The Lonsdales of Christmas, Day 5 - Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Day 5 of my reviewing marathon and today is the day for one of the most underrated cigars in my opinion, and my favourite vitola in its Marca; the Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale. The Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale is a Cervante, measuring 6.5″ in length by 42 ring gauge. Unfortunately, its production was ceased in 2006, and given the fact that it was not a very popular vitola, it is now getting harder and harder to find. When still in regular production, it was presented in a traditional dress box of 25. This cigar has some age on it, I would think 9 to 11 years, which will be making this just the right age to be smoked.

Appearance & Construction 13 /15

The Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale has a rough, rustic look, which is typical in the brand and looks appealing rather than poorly constructed . The wrapper is dark and grainy, with some prominent veins and some wrinkles. The cigar is box pressed, with a hard bunch and no hard or soft spots. The prelight draw is perfect.

Flavour & Body 22 /25

The Lonsdale bursts with woody and peaty flavours from the start. Smoking into the first third, the cigar presents flavours of cedar, cinnamon and citrus, in good balance with a medium depth. The finish is short and the body is mild to medium at start. The cigar changes very little in the second third. A sweet, creamy flavour appears, joining the mix of the flavours and the finish is longer and sweet/spicy. The body is medium.The last third is the cigar’s strongest part. The body is medium to full, the flavours are stronger and the finish is spicy, long and lingering. Cedar, berries, peat and leather are the most noticeable flavours, all well balanced and with good depth.

Draw & Burn 23 /25

The draw has just the right amount of resistance and it is consistent top to bottom. The cigar burns well and straight all the way too, producing hefty amounts of smoke. The ash is light grey in colour, flaky, and falls off every half inch. The coal is flat, however the combustion is good.

Overall 32 / 35

The Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale is a lovely cigar. It is easygoing and smooth, with flavours that alter from the beginning to the end and a body that progresses as you smoke towards the end. Do not expect any fireworks from this cigar, but expect it to be consistent and pleasant every time. It is hard to find now, but if you stumble across it, I would highly recommend it for your collection.