CRC: Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdale RSG FEB 24

[Dlowil]

RH: 64%
Cut: V-cut

Born in 1930 and once considered a luxury brand, Rafael González is often credited with popularizing the Lonsdale vitola.

Pulling this out of the humidor, I feel an immediate temptation to put it back and grab something flashier. RASS. JLS2. PSD4. The band is simple, no frills, but the cigar itself is clearly well constructed. I fight the urge to substitute and soldier on.

Early on, I get chocolate and vanilla, especially in the aroma, with baking spice lingering at the edges. The retrohale is easy and smooth, leaving a soft white pepper on the throat. In a world where bands and marketing often steal the spotlight, RG sticks to restraint. The burn is even and consistent, producing generous smoke.

The second third stays largely the same. I’m pairing it with a French press latte. Yes, I know. We ditched our espresso machine to reclaim some cabinet space, and instead of replacing it, I’ve leaned into a minimalist phase. Strong French-pressed coffee mixed with whole raw milk, lightly sweetened with maple syrup from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. Don’t judge.

It strikes me how easy it is to take for granted the access we have to goods from all over the world. A cigar from Cuba, coffee roasted in Arvada, Colorado, milk from Ebert Farms, and syrup from Wisconsin. All showing up in one quiet afternoon.

The final third introduces slightly darker espresso notes, but overall the cigar remains linear. The burn stays perfect from start to finish, delivering a mild-medium profile that’s simple, satisfying, and never boring. The value here is incredible. It’s almost silly that I nearly passed on it for being “too basic.”

This cigar is old-school cool. Wicker chairs. Linen shirts. Slow afternoons. A cigar smoked for pleasure, not performance. It’s about restraint, balance, and polish, not strength or spice bombs. It isn’t trying to impress. It’s just well made, well behaved, and comfortable in its own skin.

It reminds me of a reliable old timer whose company I always enjoy.

Score: 92

[Gemini_Man]

Great review. These truly are the best bang for your buck currently. Wish they came in 50 cabs.

[griller]

Love the review, thanks for sharing. I got a box of these resting now. Can't wait to light one up!

[KCCubano]

These are a good value in today's world. I picked up a box shortly after original release. They keep getting better and better with age. I have a second home near the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern WI and am a huge fan of the maple syrup. 

[Montezüma]

Nice review @Dlowil !!

[Dlowil]

Great review. These truly are the best bang for your buck currently. Wish they came in 50 cabs.

Thank you. I concur about 50 cabs! I’d snatch them up.

[Dlowil]

Love the review, thanks for sharing. I got a box of these resting now. Can't wait to light one up!

Thank you. You’re in for a treat.

[Dlowil]

These are a good value in today's world. I picked up a box shortly after original release. They keep getting better and better with age. I have a second home near the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern WI and am a huge fan of the maple syrup. 

Superb value. This is my second and will do my best to not touch them for a while.

I was up near Gilman WI hunting deer when I saw the gravity tubing system. Bummed I didn’t buy more.

[Dlowil]

Nice review [mention=43149]Dlowil[/mention] !!

Thank you!

[KCCubano]

10 minutes ago, Dlowil said:

Superb value. This is my second and will do my best to not touch them for a while.

I was up near Gilman WI hunting deer when I saw the gravity tubing system. Bummed I didn’t buy more.

My place is near Hayward. NE of Gilman. Not a lot of deer because there are too many wolves. I have also found their tracks near the Elk herds. 

[JPark3]

Sounds like an ideal flavor profile. Glad you enjoyed!