拉斐爾岡薩雷茲

Rafael González Perlas (vitola: Petit Corona, 4 × 40, 100mm) — one of the brand's soul cigars. Cigar Aficionado has praised it multiple times as a "best-value small-format Cuban cigar" — creamy texture, balanced flavor, and a 20-30 minute experience.

Rafael González 88 RE Asia-Pacífico 2016 — a Regional Edition launched for the Asia-Pacific market, "88" is an auspicious Chinese number (double happiness, getting rich). It is one of the brand's rare Asian REs and is deeply loved by Chinese collectors.

Rafael González Perlas (4" × 40, Petit Corona) — a small Petit Corona launched in 2012, Cigar Aficionado has repeatedly praised its outstanding value for money — "creamy texture, balanced flavor, and a representative small Cuban cigar". A 20-30 minute experience, it is the brand's best-selling regular production cigar.

Rafael González was born around 1928 — initially launched in the Roaring Twenties under the name "La Flor de Marquez" (Flower of the Marquis). In 1936, Sociedad El Rey del Mundo (El Rey del Mundo company) officially registered it as the Rafael González trademark. In 1945, the trademark further established today's name.

Rafael González cigar boxes have a unique English inscription -- "These cigars must be smoked within one month of the date of shipment from Havana, or carefully matured for about one year" (these cigars must be smoked within one month of the date of shipment, otherwise carefully aged for about one year). This inscription was written by a 1930s British importer -- it is the only brand in the cigar industry with an "ageing recommendation" printed on the box.

Rafael González Lonsdales (6.5" × 42, vitola: Cervantes) -- the emblematic format in the brand's history and the prototype of the Lonsdale format. Discontinued in 2006 -- making "the namesake of Lonsdale having no Lonsdale of its own" one of the greatest ironies in the cigar industry. Today, aged versions are very precious in the collectors' market.

Rafael González is the originator of the "Lonsdale size" name in the cigar industry -- the 6½" × 42 specs were originally called "Cervantes" (this remains the factory name), but to honor the cigar-loving British nobleman Hugh Cecil Lowther (fifth Lord Lonsdale, 1857-1944), Rafael González named this size "Lonsdale". Today, the global cigar industry uses this name.

Rafael González Lonsdales original version (6½" × 42, Cervantes) -- the brand's historic signature spec -- and also the source of the name "Lonsdale". Officially discontinued in 2006. Aged versions are truly rare collectibles.

Rafael González was founded in 1928 by Spanish court noble Márquez Rafaël González (Marquis Rafaël González) -- he was a member of the Spanish court who saw the vast commercial opportunity in the British cigar market at the time and founded the brand in cooperation with two British businessmen, George Samuel and Frank Warwick. The original name was "La Flor de Márquez" (Flower of the Marquis).

In the 1960s, Zino Davidoff listed Rafael González as one of "the two essential brands for a true connoisseur's collection" -- one of the highest honors in the cigar industry. The recommendation of Zino Davidoff (Swiss cigar legend and founder of the Davidoff brand) made Rafael González legendary among European connoisseurs.

Rafael González is the originator of the name "Lonsdale" in the cigar industry! The brand was the first to call the factory vitola "Cervantes" (6½" × 42) "Lonsdale" — named after Hugh Cecil Lowther, the fifth Earl of Lonsdale in Britain (sportsman, cigar enthusiast). The Lonsdale size name used across today's entire cigar industry all originates from Rafael González.

Rafael González was founded in Havana around 1928 by Spanish nobleman Márquez Rafaël González (a member of the Spanish court) -- with the sole goal of entering the lucrative British cigar market. It is one of the rare cigar brands "born for a single market".

Rafael González is the namer of the "Lonsdale" cigar format -- its signature vitola is the 6½" × 42 Cervantes factory format. Márquez González named it "Lonsdale" in tribute to the British aristocrat of the time, Hugh Cecil Lowther (fifth Earl of Lonsdale) -- an avid cigar lover. From then on, "Lonsdale" became a globally used format name in the cigar industry -- other brands (including Montecristo No.1) later adopted it.

Rafael González Perlas (4" × 40, vitola: Perlas) -- a core regular-production cigar released in 2012. 5-count cardboard packs, convenient to carry. A 20-30 minute experience. Although small, it has a complete flavor profile -- one of the "best small Cuban cigars" recommended multiple times by Cigar Aficionado. Price is about USD $11/stick.

Rafael González 88 RE Asia Pacífico 2016 (new size in Británicas Extra format, 8,888×10, released in mid-2017) -- 8,888 is an auspicious number for Chinese people! Exclusive to the Asia Pacific market, it is an important RE for Asian collectors.

Rafael González cigar boxes have a unique English inscription: "These cigars should be smoked within one month of shipment from Havana, or else carefully aged for about one year." (These cigars should be smoked within one month of shipment from Havana, or else carefully aged for about one year). Reportedly written by a British importer in the 1930s -- the cigar industry's most unique "instructions for use".

The historical positioning of the Rafael González brand is very distinctive — it was not born for the Cuban domestic market, not for the American market, and not for the Spanish market. It was a cigar created specifically for British aristocrats and gentlemen's clubs. In British cigar culture, Rafael González stands alongside Hoyo de Monterrey and Dunhill as a "cigar of the British gentleman".

Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales (5" × 48, vitola: Hermoso No.4) -- released in 2021 (launched in early 2023), the newest regular-production cigar. Hermoso No.4 specs -- shorter and thicker than Lonsdales, reflecting the modern trend toward thicker ring gauges. Named to honor the brand's historical Lonsdales size.

Rafael González cigar boxes still carry a unique English warning: "These cigars should be smoked within one month of shipment from Havana, or else carefully aged for about one year." (These cigars should be smoked within one month after leaving Havana; otherwise, they must be carefully aged for about one year) -- legend says it was written by a British importer in the 1930s; it is one of the cigar industry's most distinctive box notes.

Rafael González Lonsdales (Cervantes format) was discontinued in 2006 — this is one of the cigar industry's most painful discontinuations, because this vitola is the original naming source of the Lonsdale format. Today only Montecristo No.1 remains a Lonsdale format.

Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales (5" × 48, vitola: Hermoso No.4) — launched in 2021 and released in early 2023 — a representative work of the brand entering the large ring gauge era. It is the brand's newest regular production addition.

Rafael González flavor: light to medium strength -- one of the milder factions among Cuban cigars. Characteristic flavors: cedar, cream, roasted nuts, slight spice, light floral notes, honey, slight leather. It is a representative of "refined and elegant" Cuban cigars. Today it is produced at the Romeo y Julieta factory, with all Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Rafael González flavor positioning: mild to medium strength (mild to medium) -- elegant, balanced, smooth, rich in flavor but not intense. Flavor descriptions: cedar, cream, roasted nuts, light honey, mild spice, light floral notes -- representative of an "old-school aristocratic cigar", reflecting the brand's Spanish court origins and British aristocratic clientele.

This English inscription is still printed on every box of Rafael González today -- unchanged for 95+ years. This is the only case in the cigar industry of a "brand self-declaring ageing potential". For enthusiasts, the inscription itself is the strongest proof that "Rafael González was designed as an ageing cigar".

Aged old Rafael González Lonsdales (pre-2006) are rare collectibles in the eyes of cigar collectors -- the historical identity of "the Lonsdale from the namesake of Lonsdale", plus discontinuation, plus the delicate changes shown after ageing a light-bodied cigar, make it one of the best demonstration cases for cigar ageing.

Rafael González flavor positioning: light to medium strength — "elegant, balanced, and not excessive". Flavor notes: cedar, cream, toasted nuts, faint floral aroma, light spice, honey, tropical fruit. It is a representative of "beginner-friendly Cuban cigars".

In 1936, the brand was acquired by Sociedad El Rey del Mundo (El Rey del Mundo company) -- this company also owned Sancho Panza and Don Cándido. From then on, Rafael González and El Rey del Mundo became "sister brands" -- same company, same factory, same style positioning.

Hugh Cecil Lowther (fifth Lord Lonsdale) was a legendary British figure: a top British sportsman and cigar fanatic, famous for his luxurious lifestyle. In 1909, he awarded the first Lonsdale Belt to the British boxing champion -- later donating 20 belts for different weight classes. The sportswear brand Lonsdale Sportswear was also named after him. Both the worlds of cigars and boxing carry his name.

