Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale (NRG DEC05)

[shrink]

The Rafael Gonzalez lonsdale is probably the best example of this lesser-known, but time-honored and distinguished marca.

It exhibits a definite box-press, which gives it a boxy, geometric appearance and hand-feel. The wrapper is light tan and silky smooth, showing fine veins. It is quite firm when rolled between the fingers. I found the unlit aromas to be unusually sweet and floral; the bouquet was so enchanting that I hesitated before putting the vitola to flame.

So, you can imagine my surprise when the initial draws were quite full-bodied and spicy. The core flavor profile is one of bittersweet nuts and spice, as if crushed walnuts were mixed with allspice, a little cinnamon, touches of habanero pepper, and a dollop of brown sugar. Hovering about in the background were complex floral notes and a light acidic twang. The finish was a delicious, lingering bittersweet spice that left my mouth watering in anticipation of the next draw. And the aroma was simply superb. The burn was even and clean, and the draw was perfectly firm, as you would expect from a well-crafted lonsdale.

Although it claims less than a year of box age, this RG lonsdale is already mature and balanced enough to satisfy even a discriminating palate. However, the inherent strength in the blend, its young tannic core, and latent complexity show great promise for the smoker patient enough to lay them down for another year... or three.

I found this to be a unique, paradoxical, and thought-provoking smoke. Alas, this elegant lonsdale has recently been discontinued by Habanos.

[anacostiakat]

Great review! Got me wanting to try them!:-D

[chibnkr]

I just picked-up two boxes of these (same code as yours, I think). When I heard that these were to be discontinued I couldn't believe it! This is perhaps the quintessential lonsdale, medium bodied and very elegant.

[josie67]

» I just picked-up two boxes of these (same code as yours, I think). When I

» heard that these were to be discontinued I couldn't believe it! This is

» perhaps the quintessential lonsdale, medium bodied and very elegant.

I couldn't agree more. I also picked up 2 boxes, and I will savor them SLOWLY over the years. What a sad day for lonsdale lovers.

[bassman]

There goes Shrink making spend more money!:-P

[cigardawg]

»

» Although it claims less than a year of box age, this RG lonsdale is

» already mature and balanced enough to satisfy even a discriminating

» palate. However, the inherent strength in the blend, its young tannic

» core, and latent complexity show great promise for the smoker patient

» enough to lay them down for another year... or three.

»

Stever gave me one of these to try recently. This paragraph pretty much sums it up for me. Great cigar...will be outstanding in a few years. If I can find my review, I'll post it up.

Thanks for the review!!

[jgros001]

Great review...just smoked one from an '02 box code...had an awesome honey flavor to it as well as what you described.

[Stalebread]

Yes, "elegant" really sums up this cigar. One of my few box purchases is a box of these from '01. They are outstanding cigars. Also have a few singles from '03 that, smoking blind, I probably could not tell apart from the '01s. I wonder, however, about the '01s peaking and hitting a point of diminishing returns. Guess I should smoke them more often.

[servebig]

» » I just picked-up two boxes of these (same code as yours, I think). When

» I

» » heard that these were to be discontinued I couldn't believe it! This

» is

» » perhaps the quintessential lonsdale, medium bodied and very elegant.

»

» I couldn't agree more. I also picked up 2 boxes, and I will savor them

» SLOWLY over the years. What a sad day for lonsdale lovers.

Mario,

As far as lonsdales my favorite are:

1) RA 898V

2) RG Lons

3) Partagas Lons in cabs (had one today)

And of course they are all extinct. How sad...

Excellent review Bob. I agree with you on the aroma of these, and, while I am not nearly as eloquent as you are, their aroma is unmatched.