Rafael Gonzalez Cuban Cigars
In 1928 Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez was launched intended
mainly for the English market. Production of these cigars was halted in the
early 1960's due to the revolution in Cuba. The Rey del Mundo factory
resurrected these cigars deeming them a "sister" cigar to the Rey del Mundos.
The pleasantly subtle yet complex flavours can only be summed up
as having the renowned "sauve" taste conoisseurs have come
to expect from Rafael Gonzalez.
It was in this brand that the 6 ½ inch(165mm) by 42 gauge cigar, which has the factory name of Cervantes, was first called a Lonsdale after Lord Lonsdale, the famous English sporting Earl and cigar aficionado of that period. Now many other brands use the name as well.
On its lid label each box carries a curious
inscription written in English to the effect that the cigars should be
smoked within one month of the date of shipment from Havana or
otherwise they should be carefully matured for about one year.
Rafael Gonzalez cigars contain a light tasting blend of leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region. All sizes are made by the "totalmente a mano, tripa larga" — totally by hand, long filler technique bar one, which is "totalmente a mano, tripa corta" — totally hand made, short filler.
Flavour Ranking: Light.
| Corona Extra | Factory Name: Corona Gorda, | Gauge: 46 | Length: 5¾ |
| Lonsdale Aged | Factory Name: Cervantes | Gauge: 42 | Length: 6 ½ |
| Panetela Extra | Factory Name: Veguerito | Gauge: 34 | Length: 5 |
