Rafael Gonzalez
Rafael Gonzalez was created in the 1930's.
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.