Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Robusto
Size : 4 (102mm) x 50
Hand-Made
Price : $14 each
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Our dear friend from Sweden who runs another interesting blog (click here), just shared with us his review of the new Regional Edition cigar from Habanos Nordic.
Read the full review of Cigar Review – Rafael Gonzalez Báltico North Star 2017 Nordico…
Origin : Cuba
Format : Britanicas Extra
Size : 5 3/8 (137mm) x 48
Hand-Made
Price : $25.00 each
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The Rafael Gonzales 88 is a “perfecto” shape cigar. Not completely straight (or Parejo in Spanish) not completely double figurados (both end pointed like the Cuaba Salamones).
As described in my review of the Pre-Release Gloria Cubana Exclusivo Gran Bretana (click here), this vitola is part of my top three favorite. First introduced in the Regional edition series in 2012 for the Bolivar Britanicas, UK edition. Then for the Ramon Allones Perfectos Swiss and now the first Rafael Gonzales for Asia Pacific.
The Rafael Gonzales 88, comes in boxes of 10 cigars. 8,888 numbered boxes have been produced.
Read the full review of Cigar Review – Rafael Gonzales 88 Regional Edition Asia Pacifico…
Origin : Cuba
Format : Perla
Size : 40 x 102 mm (4 in)
Weight : 5.91 g.
Hand-Made
Price : $8.00 each
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Before you start reading our new quick review of the Rafael Gonzales Perla we want to share with you another review of the same cigar made few years ago by Sean, click here!
Read the full review of Cigar Review – Rafael Gonzales Perla…
Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Piramide
Size : 127 x 19 mm (5 x 50)
Released in : 2013
Hand-Made
Price : ~10 EUR each
You are probably familiar with the Edición Regional program from Habanos S.A. This is a program where Cuban cigar brands create unique limited-edition cigars for exclusive distribution to retailers in particular countries. One interesting aspect of this program is the fact that all the release ideas must be initiated by the distributors, who must also provide the financial underwriting.
The program first launched back in 2005, and since then many Cuban brands have participated (except for global brands like Cohiba, which are prohibited from participation). One which did not until 2013 was Rafael González.
Rafael González’s entry is an exclusive for Germany. Having heard good things, I decided to give it a try. Let’s check it out.
Read the full review of Rafael Gonzalez Petit Piramide (Regional Edition Germany)…
Origin : Cuba
Format : Perla
Size : 40 x 102 mm (4 in)
Weight : 5.91 g.
Hand-Made
Price : $11.00 each/ $55.00 for 5 cigar cardboard pack Canada (LCDH)
Today we are bringing you a guest cigar review by Sean. Rafael Gonzalez Perlas is a good value Cuban cigar that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pre-light : Rating:
Dark Maduro wrapper that has a slightly dusty bloom. It looks very welcoming. Decent construction, although the cap is not executed perfectly as you get with other cigars this size like Cohiba Siglo I, or Montecristo No. 5. There are small veins that are not at all dominant, and overall the cigar feels quite heavy for its small size and is well packed with uniform feel. The smell is that of mild barnyard that has a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of dark chocolate. The cold draw tasted somewhat sweet with hints of roasted nuts and typical Cuban tobacco. The band is the non-glossy, non-embossed band, which I still haven’t figured out, as other vitolas are donning a darker more glossy embossed band. According to the information obtained online, the non-glossy band was discontinued in 2010, so I suspect that these cigars are 2 years aged prior to their 2012 release, explaining the band.
Origin : Cuba
Format : Corona Extra
Size : 46 x 143 mm (5.6)
Box code : May 2007
Discontinued in : 2010
Hand-Made
Price : ~$16 each at the B&M
This is a pre-1960 release and it was, unfortunately, discontinued in 2010. This particular sample is from a May 2007 box. My local B&M somehow got a bunch of ‘07 boxes and they are smoking great. Rafael Gonzalez is a brand that is often overlooked in the Habanos S.A. catalogue. It is a shame and also a blessing. It allows my local store to keep a great stock of aged boxes. I can’t complain about that. Here is how my date with this one went.
