Rafael González
Rafael González is a historic Cuban cigar brand founded in 1928, now managed as an active house within the Habanos S.A. portfolio. It is recognised by collectors for producing light-strength cigars, historically focusing on classic, smaller formats rather than imposing ring gauges. The house provides a subtle, accessible profile that appeals to those seeking a milder Cuban blend or a refined daytime smoke.
Rafael González Cigars: A Library Reference: Rafael Gonzalez Perlas
The history and position of the house
Established in Cuba in 1928, Rafael González was originally designed to cater to traditional European markets, particularly the English market. Over the decades, it has maintained a quiet but respected position within the Habanos S.A. catalogue. The brand is firmly associated with a light strength profile, making it a reliable choice for less experienced smokers or for those who appreciate a delicate, nuanced blend rather than overwhelming power.
Unlike larger houses that produce a vast array of vitolas and high-profile global releases, Rafael González focuses on a streamlined core range of modest proportions. The blends are subtle, requiring meticulous storage and precise humidity to present their best characteristics. Dedicated collectors often look to this house for reliable, consistent smoking options rather than rare commemorative releases. The brand’s identity remains rooted in understatement and tradition.
Core range and notable vitolas
The current production for Rafael González focuses entirely on a steady Core Range. The brand is known for classic vitolas de galera, which provide a consistent and familiar smoking experience for traditionalists.
The longest-standing releases in the contemporary portfolio are the Panetelas Extra and the Petit Coronas, both of which have been in regular production since before 1960. The Panetelas Extra uses the Vegueritos vitola, a slender short panetela, while the Petit Coronas uses the ubiquitous Marevas format. These older lines demonstrate the brand's long-standing commitment to smaller ring gauges and shorter smoking times.
More recent additions have modernised the lineup slightly, accommodating shifting consumer preferences without straying from the brand's defining light profile. The Perlas, introduced in 2012, offers a brief smoke in the Perlas vitola, measuring just 102 mm in length. Most recently, the Coronas de Lonsdales was released in 2021. This cigar brings the Hermosos No.4 corona extra format to the brand, catering to contemporary preferences for slightly thicker, 48-ring-gauge formats while paying homage to the house's historical association with the Lonsdale name.
Rafael González Cigars: A Library Reference: Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas
Key specifications
The table below details the current regular production releases for Rafael González, outlining their factory names and physical dimensions.
Coronas de Lonsdales — Vitola de Galera: Hermosos No.4 — Length (mm): 127 — Length (inches): 5.00 — Ring Gauge: 48 — Status: Regular Production
Panetelas Extra — Vitola de Galera: Vegueritos — Length (mm): 127 — Length (inches): 5.00 — Ring Gauge: 37 — Status: Regular Production
Petit Coronas — Vitola de Galera: Marevas — Length (mm): 129 — Length (inches): 5.08 — Ring Gauge: 42 — Status: Regular Production
Perlas — Vitola de Galera: Perlas — Length (mm): 102 — Length (inches): 4.02 — Ring Gauge: 40 — Status: Regular Production
Buying, verifying and ageing
When adding Rafael González to a collection, sourcing authentic and well-kept stock is the primary concern. As with all Cuban cigars, buyers must inspect the cigar box code to verify the factory of origin and the exact date of boxing. In the UK market, the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp provides a crucial layer of provenance, ensuring boxes have been imported officially and subjected to rigorous freezing protocols to prevent tobacco beetles. For further details on authentication, consult our comprehensive guide on how to spot fake Cuban cigars.
Due to their light profile, Rafael González cigars are generally approachable when young, yet they will reward careful storage and patience. Collectors often find that ageing them for three to five years in a stable humidor allows the subtle characteristics to settle and integrate fully. When considering maturation, always check the box code rather than relying on the date of purchase to establish the baseline age of your stock. Long-term ageing beyond ten years is less common for this brand than for stronger marques, but well-kept boxes from earlier decades remain of significant interest to dedicated specialists.
At MokaCigar
We maintain a highly selective inventory of Rafael González for collectors who appreciate their lighter, nuanced blends. Our current holdings occasionally include regular production formats such as the Coronas de Lonsdales, the Petit Coronas, and the Perla. We also acquire rare, aged stock when provenance can be assured, such as the Coronas Extra 2000, and the Hunters & Frankau House Reserve Coronas Extra 2009/2021. To view current availability, condition reports, and box codes, please visit the Rafael González page in our shop.
In our cellar
Sold-out archive (5 releases, enquiries welcome): Rafael Gonzalez Coronas Extra 2000, Rafael Gonzalez Coronas Extra Hunters & Frankau House Reserve 2009/2021, Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales, Rafael Gonzalez Perla, Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas.