First registered in 1928 and launched commercially in the early 1930s, Rafael González is a quiet classic in the world of Habanos. Closely tied to El Rey del Mundo since 1936, the brand carved its own legacy—most notably for naming the popular “Lonsdale” format, in honor of Lord Lonsdale, the English sportsman.
Every Rafael González cigar is Totalmente a Mano, with most made using Long Filler tobacco from the renowned Vuelta Abajo region. One vitola features a Short Filler blend, enhanced by leaf from Semi Vuelta. The result is a mild, nuanced smoking experience—ideal for connoisseurs of subtlety and balance.
Among the core lineup are the slender Panetelas Extra, the smooth and accessible Petit Coronas, the light and compact Perlas, and the elegant Coronas de Lonsdales—a nod to the cigar’s heritage.
Rafael González remains a refined choice for those who value grace over strength, history over hype.
Rafael González is a historic Habano whose roots go back to a trademark registration in 1928 and commercial launch in the early 1930s. In 1936 the brand came under the ownership of El Rey del Mundo, where it remains closely associated to this day.
The marque is credited with re-christening the factory vitola Cervantes as “Lonsdale,” in tribute to the English sporting enthusiast Lord Lonsdale. Many other brands later adopted the name. Every Rafael González box once carried an unusual English notice: “These cigars should be smoked within one month of shipment from Havana, or else carefully aged for about one year.”
Production paused briefly after nationalization in the early 1960s, then resumed in 1965 alongside El Rey del Mundo. Although output is modest, occasional Edición Regional releases keep the brand on collectors’ radars. In the current Habanos S.A. portfolio Rafael González is listed in the “Other Brands” category.
All vitolas are Totalmente a Mano. Most are Tripa Larga (long-filler), but one size is rolled Tripa Corta (short-filler). The blend relies on light-tasting binder and filler leaves from Vuelta Abajo; the short-filler variant also incorporates tobacco from Semi Vuelta. The resulting profile is unmistakably mild, with delicate complexity that rewards either immediate enjoyment or gentle ageing.
Sabor: Suave (Mild)
