Photos
The photos on the history of Rafael González show box labels, historical factory locations and classic formats. They take you through British influences, Cuban manufacturing tradition and the era in which this brand was considered a force to be reckoned with in the high-end segment.
About the story - Rafael González
Rafael González was created for the British market and developed over decades into a recognised Habanos brand. Characterised by a variety of names, aristocratic myth and the Lonsdale format, it stands for maturity and classic restraint.
👉 Read now 👉 Rafael González story - Mysterious origins of a British icon
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.
External website: Search Google for Rafael González history
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