Panatela

The size

Panatelas are long and thin, anywhere from 5 to 7.5 inches with a 34 to 38 ring gauge. You'll also see it spelled panetela. Extra-long ones are called gran panatelas, and many finish in a pigtail cap. At 38 ring they tend to be called lanceros.

Why smoke one

A thin ring means little filler, so the wrapper carries a large share of the flavor. Thin cigars also burn hotter than fat ones, so an unhurried pace helps.

The size has fallen out of fashion, which makes a well-made panatela a change of pace and a clear way to taste a wrapper leaf.