the marca's understated charm.

Regional and Limited Editions for collectors

Por Larrañaga's regional releases are among the most coveted in the Cuban world, precisely because the brand produces so few. Notable examples in this catalogue include the Galanes, a Limited Edition robusto-style cigar with extra depth and a touch more body than the regular line, and the Gran Robusto (Regional Edition Países Bajos 2017), a generously proportioned 141 mm × 50 vitola that gives the blend room to develop richer, sweeter tones. For those who collect by vintage, the Sobresalientes (Regional Edition Gran Bretaña 2014) is a magnificent double corona-scale cigar, while the Belicosos Extra (Regional Edition Asia Pacífico 2008) showcases beautifully aged tobacco in a tapered figurado.

An open box of Por Larranaga cigars on a concrete surface, the lid label reading Larranaga — A cigar and an espresso, the classic ritual.

How do you choose the right Por Larrañaga for the occasion?

Because the brand favours subtlety, the format you choose has a real effect on the experience. A few guiding principles:

For a short, contemplative break: reach for the Petit Coronas or the Montecarlo — both deliver the full house character in well under an hour.
For a leisurely afternoon: the larger Regional Editions, such as the Gran Robusto, reward an unhurried hour or more and pair gracefully with aged rum or a lightly sherried whisky.
For special-occasion collecting: vintage regionals like the Sobresalientes 2014 are as much an event as a smoke.

You will find the full marca, alongside the other great Havana houses, in our Cuban cigars collection.

Rows of freshly rolled Cuban cigars stacked on a workbench inside a Havana factory, craft context for a Por Larranaga cigar guide — Freshly rolled cigars resting in the factory.

What should you pair with a Por Larrañaga?

The brand's delicate sweetness invites equally measured companions. A milky morning coffee or an espresso flatters the honey-and-almond notes, while a glass of Champagne or a crisp white port suits the lighter vitolas. With the fuller Regional Editions, a moderately aged Cuban rum or a Speyside single malt brings out the cigar's dried-fruit and cedar tones without overpowering them. As ever, the rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the drink to the intensity of the cigar — and Por Larrañaga, being gentle, prefers gentle partners.

How should you store Por Larrañaga cigars?

Like all fine Havanas, Por Larrañaga benefits from steady, attentive storage. Keep your humidor between 16 and 18 °C and at a relative humidity of 68–72%; the lower end of that range tends to favour the brand's clean, aromatic profile. Many collectors find that Por Larrañaga ages exceptionally well, its already-smooth character growing rounder and more honeyed over several years. Rotate your cigars occasionally and avoid storing them alongside markedly stronger marcas, so that their subtle perfume is not masked.

Frequently asked questions

Is Por Larrañaga a good cigar for beginners?

Yes. Its mild-to-medium body, smooth draw and gentle, sweet flavours make it one of the more approachable Cuban brands. Newcomers often appreciate that it offers genuine complexity without the strength of bolder marcas. Starting with a smaller vitola such as the Petit Coronas is an ideal way to discover the house style.

Why is Por Larrañaga called Havana's oldest marca?

Founded in 1834 by Ignacio Larrañaga, it is the oldest cigar brand still in continuous production in Cuba. Several once-famous names have come and gone over the years, but Por Larrañaga has endured for nearly two centuries, which gives it a unique place of seniority within the Habanos portfolio.

What is the flavour profile of Por Larrañaga cigars?

Por Larrañaga is typically mild-to-medium, offering creamy cedar, honey, light coffee, toasted almond and a hint of dried fruit. The character is elegant and refined rather than powerful, with a smooth, lingering finish that makes it a favourite among connoisseurs who value finesse.

What is the best-known Por Larrañaga cigar?

The Petit Coronas, a 129 mm × 42 Mareva, is the brand's signature regular-production smoke and a fine introduction to its style. Among limited releases, the Regional Editions — such as the Gran Robusto and Sobresalientes — are especially prized by collectors for their depth and rarity.