Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale (NRG DEC05)

[shrink]

What a beautiful fall morning in the High Sierra. Clear, blue skies with just a few puffy clouds hovering over the nearby peaks. The slightest breeze kept it comfortable on the deck, despite a full, warm sun. The kind of day that just invites you to brew up a good cup of Columbian Huila Suprema, turn on some instrumental music, and kick back with a lazy, slow burning lonsdale.

On weekend mornings, I usually go for a Robaina Clasico, but today the RG just called out to me. These were surprising strong when young, with peppery spice and citrus on the finish. The last one I sampled, earlier this year, just wasn't ready. But I wanted to see how how they're coming along...

My selection wasn't eye candy, for sure. The medium tan wrapper looked, and felt, pretty dry. But it had a sweet and floral aroma that was promising. So I fired it up. The initial draws clearly showed that the youthful, tannic and peppery elements had mellowed nicely. My lonsdale was on the mild side of medium bodied, with a toasty tobacco core, around which were wrapped delectable floral and herbal elements. The youthful citrus had resolved into a delicate, tangy finish, with a light, honeyed sweetness.

What impressed me most was the elegant way in which the RG harmonized these various elements, with a smoke that was both generous and beautifully aromatic. I took plenty of time between draws just to savor the finish, and inhale wisps of the burning smoke through my nostrils. It was truly a form of tobacco incense!

The lonsdale burned and drew perfectly. The cigar remained medium-bodied and balanced all the way to the band, and concluded it's journey without any harshness or bitterness. A perfect cigar for a perfect morning. I'll be reaching for these more often.

[hoyopr]

Thanks Shrink, I haven't tried any RG but am finding I prefer the Corona, Lonsdale, Dalia and Delicados sizes personally. Being new, I also have found that some of those I have enjoyed have had the youthful citrus, almost roughness to them. I will need to let these rest a little longer, and will add the VR Clasico and RG Lonsdale to the list of ones to try. Patients, Patients, Patients.

[tigger]

Very nice review!

A pox on HSA for doing away with these!

[servebig]

Glad to see you review one of my favorites Bob. One thing that these have going for them is consistancy...having gone through 3 or 4 boxes, of the same box code, I can honestly say that I have never had a bad one. Sadly I have only one box left.

I know of a fellow FOHer that has cornered the market on these he liked them so much.

[bassman]

I really liked these DIC 05s when I first got my box, but the last one i smoked wasn't nearly as good. Perhaps a sick period or just an off cigar. Have to try another & see.

[josie67]

» I really liked these DIC 05s when I first got my box, but the last one i

» smoked wasn't nearly as good. Perhaps a sick period or just an off cigar.

» Have to try another & see.

One of my ALLTIME favorites!! Glad I have a few left ;-)

[El Presidente]

Great review Bob and I agree that some of these had some below par wrappers over the final few years. Yet having said that....they perform a light and lilting dance on the tastebuds. Few other Lonsdales come close in profile except for the Sancho Panza Molinos.

Cuba still makes the finest mild cigars in the world and it is due to the flavour complexity achieved.