Cuba's price-performance hit: Tasting the Quintero Brevas
Quintero Brevas! A Cuban cigar that not only pampers the palate but is also easy on the wallet? Sounds almost too good to be true - but that's exactly what the Quintero Brevas offers! This hand-rolled short-filler cigar is the perfect everyday companion. And the best thing is: even in 2024, you can treat yourself to this Cuban gem for less than CHF 5 per cigar (as of June 2024). A charming blend of tradition, taste and unbeatable value for money - who would say no to that?
First half: cocoa kisses leather
As soon as it is lit, the Quintero Brevas shows what it can do. A seductive melody of sweet cocoa, a hint of dark chocolate and a subtle woody note greets the connoisseur. A touch of leather rounds off the whole thing and provides a rustic charm. But wait, there's more: retronasally (i.e. when exhaling through the nose), a subtle pepper note joins in, accompanied by a refreshingly acidic undertone. With its medium intensity (3/5), this cigar is just right for every moment of the day.
Second half: wood, cocoa and a pinch of sweetness
Once the Quintero Brevas really gets going, it goes one better. Wood and cocoa come to the fore, while a pleasant sweetness harmoniously rounds off the aroma. The pepper now becomes somewhat more pronounced and, together with the acidity, creates a lively spiciness. The strength also remains constant in the second half, which makes for a wonderfully balanced taste experience. This shows that Brevas knows exactly how to inspire you.
Good things take time: The maturing phase
Cuban cigars are a bit like good wine - they need time to develop their full potential. Immediately after rolling, they are often a highlight, but then comes the so-called maturing phase. In Cuba, there is often a lack of resources to give the cigars a proper resting period before they are exported. My tip: Give the Quintero Brevas at least five years in your humidor. This patience is rewarded with wonderfully mild, round flavors that are guaranteed to impress you.
Buy them individually? So they stay fresh
If you only buy one or two Quintero Brevas, you should pack them well. Tubos or zip-lock bags with a small Boveda packet are worth their weight in gold here. Then store them in your humidor to preserve the aroma. Without cellophane or a wooden box, they can quickly lose their flavor - and that would be a real shame!
Conclusion: Small cigar, great pleasure
My tasting experience with three Quintero Brevas from April 2018 delighted me. Although they already showed an amazingly pleasant aroma after two years of storage, they only get better with more years in the humidor. The slightly high draw resistance? Forgivable, as this could be due to the lack of maturity or my somewhat damp storage.
In short, the Quintero Brevas is an aromatic daytime cigar that perfectly combines tradition and flavor - and at an unbeatable price. My tip: Buy a few packs, let them mature and enjoy a little piece of Cuba whenever you want.
And now you!
Fancy trying the Quintero Brevas for yourself? Tell me about your taste experience and whether you enjoy the cigar as much as I do. Enjoy your smoke!
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Hello Vasilij,
I read your review and wonderful commentary about the Quintero Brevas. This happens to be my favorite cigar. I do have a question and I was hoping you can provide some advice. As you know, the 25 Quintero Brevas cigars come as a bundle wrapped in Aluminum paper out of the box. My question is about the best way to store them in the humidor. Should I place the sealed aluminum paper bundle in the humidor as is? Or should I take the cigars out of the aluminum paper and place the individual cigars in the humidor?
I plan on starting to smoke them in a few (3-5) months.
Your advice is much appreciated.
Thank you
Hello Samuel, store the whole bundle with the paper in the humidor. They ripen perfectly this way. Mine have been stored like this for about 5 years and they taste very good. Let me know how you like them after 5 months. I'm currently on my way to Havana for the Habanos Festival. I'm making a documentary with English subtitles. It will be released on YouTube in April/May on my new channel: https://youtube.com/@genussmitvasilij
Hello Vasilij,
Thank you for your prompt response and expert advice. It is much appreciated. Just to confirm, I will store the whole bundle with the aluminum paper 'Sealed' i.e. not open at all.
The Habanos festival sounds amazing. I wish I could go. Maybe next year. I just came back from vacation to Cuba. I bought the Quintero cigars in Santa Clara. I will let you know how they are in a few months. Enjoy the festival and your stay in Havana. Thanks again.
The population in Cuba is currently suffering enormous privations. If you would like to visit the Habanos Festival, I would recommend that you do so as soon as possible, i.e. next year. To register, it is best to contact your importer in your country. Depending on how they are organized, they will either make the booking for you or be able to tell you where you can register. It is very expensive. If you only book the three evening events, it will cost you over EUR 3,000. If you book additional activities, it will cost even more, of course.
We are back in Europe. It was indeed impressive. The documentary with English subtitles will be released in April / May. It's best to subscribe to the newsletter to find out the date of the LIVE premiere on YouTube. https://www.zigarren.zone/de/insider/