What is a Cuban Sandwich Cigar? | Blending Room | Blending Room

June 4, 2025

Not sure what sets a Cuban sandwich cigar apart from the rest? You’re in the right place. We’re diving into what makes these cigars unique, how they’re made, and how to enjoy them to the fullest.

Cuban sandwich cigars blend long and short filler tobaccos into a flavorful, budget-friendly smoke. They’ve earned a loyal following among cigar lovers, so let’s find out what makes them worth lighting up.

How Cuban sandwich cigars got their name

So, what exactly is a Cuban sandwich cigar, and where does the name come from? It all comes down to the filler. These cigars use short to medium-length tobacco leaves—often the trimmed remnants left over from long filler cigars.

Torcedores (cigar rollers) sandwich these shorter filler pieces inside long filler leaves and secure the bunch with a long filler binder.

You might also hear them called “burrito cigars”, which is arguably a more accurate shape description.

How manufacturers make Cuban sandwich cigars

To learn how brands create Cuban sandwich cigars, it’s essential to understand the different types of cigar filler. Machine-made cigars often contain chopped tobacco. In contrast, handmade cigars use whole tobacco leaves, trimmed to perfection.

Cigar makers blend these trimmed edges into Cuban sandwich cigars to make the most of every leaf. It’s a smart way to stretch vintage-aged long filler tobacco while keeping the final product affordable.

Who should smoke Cuban sandwich cigars?

Cuban sandwich-style cigars are a great option for any smoker. They’re usually cheaper than cigars made entirely with long filler, thanks to a production process that reduces waste. But don’t let the price fool you—the tobacco inside is still top-quality.

The same artisans who hand-roll the long-filler smokes make the best Cuban sandwich cigars with care and expertise. Sandwich cigars are a good place to start if you want premium tobacco at an accessible price.

Getting the most out of a Cuban sandwich cigar

The construction of a Cuban sandwich cigar has benefits during storage. Short filler handles humidity changes fairly well. However, avoid high humidity levels, especially around 72% and above.

You might see a faster burn rate from a Cuban sandwich, so be gentle and savor each draw. Keep an ashtray close by, too—you might also need to ash your cigar a little more often.

The best Cuban sandwich cigars

Many top names in today’s cigar industry love producing Cuban sandwich cigars for their unique qualities. Here are some of the best Cuban sandwich cigars to try.

Arturo Fuente Curly Head

Arturo Fuente Curly Head is one of the most respected Cuban sandwich cigars of recent years. The 6.50 x 43 Lonsdale packs Dominican Republic filler and binder tobaccos inside a Cameroon wrapper, with a rich and nutty flavor profile.

After trying Curly Head, treat yourself to a box of Arturo Fuente Curly Head Deluxe. It’s a great way to continue exploring this brand’s Cuban sandwich-style cigars.

Monte Carlo Cuban sandwich cigars

The celebrated Camacho Cigars, Inc. trademarked “Monte Carlo” in 1978. During the 1990s cigar boom, Camacho cleverly reduced its waste by bundling and selling Monte Carlo Cuban sandwich cigars made from leftover premium tobacco.

At JR Cigars, we carry these limited-edition smokes, with only 2,000 boxes released each year:

These excellent smokes are earthy and floral, with a hint of sweet cinnamon spice. They also provide the great value you’d expect from Cuban sandwich cigars. With 25 in a bundle, they’re a fantastic way to stock up your humidor without emptying your wallet.