What are the dimensions and ring gauge of Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales?

The Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales measures 115mm (4.5 inches) in length with a 40 ring gauge. This vitola falls within the petit corona family, offering a compact smoking experience that typically lasts 25-35 minutes. The 40 ring gauge was considered standard for Cuban cigars of this era, providing a balanced draw and concentrated flavor delivery.

When was Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales discontinued and why?

The Très Petit Lonsdales was discontinued in 2002 as part of Habanos S.A.'s broader strategy to streamline the Rafael González portfolio and focus on more commercially viable vitolas. The cigar had enjoyed production since the 1930s, making it one of the longer-running formats in the brand's history. Its retirement reflected shifting market preferences toward larger ring gauges and longer smoking times.

What flavor profile can you expect from a well-aged Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales?

Well-aged examples display Rafael González's characteristic medium-bodied profile with pronounced cedar, light coffee, and subtle floral notes. The smaller format emphasizes the wrapper's influence, delivering a more direct, concentrated taste than larger vitolas. With sufficient aging, the blend develops a dry, woody sweetness with hints of nutmeg and toasted bread, finishing with the brand's signature dry, clean aftertaste.

What are the dimensions and ring gauge of Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales?

The Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales measures 115mm (4.5 inches) in length with a 40 ring gauge. This vitola falls within the petit corona family, offering a compact smoking experience that typically lasts 25-35 minutes. The 40 ring gauge was considered standard for Cuban cigars of this era, providing a balanced draw and concentrated flavor delivery.

When was Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales discontinued and why?

The Très Petit Lonsdales was discontinued in 2002 as part of Habanos S.A.'s broader strategy to streamline the Rafael González portfolio and focus on more commercially viable vitolas. The cigar had enjoyed production since the 1930s, making it one of the longer-running formats in the brand's history. Its retirement reflected shifting market preferences toward larger ring gauges and longer smoking times.

What flavor profile can you expect from a well-aged Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales?

Well-aged examples display Rafael González's characteristic medium-bodied profile with pronounced cedar, light coffee, and subtle floral notes. The smaller format emphasizes the wrapper's influence, delivering a more direct, concentrated taste than larger vitolas. With sufficient aging, the blend develops a dry, woody sweetness with hints of nutmeg and toasted bread, finishing with the brand's signature dry, clean aftertaste.

Cigar Information

Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales

The Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that enjoyed an exceptionally long production run before being retired from the brand's regular lineup. This cigar holds particular significance for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the evolution of Havana's classic marques.

Historical Background

What makes the Très Petit Lonsdales particularly noteworthy is its impressive longevity. The cigar was originally introduced prior to 1960, placing it among the older established releases in the Cuban cigar world. For over four decades, this vitola remained in production, finally being discontinued in 2002. This extended run speaks to the cigar's enduring appeal and its established place within the Rafael González portfolio.

Vitola Specifications

The Très Petit Lonsdales was produced under the factory name Franciscanos, and featured the following dimensions:

Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales packaging

Specification	Measurement
Ring Gauge	40
Length	116 mm (4⅝″)
Official Weight	6.72 g
Construction	Handmade

Presentation and Packaging

This cigar was presented with the brand's Standard band A and shipped in traditional dress boxes containing 25 cigars. The packaging reflected the classic, understated elegance associated with the Rafael González marque.

Special Release

Although the regular production Très Petit Lonsdales was discontinued in 2002, the vitola received a special commemorative edition as part of the Rafael González Très Petit Lonsdales Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor. This limited release celebrated the turn of the millennium and offered collectors a unique opportunity to experience this historic size in a premium presentation format.

Legacy

The discontinuation of the Très Petit Lonsdales after more than 40 years of production marked the end of an era for Rafael González aficionados. Today, remaining stocks of this vitola are highly sought after by collectors, particularly those interested in pre-2002 production and the classic flavor profiles that defined Cuban cigars during the latter half of the twentieth century.

Questions & Answers

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