Search the Community

"They wrap em in toilet paper for a reason". For the uninitiated (which includes me) the Fonseca cigars are named after its Spanish founder Don Francisco Fonseca, and the current lineup consists of light strength cigars with tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region. All vitolas in the Fonseca portfolio are presented with the characteristic wrapped tissue feature, for both regular production but also for their special releases. This 2014 Fonseca No.1 is from my first box, bought earlier this year from our gracious host, from what I recall sourced from the PCC aged programme. The factory name is Cazadores and measures 43 x 162 mm, more commonly known as a Lonsdale and one of the few cigars remaining Lonsdales in the HSA lineup. The (T)issue Let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room – the tissue wrapper with the band on top. It is the only brand in the Habanos portfolio that is currently available with a distinct tissue paper wrapper. In fact, among all Cuban brands it should be the only one, even though custom Cuban cigars unconventionally come sometimes rolled in newspapers, this is a different thing. I am leaning towards it being a unique feature or marketing gimmick – or perhaps the story is true that Don Fonseca (allegedly a handsome fella) wanted his brand to represent and reflect elegance and class. Some say that the tissue wrapping adds protection from damage and helps to maintain an optimal humidity level but that could just be broscience. The quality of the paper reminds me of plasticky rice papers used to wrap ginger candies. In fact, the sleeve on my Starbucks straw has a better-quality feel to it. The paper on the straw actually has a function and purpose: to protect the straw. Will the tissue paper make a huge difference in a box or humidor? Personally, I don’t think so, on the contrary, I have seen aged examples of Fonseca cigars where the tissue paper becomes discolored with brown stains looking more like skid marks. So, while the tissue may be left on the cigars in a humidor… it must be removed before smoking. (No way...!) The occasional Lonsdale fan, I enjoy this cigar size. It is pleasant to hold, just like a longer Petit Corona. The cigar feels well-constructed, with an overall a solid impression to it and no indications of underfilling or obstructions. When I first opened this box, I must admit it was the best smelling cigars I had ever experienced. The individual sticks though are much lighter, yes, the wrapper has some aroma, there is a freshness to it – floral or citrusy – but nothing that reminds me of the initial box opening. The draw after cutting it is firm but acceptable. The cold draw has little to no taste – maybe that freshness again? It is easy to light it up, but during the session I had to relight it a couple of times – nothing that bothered me to be fair. The burn was reasonably even despite being outdoors with a bit of wind. In terms of flavors, the Fonseca No.1 must be one of the mildest and smoothest cigars to come out of Cuba, and most would agree that it is a very light cigar. It offers an elegant and delicate flavor profile, with a smooth blend of tobaccos which I prefer as a morning cigar, even on an empty stomach. I almost get a feeling of smoking pipe tobacco from this one. It has a very pleasant and clean tobacco smell with a clean taste, some Caribbean spice blend of clove or nutmeg that forms the underlying base flavor (some might call it floral or citrusy) with hints of sweetness that shines through occasionally. I do understand it is not everyone's cup of tea though. For the most part of the 1+ hour session, it remains the same with little development, which is not a bad thing. The band stays in place until the end accompanying whatever little flavors are left. Overall, I like the cigar and the flavors are pleasant enough for me to want to go back and smoke one soon again. Some final thoughts. The Fonseca #1 is a straightforward cigar that gets some love, but it is not universal and not everyone appreciates it. Some say that older Fonseca No 1's are amazing – I just don’t know how much more ageing it needs before losing what little flavors are left. The tissue wrapper presentation does make it stand out, and I am willing to say it does matter, as you not only eat with your eyes, but you also smoke with your eyes. (What?) I have added the Fonseca No.1 to my regular rotation and if I am looking for a decent morning cigar, I know I can rely on this one to always deliver. I am also glad I “won” another box recently which I will treasure too. Overall, this is a great cigar for my taste. Maybe not everyone's though.

Greetings again dear friends! Below are a number of video reviews of cigars which I've termed 'uncommon' due to their discontinuation (or hiatus), premium exclusivity or simply for the fact that as cigar enthusiasts we're more unlikely to reach for them from our humidors! Again, like the 2017 Xmas Sampler Series, I'd like to say that speaking 'on-the-fly' about cigars is certainly a challenge and I will need to acknowledge errors throughout this series (so bare with me). Also, please feel free to share your thoughts on these cigars in this thread. If you have views or opinions contrary to what has been stated, please feel welcome to express your thoughts and say so, after all, my own views here is intended to serve as a guide.