The legend of the 'Lonsdale' name: in 1928, Rafael González was the first to call the Cervantes format Lonsdale, and later almost all Cuban and non-Cuban brands adopted the term. Today, the 'Lonsdale format' is one of the most common terms in the cigar industry -- but few people know it originated with Rafael González.

The brand's original name was La Flor de Marquez (Flower of the Marquis) -- named after the founder's noble title, "Márquez". Márquez Rafaël González entrusted two British entrepreneurs, George Samuel and Frank Warwick, with UK distribution.

In 1936, the brand was officially registered as La Flor de González -- and became a brand under Sociedad El Rey del Mundo (El Rey del Mundo company). The same company also owned Sancho Panza and Don Cándido.

Rafael González Perlas has repeatedly received 88-91 points in Cigar Aficionado ratings — one of the best choices for a "20-minute Cuban experience". The price is usually USD $4-7 per cigar, making it a king of value for money in the cigar industry.

Hugh Cecil Lowther (fifth Earl of Lonsdale, 1857-1944) was a famous British sportsman, boxing promoter (the Lonsdale Belt in boxing is named after him), and cigar enthusiast. Rafael González permanently engraved his name into the cigar industry — the deepest link of a "British gentleman tribute" in the cigar world.

After the Revolution, Rafael González has been produced to this day at the legendary Romeo y Julieta factory. All Cuban versions are "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (entirely handmade long filler), using all Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Rafael González Petit Coronas (5⅛" × 42, vitola: Mareva) — a classic Petit Corona size, and another representative of the brand's regular lineup. Flavors: cream, nuts, light spice, honey.

Coronas Lonsdales RE Alemania 2013 (6,000×10, first released in early 2014) -- the brand's first Edición Regional, exclusive to the Germany market. Standard band B plus Alemania RE band.

The brand name went through three changes: 1928 "La Flor de Márquez" -> 1936 "La Flor de González" (acquired and registered by Rey del Mundo Cigar Company) -> finally set in 1954 as "Flor de Rafael González Márquez" -- the name still used today.

Hugh Cecil Lowther, fifth Earl of Lonsdale was one of the most legendary British aristocrats of the 19th-20th centuries -- known for his luxurious lifestyle and passion for sports. In 1909, he awarded the first Lonsdale boxing belt to the British boxing champion, later awarding 20 belts in total (in different weight classes). His "iron-armor round-the-world trip" wager with JP Morgan (with a stake equivalent to today's £2.5 million) is also legendary.

Rafael González Petit Coronas (5⅛" × 42, vitola: Mareva, Petit Corona) — a classic Petit Corona format, one of the existing regular production cigars. A 35-45 minute experience, it is the first choice for entering the brand.

Streamlined from 13 regular vitolas before the Revolution to only 4 remaining today: Perlas, Petit Coronas, Panetelas Extra, Coronas de Lonsdales. It is a typical case of large-scale streamlining for the brand.

No one can replace its historical status as "the namer of the Lonsdale format" — when you see any brand's Lonsdale cigar (Cohiba Siglo IV, Montecristo No.1, etc.), it is paying tribute to the name coined by Rafael González.

Rafael González is one of the few brands in the cigar industry that clearly states "aging advice" -- the "shipment within one month or aged for one year" warning on the box reflects the brand's commitment to quality, a "brand promise" from 95 years ago.

Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales (2021 release, launched in early 2023) — commemorates the brand's historical status as the "originator of the Lonsdale name". Half boîte nature box of 10.

Production paused after the revolution in the early 1960s, and the brand restarted production in 1965 -- positioned together with El Rey del Mundo as high-end luxury brands, produced at the Romeo y Julieta Factory to this day.

Rafael González and El Rey del Mundo are sister brands -- both from the Sociedad El Rey del Mundo group, both relaunched together (1965), and both follow an elegant, mild flavor style. They are one of the closest pairs of brands in the cigar industry.

For Chinese enthusiasts: Rafael González 88 RE Asia-Pacífico 2016 is the brand's deepest Chinese connection — "88" symbolizes double happiness and wealth, and it is a must-have brand cigar for Chinese collectors.

Before the Revolution, Rafael González was produced in its own factory until production ceased in the early 1960s. In 1965, it was relaunched at the same time as its sister brand El Rey del Mundo — from then on, the two brands developed together.

