Tasting Note

It’s neither corona nor lonsdale, but the Rafael Gonzalez Corona de Lonsdale is the newest size to the small, overlooked Cuban brand in many years. By Cuban standards, it’s also a tremendous bargain, smoking well above its price tag. Few handmade Cubans retail for so little. Rafael Gonzalez may not have the recognition of the larger brands, but this cigar is every bit as worthy of being part of the conversation, and that becomes evident the moment you light it up. The spicy core of leather and cedar takes on some heady notes of coffee bean, earth and cinnamon, all the while filling the room with an enticing aroma. If you see a box, buy it. This cigar retails for only 12 Swiss Francs in Switzerland, so if you see a box, buy it.