Rafael Gonzalez
4 products available
A small, refined brand producing light to medium cigars. Understated elegance for the discerning smoker. Learn More →
4 products
Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales
Ring Gauge: 42 · Length: 165 mm (6.5") · Strength: Mild
$66.00
Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas Extra
Ring Gauge: 37 · Length: 127 mm (5") · Strength: Mild to Medium
$150.00
$145.00
Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas
Ring Gauge: 42 · Length: 129 mm (5.1") · Strength: Mild to Medium
$175.00
About Rafael Gonzalez Cigars
Established in 1928, Rafael Gonzalez occupies a distinguished niche in the Cuban cigar pantheon as a small, refined marque dedicated to understated elegance. The brand is celebrated for its light to medium-bodied blends, offering a smoking experience defined by restraint and sophistication. Aficionados will find a graceful flavor profile characterized by notes of creamy cocoa, delicate cedar, soft leather, and a whisper of earth and spice that never overpowers the palate. Among its most cherished formats, the Corona Extra stands out for its impeccable construction and balanced draw, while the Petit Corona delivers a concentrated yet remarkably smooth expression of the blend in a shorter sitting. The Lonsdale, another notable vitola, provides a longer, contemplative smoke that allows the subtle chocolate and cedar notes to unfurl slowly. These cigars originate from the H. Upmann Factory, where meticulous attention to craftsmanship ensures a consistently refined product. Like all fine Cuban cigars, they benefit immensely from aging; a few years in a well-maintained humidor allows the inherent earth and spice notes to soften and marry beautifully with the core cocoa sweetness. Ultimately, Rafael Gonzalez suits the discerning aficionado seeking a nuanced, gentle smoke, particularly when paired with a morning coffee or a light afternoon tea.
Strength
Mild to Medium, Mild
Ring Gauge
37 – 42
Vitolas
4 types
Available in
Box of 25, Box of 10
Popular Rafael Gonzalez Vitolas
Want to learn more?
Read the complete history of Rafael Gonzalez, including band identification, production details, and collector information.
Read full Rafael Gonzalez history →Frequently Asked Questions about Rafael Gonzalez
- Is Rafael Gonzalez a good first Cuban cigar?
- Yes, Rafael Gonzalez makes an excellent first Cuban cigar. Because the brand focuses on light to medium-bodied blends, the smoke is gentle and approachable rather than overwhelming. The subtle notes of cocoa, cedar, and soft leather provide a classic introduction to Cuban flavor without the harshness found in stronger cigars.
- What does Rafael Gonzalez taste like?
- Rafael Gonzalez typically offers a light to medium-bodied flavor profile defined by understated elegance. Smokers will notice prominent notes of creamy cocoa, delicate cedar, and soft leather, accented by gentle hints of earth and spice. The overall taste is refined, smooth, and balanced, making it perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon session.
- How does Rafael Gonzalez compare to Montecristo?
- While Montecristo is known for its medium to full-bodied, robust and complex flavors, Rafael Gonzalez is distinctly lighter and more understated. Rafael Gonzalez emphasizes gentle cocoa, cedar, and leather notes, whereas Montecristo often delivers stronger coffee and spice. Choose Rafael Gonzalez for a milder, more relaxed smoking experience.
- Do Rafael Gonzalez cigars benefit from aging?
- Absolutely. Rafael Gonzalez cigars age exceptionally well due to their light to medium blend. Spending a few years in a properly maintained humidor allows the gentle spice and earth notes to soften, while the core flavors of cocoa and cedar marry beautifully. Aging brings out an even smoother, more refined character.