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We look forward to hearing from you - whether you have a general question or a specific request.

If you have a specific request, you can also contact us directly by e-mail:

    • Vasilij Ratej - Publisher (for editorial topics, co-operations)
    • Claudia Puszkar - Habanos historian (for questions about Cuban cigar history)

You are welcome to use our Online form - Your message will be automatically forwarded to our central address and processed by Vasilij Ratej answered personally.

For questions about Cuban cigar history or their articles: Claudia Puszkar - For years, she travelled the streets of Havana by the sweat of her brow. She collected and analysed every source she could find. She talked to people who knew something or had experienced it themselves. To find out as much as she could about Habanos manufacturers and brands. Collecting knowledge as a passion! „Origin of Cigar“ is therefore a kind of archive in which this knowledge is compiled. But the search goes on and on, one piece of the puzzle after another is added to the overall picture.

For editorial topics, co-operations: Vasilij Ratej - Publisher and creative mind behind Origin of Cigar and Cigars.zone - two platforms dedicated to the world of cigars with dedication, care and depth. My focus is on conscious enjoyment, not casual consumption. My aim is to offer you an authentic experience - with well-founded content and a clear stance. I stand for quality, transparency and the conviction that a cigar is more than just a product: culture, history and personality.

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Photos Rafael González

The 5th Earl of Lonsdale, Hugh Cecil Lowther, had his own cigar created and memorialised his name with a format designation, namely Lonsdale.

Flor de Rafæel Gonzáles Marquez: this is the official name of the brand today.

Flor de Rafael Gonzáles Marquez: Today, the brand is usually just called Rafael González, but it is also known as Flor de González or Flor de Márquez. But here the rule is: many names, one brand.

From the beginning until a few years ago, this notice was found on every box: The cigars should either be smoked within a month or after a few years. This applies not only to Rafael González brand cigars.

The old design of the Rafael González boxes: It is written on the bottom of the box that these cigars were created „... BY THE MARQUEZ RAFAEL GONZALEZ GRANDEE OF SPAIN...”. Apart from this statement, however, there is no evidence of the existence of this count or marquis.

The modern and contemporary design of the Flor de Rafael Gonzalez: no longer a decorated box, but a semi-boìte box made of natural wood.

The cigar ring of the Rafael González cigars has also been changed, but is still very similar to the old ring that the formats used to have.

Rafael Gonzalez brand cigars have been produced in this factory on Calle Belascoain No. 852 for decades, at the latest since 1940.

The factory where the Rafael González brand cigars were made on Calle Belascoain No.852. This factory was the El Rey del Mundo factory, then the Romeo y Julieta factory and now it is the H.Upmann factory.

The factory where the Rafael González brand cigars are made on Calle Belascoain No. 852: Although it is a factory, the interior design is also a little chic.

The factory where the Rafael González brand cigars were made on Calle Belascoain No.852: This building was probably built in 1914, at least that's the date on the gable.