When a cigar manages to stay in production for more than four decades, it ceases to be merely a product and becomes a living record of shifting tastes, evolving techniques, and the enduring legacy of a marque. The Très Petit Lonsdales from the Rafael González house is precisely such a piece of history—its modest size belying a long and storied career that spanned the latter half of the twentieth century.
Pre‑Revolutionary Origins and a Remarkable Run
Long before the world wide web, before digital inventory systems, and even before many modern cigar brands existed, the Rafael González factory unveiled the Très Petit Lonsdales. Its debut can be placed safely in the years leading up to 1960, a period when Cuban cigar makers were experimenting with a wider array of vitolas to satisfy both domestic smokers and export markets. This particular petit corona style quickly distinguished itself by delivering a concentrated, yet balanced, smoking experience that appealed to aficionados seeking a shorter, more concentrated smoke without sacrificing complexity.
What truly sets the Très Petit Lonsdales apart is its staying power. For over forty years—spanning the late 1960s through the early 2000s—the vitola remained a staple within the Rafael González portfolio. The cigar survived shifts in consumer preferences, changes in tobacco sourcing, and the occasional redesign of packaging, all while retaining the core characteristics that earned it a devoted following. In 2002, after an impressive run that outlasted many of its contemporaries, the regular production line finally ceased, marking the end of a long chapter for the marque.
Technical Profile and Hand‑Made Craftsmanship
The internal factory designation for this size was “Franciscanos,” a name that hints at the cigar’s humble yet refined nature. Handmade entirely in Havana, the cigar exhibits the meticulous construction that the island is renowned for, with a filler, binder, and wrapper all selected to achieve a harmonious burn and a steady draw.
- Ring gauge: 40
- Length: 116 mm (approximately 4⅝ inches)
- Official weight: 6.72 g
- Band style: Standard band A, reflecting the understated branding typical of Rafael González
- Packaging: Traditional dress boxes holding 25 cigars each, emphasizing a classic presentation that prioritized quality over flamboyant decoration
The combination of a modest ring size and a length that sits comfortably between a robusto and a panatela gives the smoker a concentrated flavor profile that unfolds in a relatively short smoking time, making it an ideal choice for a quick, yet memorable, break.
The Siglo XXI Millennium Commemorative Edition
Even though regular production ended in 2002, the vitola was not entirely relegated to the annals of history. To honor the turn of the millennium, Rafael González released a special collector’s edition as part of the “Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor.” This limited offering reimagined the classic size with a premium presentation, often featuring a luxurious humidor, custom bands, and extra-aged tobacco reserves. The edition provided enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to experience the historic profile of the Très Petit Lonsdales in a setting that celebrated both tradition and innovation, further cementing the cigar’s status as a collector’s item.
Why Remaining Stock Still Commands Attention
For modern collectors, a sealed box of pre‑2002 Très Petit Lonsdales is akin to a time capsule of Cuban cigar culture. The discontinued nature of the vitola means that each box represents a finite resource, and its scarcity drives demand at auctions and specialty retailers. Moreover, many smokers contend that cigars from this era retain a distinctive flavor—rich yet mellow, with a finish that echoes the pre‑globalization blending techniques of the late twentieth century.
In summary, the Très Petit Lonsdales exemplifies how a small, unassuming cigar can leave an outsized legacy. From its pre‑1960 introduction through its decades‑long production and its subsequent commemorative rebirth, the vitola continues to fascinate both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers eager to sample a piece of Cuban heritage.