I have to say these are without doubt one of THE most underrated cigars on the market for me, with a couple of years age on them ..they are superb ..and the best bit…they are CHEAP !! supposedly discontinued in 2012 but still about! Its a Lonsdale size which is perfect for me. COLD DRAW - slight woody/cedar taste with some floral bread/toast notes…slight tug I have punched this stick..but its a good draw. the cigar has oily complexion or a mottled look to it with a well packed foot. FIRST THIRD - nice opening of a honey sweetness and wait for it..no surprise toasted tobacco moving onto a wonderful biscuit character which I adore in cigars. SECOND THIRD - the biscuit element is still here along with the sweetness there is now an arrival of a mild white pepper and slight saltiness from the wrapper which combined with the honey is a fabulous flavour .there is also a slight citrus taste on the tip of my tongue whether it lasts we shall see. FINAL THIRD - honey has now turned t burnt caramel there is as expected a bitterness arriving but it wrks well with sweetness to make it into a espresso flavour…the biscuit element has all but gone as we arrive at its end where its now just bitter where everything has condensed at one end. CONCLUSION - I am never let down by these they are not strong or complex ..but medium bodied at best. the flavours are great. and two to three years on these is about right I find - 94 points

I am an unabashed lover of lonsdales. I just love the format. I smoked a couple chickens for my mom, brother and I for an early dinner and after waking up from the food coma I put myself in (desert was delicious and the main cause of the food coma). Anyways when I roused myself from my slumber my brother suggested we have a cigar. I figure it's a good excuse to dig into "the" box of Monte 1s that I insist on a good reason before reaching for it. The cigar is just incredibly smooth. The wrapper is thin, oily and supple. The burn remained perfect from start to finish. Smoke output remained on the voluminous side except right at the end. There was only one transition which happened at the final third, and it was pretty subtle at that. Dark chocolate, cream, and espresso were the main flavors for the first 50 minutes of the cigar. The last 25 minutes added some black pepper and some overall sweetness to the flavors. I love this cigar. I will lose my mind if HSA cuts this cigar.

This is my first experience with a #1, and it’s a cigar I’ve admired from afar for awhile now. I purchased it as a single in August, 2016, so I don’t know the box code. Initial thoughts/pre-light: The cigar has a very smooth, wrapper with a slight box press. It has a light sheen. I’m not sure of it’s age, but it doesn’t “seem” like it’s particularly old to me.. I love Lonsdales, because they feel elegant feel in the hand, and they’re easy to hold in the mouth as well if you’re doing something where you occasionally need both hands. Good construction on this cigar, no visible veins/seams to speak of. Perfect draw. 1st Third: Starts off a hair under medium to me, but solidly medium-bodied. Good smoke production. I’m getting cafe au lait, with beignets and powdered sugar. Very pleasant. Ash stays firm for a good 1.5” before falling off. 2nd Third: No evolution to speak of, but flavor strength picks up a tick. I’ve noticed a little brown sugar, and maybe a bit of fig as well. Bit players at most. This is a cafe, cream, and a little chocolate cigar for the most part. Final Third: Flavor and body becoming full. I’m losing some of the sweetness, but the coffee still remains. Starts to pick up some savory nuttiness. Final Smoking Time: 85 minutes. Verdict: I liked it a lot. Not particularly complex, but it was very flavorful, and didn’t require much attention in terms of the burn or construction. It just comes across as a great, well-made cigar to me. Can’t ask for much else on a warm, fall night. I’d definitely like to have a box around. Let’s call it a 90.

I talk a lot about me "not" being a collector. Yet, like many I suppose, I hold a place in my heart for my "last" box of cigars. This is my last cab of Partagas Lonsdales. I am a practicing genocidal madman when it comes to the extinction of cigars. The other day, was the official first day of the last days for this box of cigars. I never regret smoking a good cigar! -Piggy

