Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdale SUL MAR 23 (FSRFeb25)

[ryre]

Picked up this box a year and a half ago. I really wasn't crazy about them initially. They were grassy, cedar, and not much more. I hadn't had one in six months, until 2 weeks ago. It seemed like someone had swapped them out with different cigars. It was a completely different experience, and a very enjoyable one. I was shocked. As I mentioned, I hadn't really cared for them, and I had also read some really bad reviews. So, I figured I'd have another today, and post a review. These aren't the prettiest, but they make up for it in flavor and aroma.

 

On the light and through the first third, there was cream, leather, and hay. Light medium strength.

The second third picked up with Salt, cream, and toasted wheat bread. Nice flavors that were easily distinguishable, but complimented each other.

 

The final third, was more medium,  and just rich intensified flavors. I didn't want this cigar to end! 

Certainly not perfect construction. Uneven burn from start to finish but it wasn't horrible. I never needed to touch it up.

I'm kicking myself for burning through half a box when they were too fresh.  I find these to be a great value and ill be picking up a few boxes soon.

Hour and fifteen minutes. 87/100

[KCCubano]

I agree. They are a different cigar with some age.

[Havanaaddict]

I found the ones with darker wrappers are 100% different than the ones with the light wrappers.

[Mike Mecklenburg]

I have a box date of SUL April 2023 and after 1-year, I smoked the first one which had flavors of cedar, coffee and toast. The wrapper color was the same as you are showing, it needed one touch-up and was medium strength. I smoked another after 1-year 8-months and the coffee flavor was the predominant tasting note. I remember making a coffee halfway through the cigar and again it needed one touch-up. Enjoyable cigar for the cost.

[Habanoschris]

Great review and I have had the same experience where a box comes alive with totally new flavors & level of complexity. This is a good reminder to be patient and try to rotate / keep trying your collection.