San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta — A Compact Gem from Havana's Youngest Marca
The San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta is a petit corona-format Cuban cigar from one of the newest marcas in the Habanos portfolio. Measuring 129mm in length with a 42 ring gauge, this vitola delivers a medium-bodied smoking experience that showcases the brand's refined, elegant blend philosophy. San Cristobal de la Habana was introduced in 1999, making it one of the youngest brands in the Cuban cigar canon, and it was created to appeal to a more contemporary, delicate palate. Named after one of Havana's historic neighbourhoods, the La Punta is a compact, approachable cigar that represents the brand's founding identity and offers an excellent introduction to the San Cristobal experience.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The La Punta opens with a distinctive floral delicacy and a creamy cedar base that immediately sets San Cristobal apart from the earthier, heavier Cuban brands. Notes of honey, toasted nut, and a gentle citrus zest emerge in the first third, carried on a smooth, cool smoke. The blend has a refined quality that reflects the brand's positioning toward the elegant end of the Habanos spectrum. The draw is open and comfortable, and the burn is typically even and self-correcting at this gauge.
In the second half, the cigar develops subtle spice and a light leather character that adds dimension without overwhelming the blend's fundamental delicacy. A vanilla sweetness emerges in the final third, rounding out the profile with a gentle, satisfying finish. The La Punta provides 30 to 40 minutes of smoking time — a well-proportioned experience that makes this vitola suitable for a midday break, an after-dinner interlude, or an introduction to the San Cristobal de la Habana brand.
Construction
The 129mm x 42 petit corona is a proven format in Cuban production, and San Cristobal's manufacturing maintains the standards expected of a Habanos global brand. The wrapper is typically a fine, light Colorado leaf with good elasticity and minimal veining, reflecting the brand's emphasis on refinement. The bunch is evenly packed with a comfortable resistance, and the cap is applied with traditional Cuban triple-seal technique. As a lower-volume brand, San Cristobal's production tends to receive careful attention at the factory level.
Pairing
The La Punta's elegant, floral profile pairs well with lighter spirits and delicate beverages. A blonde Cuban rum or a light Irish whiskey such as Tullamore DEW complements the cigar's honeyed notes. A Champagne or Prosecco is a superb and underappreciated pairing, with the wine's acidity and subtle brioche character matching the cigar's citrus and nut profile. A green tea with honey is an excellent non-alcoholic option.
Value
San Cristobal de la Habana occupies a distinctive position in the market — a boutique-feeling brand with the quality assurance of full Habanos S.A. distribution. The La Punta's petit corona format is accessible in both price and smoking time, making it an excellent entry point to the brand. For the smoker looking to explore beyond the better-known Cuban marcas, the La Punta offers a rewarding experience that justifies branching out.
About the Brand
San Cristobal de la Habana was launched in 1999 as one of the newest Cuban cigar brands, named after San Cristóbal, the patron saint of Havana. The brand was created with a focus on elegant, medium-bodied blends that contrast with the heavier traditional Cuban profiles. Its relatively small portfolio and lower production volumes give it a boutique character within the Habanos range. The brand is produced in Havana and distributed by Habanos S.A., with tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region. Learn more on Wikipedia.
Storage
Store the La Punta at 65–68% relative humidity and 18–20°C. As a lower-volume brand, San Cristobal cigars may benefit from additional aging in the humidor to allow the blend to settle and integrate. A minimum of three to four weeks of rest is recommended for newly acquired cigars. A Spanish cedar-lined humidor will provide the stable environment this delicate blend requires to perform at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Cristobal de la Habana a good brand for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Yes. The brand's medium-bodied, elegant profile is approachable and refined, making it an excellent choice for smokers who are new to Cuban cigars or who prefer lighter, more delicate blends. The La Punta's petit corona format is an ideal starting point, offering a manageable smoking time and a balanced, gentle introduction to the brand.
How does San Cristobal de la Habana compare to other Cuban brands?
San Cristobal occupies the elegant, lighter end of the Cuban cigar spectrum, similar in body to Romeo y Julieta but with a more floral and citrus-forward character. It lacks the earthiness of Partagás, the intensity of Bolívar, or the richness of Cohiba, positioning itself as a refined, contemporary alternative within the Habanos portfolio.
Related Cigars
Explore our full San Cristobal de la Habana collection for more vitolas from this distinctive brand. Before ordering, please review our guide on the difference between authentic Cuban cigars and imitations, our age verification policy, and shipping information.
