Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Piramide
Size : 127 x 19 mm (5 x 50)
Released in : 2013
Hand-Made
Price : ~10 EUR each
More info about purchasing Rafael Gonzalez cigars...

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.

Appearance : 3.5 out of 5 stars
The outer appearance and feel of the Rafael Gonzalez Petit Piramides Regional Edition Germany isn’t bad, but it is concerning. You’ll notice some tooth on the light brown wrapper and surprisingly little oil. What bothered me when I picked it up is how hard it was. There is almost no give in these things. That made me worry about the draw.

Construction : 4 out of 5 stars
As it turned out, I was right to be concerned, though my worry was out of proportion with the construction issues I did find. The draw was tight on the Petit Piramides, but it was still acceptable. The burn line also was a bit uneven—again still acceptable, but not perfect. It needed a few touch-ups, but it was okay.

Flavor : 3.75 out of 5 stars (3.75)
I had heard that this was a creamy, sweet, mild cigar, and that is exactly what it was. Initial notes include hay, leather, earth, chocolate, coffee, and just a hint of orange. There is lots of creamy vanilla plus a bit of salt and pepper. Strength starts out at mild and starts to creep up on medium around the middle third.

Flavors in the middle third are still predominantly hay and cream. At this point, I pick up a lot of vanilla. Strength continues to increase gradually, but still isn’t firmly at the medium mark yet. In the last third, the flavors I already mentioned are still present (not a lot of change at all), but the citrus note has increased—and I now realize it is probably lemon, not orange. There is a dash of cinnamon to finish things off and plenty of creamy vanilla. In terms of strength, I would say at this point the cigar finally does hit medium.

While there is not a lot of transformation in these flavors, they are very enjoyable and make for a relaxing smoke.

Value : 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, price is not bad considering that these are a regional exclusive for Germany. Generally speaking, though, I would expect to pay a little less for this level of quality. I would feel better about the price if it weren’t for the construction issues. I wish the draw had been a bit looser.

Overall Rating : 3.75 out of 5 stars (3.75)
These little cigars don’t transition much from start to end, but they do present a lovely, balanced, creamy flavor profile for an enjoyable mild smoke. Give them a try; I think you will enjoy them!

Rafael Gonzalez Petit Piramide (Regional Edition Germany)

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