Perlas has been praised multiple times by Cigar Aficionado as a 'best value small-format Cuban cigar' -- it is one of the benchmarks of the Petit Corona format. A 20-30 minute experience, accessible pricing, and complete Cuban flavor -- it is a top choice for an 'everyday Cuban cigar'.

In 1954, the brand name was ultimately set as "Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez" -- a name that has been used to this day. From La Flor de Marquez (1928) -> La Flor de González (1936) -> Rafael González (1945) -> Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez (1954), it changed names 4 times within 26 years.

Production was suspended in the early 1960s -- the chaotic period after the revolution. Production resumed in 1965, and from then on Rafael González was produced alongside El Rey del Mundo and regarded as a sibling brand -- both were high-end luxury brands.

In the Habanos system, Rafael González is classified as Other (a niche brand). Today there are only 4 regular-production cigars: Perlas (released in 2012), Panetelas Extra, Petit Coronas, Coronas de Lonsdales (released in 2021) -- making it one of the most niche brands in the Habanos system.

Aged Rafael González Lonsdales (pre-2006) are the "disappeared legend" in collectors' eyes -- auction market prices have climbed year by year, and they are the most sought-after among the brand's discontinued old vitolas.

Rafael González is one of the most beginner-friendly Cuban cigar brands -- light to medium strength, balanced flavor, and accessible pricing. It pairs very harmoniously with Cuban white rum, coconut desserts, and tropical fruit.

Rafael González Panetelas Extra (5" × 37, vitola: Vegueritos, Short Panetela) — a slender Short Panetela format, representing the brand's "1920s elegance". A short 25-30 minute experience.

Rafael González cigar band design: plain white background with brown lettering, minimalist and elegant — similar to the cigar band style of Sancho Panza (the two brands are under the same company). After the 1970s, the design has had only very minor adjustments, making it one of the most classical and plain cigar bands in the cigar industry. There was a small update in early 2022.

Aged original Lonsdales (pre-2006) are truly rare collectibles -- the historical status of being "the Lonsdale from the brand where the Lonsdale name originated" gives aged versions unique collectible value.

Founder Márquez Rafaël González was a Spanish court noble — this "founded by nobility" origin makes Rafael González a perfect contrast with Vegueros (a tribute to farmers), the two ends of the cigar industry's class spectrum.

For enthusiasts seeking a "20-30 minute mild Cuban experience", Rafael González Perlas + Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robustos + Cohiba Siglo I are together the "three major choices for short, mild cigars". Rafael González is the cheapest and the most historic among them.

All Cuban versions of Rafael González are "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (fully handmade, long filler), using all Vuelta Abajo tobacco, produced at the Romeo y Julieta factory. Only the Cigarritos machine-made version (discontinued) is an exception.

Rafael González North Star RE Nórdico-Báltico 2017 (Petite Robustos format, released in October 2018) -- a Nordic + Baltic market RE, and an important record of the brand's entry into the Nordic market.

Today Rafael González and its sister brand El Rey del Mundo are both produced at the Romeo y Julieta factory — this production relationship has continued from 1965 to the present, 60 years. The two brands share a high-end luxury positioning but have slightly different flavors.

2022 brand image update -- the cigar band changed from the original plain brown band printed with the company name to a transparent design (more eye-catching). The cigar box was also updated to comply with new regulations in the U.S. and Europe, while retaining the traditional aesthetic of Cuban cigar boxes.

In 1940, Rafael González was officially listed as a manufacturer-exporter. This was a key commercial milestone for the brand.

Rafael González Petit Coronas (5⅛" × 42, vitola: Mareva) — regular-production Petit Corona. A typical Mareva size, and a mainstay among the brand's 4 regular-production cigars.

Discontinued pre-Revolution old cigars: Demi Tasse (discontinued in 1996), Petit Lonsdales (1980s), Conicales (1970s), Coronas Chicas (1970s), Très Petit Lonsdales (2002), Lonsdales (2006), Coronas Extra (2010), Cigarritos (2010), Panetelas (2006) — most are traditional vitolas from before 1960.

Rafael González has only released about 3 Edición Regional cigars to date — it is one of the brands with the fewest RE releases in the Habanos portfolio. "Not clamorous" is the brand's core philosophy.

Rafael González Panetelas Extra (5" × 37, vitola: Vegueritos) -- a regular-production short panetela. Light strength, cedar, nuts -- an easy everyday cigar.

Rafael González is classified as "Other" in the Habanos system (a niche brand), with a very small market share. "The most overlooked quality brand" is an industry consensus — it does not have the aura of Cohiba, nor the strength of Bolívar, but it has maintained quality for 95 years.

Trademark records from 1945 show that the brand name had been changed to "Rafael González" -- this was the third name in the brand's history.

All current Rafael González are "totalmente a mano con tripa larga" (fully handmade long filler), with only one using short filler technique (the older version before Coronas de Lonsdales).

Rafael González Regional Nordico-Báltico — a Northern Europe + Baltic region market RE, one of the brand's rare European REs.

Evolution of Rafael González cigar bands: Standard Band A (1970s to c2010, plain with no embossing) → Standard Band B (2010-2022, darker, with Habana Cuba wording on both sides, embossed) → Standard Band C (current). The cigar band design has always been simple and elegant — close in style to Sancho Panza, reflecting the relationship between the two brands under the same company.

In 1940, Rafael González was officially listed as a "manufacturer-exporter" -- meaning the brand entered full commercial operation.

Rafael González Panetelas Extra (vitola: Vegueritos, short panetela) — a slender Panetela size, representing the brand's continuation of tradition.

Many pre-revolution old models were discontinued: Coronas Extra (discontinued in 2010), Slenderellas (28 ring long, thin Panetela, discontinued in 2006), Très Petit Lonsdales (discontinued in 2002), Demi Tasse (discontinued in 1996). Today's aged versions are all rare collectibles.

Rafael González is classified as Other within the Habanos system -- a niche brand with a very small market share. But its historical status (the Lonsdale naming, and being in the same group as El Rey del Mundo) makes insiders well aware of its value.

Today, the Rafael González regular line has only Perlas, Petit Coronas, Panetelas Extra, and Coronas de Lonsdales (new release in 2021), for a total of 4 handmade long-filler cigars -- plus one short filler machine-made version.

After the Revolution, Rafael González, El Rey del Mundo, Hoyo de Monterrey, and several other brands were reorganized under the Sociedad El Rey del Mundo group system. Today, it is still fully managed by Habanos S.A.

Rafael González Hermosos No.2 EL 2013 (5⅛" × 48, Edición Limitada global limited edition) -- a representative EL limited release for the brand.

The legendary bet between Lord Lonsdale and J.P. Morgan -- legend says the two bet on whether "a man wearing an iron helmet could travel around the world without being recognized", with an amount equivalent to about £2.5 million today. This story gave Lord Lonsdale a historical reputation as "the British nobleman best at betting".

In Chinese collector circles, Rafael González is called the insider's entry-level Cuban cigar -- inexpensive, elegant, and historically important (the origin of Lonsdale), it is the choice of the 'elite novice'.

Cigar band evolution: Standard band A (pre-1960 to old style) -> B (middle period) -> C (recent) -> D (modern). In 2022, it changed again to a transparent band design. The cigar band version is key to identifying aged versions.

Rafael González Cigarritos (4.5" × 26, vitola: Laguito No.3) — a small panatela size. Discontinued in 2010. Packed 50 per Semi Boite Nature Box.

Founder Rafael González Marquez was a Spanish businessman of the 1920s. The brand has used his name to this day for 97 years.

Rafael González Conicales (6.1" × 52, vitola: Pirámides) -- a Pyramid format discontinued in the 1970s. Today, aged versions are rare.

Rafael González Slenderellas (6.9" × 28, vitola: Panetelas Largas) — a slender panetela discontinued in 2006.

Cigarritos (introduced pre-1960) -- a machine-made small cigar. Discontinued in 2010.

Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales (4.6" × 40, vitola: Franciscanos) — a Petit Corona size discontinued in 2002, and one of the brand's "Lonsdale family".

Rafael González Coronas Extra (5.6" × 46, vitola: Coronas Gordas) — discontinued in 2010. Before the 1970s, its size was 48 ring gauge × 140mm.

Rafael González Demi Tasse (3.9" × 30, vitola: Entreactos) — a small panetela discontinued in 1996, similar to the size of a teaspoon.