Rafael González Demi Tasse

Rafael González Demi Tasse

The Rafael González Demi Tasse represents a bygone era of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. This petite vitola was part of the brand's regular production lineup for decades before being discontinued in the mid-1990s. Known by its factory name "Entreactos," this cigar offered enthusiasts a compact smoking experience that reflected the traditional smoking preferences of earlier generations.

History and Background

The Demi Tasse traces its origins to before 1960, making it one of the older releases in the Rafael González portfolio. The cigar enjoyed a lengthy production run spanning approximately four decades before Habanos S.A. ceased manufacturing in 1996. Its discontinuation came during a period when the Cuban cigar industry was restructuring its vitola offerings, and smaller format cigars were gradually falling out of favor with modern consumers seeking longer smoking sessions.

Specifications

Construction and Presentation

As a fully handmade cigar, the Demi Tasse embodied the artisanal traditions of Cuban cigar making. The slender 30 ring gauge combined with its sub-4-inch length created a delicate vitola that demanded skilled hands during the rolling process. The cigar featured the standard Rafael González band (Band A), maintaining brand consistency across the lineup.

The presentation followed classic Cuban packaging conventions, arriving in dress boxes containing 25 cigars. This format allowed retailers and collectors to store and display the cigars with the elegance associated with the Rafael González marque.

Collectibility

Given its 1996 discontinuation and pre-1960 introduction, the Rafael González Demi Tasse has become a sought-after piece for collectors of vintage Cuban cigars. Surviving boxes represent a piece of cigar history, offering a glimpse into the smoking preferences and production methods of a different era. Those fortunate enough to encounter well-preserved examples can experience a taste profile that modern production no longer offers.