Random Dribble Before the Review Actually Starts Feel free to skip this. Or the entire review, for that matter... "When God created cigars, he imagined a Lonsdale." -Bloke i can't remember on this forum. Bloody hell do i hate 1999 box codes. Why in God's name did they have to have an annoying little transition phase for these? I mean, many good cigars i've had bear these codes (Dip 1s, Hoyo Coronas, Punch Margaritas, just to name a few) but damn is it annoying for the sake of consistency. Anyways, back to this specific cigar. CCES is July of 1999. This just so happens to be the month Hong Kong was relinquished from British control: July 1st. It also happens to be Canada day, which is how i remember that and it's a fact that's much more relevant to me. Sorry! Alright I promise: This paragraph actually has to deal with the Lonsdale, now. This Bolivar has consistently been one of my favourite Bolivars. I would even go as far as to say they have been my absolute favourite Bolivar vitola and blend. And this isn't something i say lightly. To unsuccessful dethroning attempts, i've tried 80s Royal Coronas, Corona Extras, most of the regionals (I say that as i'ven't yet tried MANY), and even a few decade old Corona Gigantes. All which pale in comparison with this outstanding Bolivar Lonsdale. And it's about bloody time I post up a review. Preliminary Comments and Illustration of Personal Bias Dry box for 3 days. Bolivar has always been a little ass-kicker for me. Whether it's a young Royal Corona or a tubed No. 3, they've always seemed to get me down and lower my count for "number of cigars left before i get sick". But i've always found them to be a gentle giant. In other words, if you only meet them for a year or less, they'll appear scary and ass-kicking. But the longer they are in your life, the sweeter they'll seem. And in the end, they mellow out to a bouquet of epic proportions. The strength has always seemed like a cauldron of amazing flavours and oils that really need some time to settle. They can be smoked whilst the porridge is still too hot for a ZING flavour. But i prefer my porridge too cold and would love for all the flavours to be mellowed out. before slmoking. I love Bolivar. Regionals make me love it more. If that didn't exist, i'd be smoking Corona Gigantes left and right whilst leaving the Belicoso Finos for at least 3 years before lighting those up. No. 2s are amazing smokes that are reminiscent of these aged cigars that i'm reviewing. Prelight Foot is beautiful. This flame is going to fit JUST right! Ligero is a tad one sided for my looks, might have some burn issues... But we'll see. The clearly visible crescent is, well, clearly visible. Less entropic than i'd prefer. Punch cut and found the normal inverted pigtail. Always a nice sight to see. Feels like when you cut open a watermelon and you know just from the sound, feel, and look that it's going to be the sweetest angel **** you've ever eaten Obligatory shot with entire cigar in hand. Say what you want about the construction, My BlackBerry has good enough resolution. Prelight draw is quite nice. Really nice Cohiba prelights - grassy, hay. Felt like i stepped into a beautifully kept barnyard that's been devoid of horses, cows, and other livestock for 2 weeks. No foul odours, just pure dessicated grass with the smell of waterdamaged wood about to crack and cave the building onto your skull. Day is the 21st of June, 2014 - Summer Solstice for us Northern Hemispherians. Touch of flame was at 1500. First Light and the First Fourth Absolutely euphoric. That's the Bolivar flavour i talked about earlier! It smoked like a nice vintage Bolivar should taste like. Devoid of nicotine and much power but had its substance replaced with a complexity of herbal soups like a Cohiba. Tastes like a vintage Cohiba's second third, actually. Quite the barnyard burn and a great, vegetal flavour. Tasted like Oktoberfest when everyone was still sober. The cornucopias, all the greenery, the smells of the combine harvester, wafting scents of ales, the slight sprinkle of sawdust to soak up the vomit to come in 3-5 hours, and the barmaid's occasional herbal perfume that mesmerises you as she walks by. Forgive me, for i have sinned. I was too entranced at the flavours that i just kept going back for more. Smoking so quickly without repercussions just led me to go back for more and more. Ashed, i realised how quickly i was smoking it and awoke from my daze. Much like a baby bunny or German shepherd puppy, you don't want them to grow up. But you know they have to change and the change is the reason why you bought the thing. Same goes with cigar. Moving on. Secondary Thoughts and the Second Fourth Awoken from the euphoric daze, i was a tad more down to Earth. Down to an earthy hint of dirt. Much like how a dribble of dirt seemed to have made that strawberry you picked as a child taste better, this same principle applies for this part of the cigar. It got filthier. The cornucopia disappeared and has started fermenting to a strong, sweet musk. Sulphur comes to mind. But so does vermouth. Not tasting it, but simply smelling it. Each drag was like a noseful of the vermouth that seemed to be hiding the odours from the first third. Very pleasant, though. The burn started to fix itself, too! Damn, do i wish i could return to the first third... When the Cigar Became a Cigar Again and the Third Fourth The Second Fourth sounded like it turned out to be absolute shite. But please consider relevancy. It bore resemblance to the first fourth and that alone gave it me a sense of euphoria. As it started to move down again, it's gotten more filthy. So much so that it actually tastes like a Bolivar No. 2, upon first light. This part of this cigar has made me realise that i am actually smoking and not lying on a cloud of white billowing smoke, being pumped flavours into my mouth. Has gotten filthier, again. Stayed calm with strong hints of nuts kicking in. Pistachios? Almonds? Peanuts? Who cares. Nuts. Has, of course, gotten stronger again with a sense that it is picking up some very good floral odours. Much like a young ERdM CS, it's preforming decently well with 30-45 second cool downs. Simply put, it tastes like a young ERdM CS's first light but twist in some cream, coffee, nuts, rosemary, and balls. Lots of balls on this cigar. Final Fourth and Final Resting Not much of the final fourth was smoked, actually. After the religh in the Third Fourth, it just wasn't the same. It got soggy and damp with barely any help with purges. I managed to get a decent way down the final fourth to make out with the nutty flavours again. Mixed with a stronger espresso. But like a strong espresso, the final bit remaining at the bottom of the cup is hard to swallow. The floral flavours are still there but at this point, it's like drinking sweet vermouth from the bottle. It's soggy. It's harsh. It's getting in my eyes. It's out. Closing Thoughts Final length: 3.5 cm Time when out: 1621. Those first two fourths got me entranced. Smoked too quickly for the first half and shortened the smoking time substantially! Perhaps i would've gotten it farther down if i didn't plow through the first 2 fourths. I've gotten these down farther! Ah finally! This review was a nice walkthrough of that glorious cigar. Get to relive every little flavour profile again. Loved it. Those outstanding aged Bolivar odours really show in this cigar. To me, it's the quintessential smooth Bolivar. The No. 2 being the quintessential young Bolivar. Lonsdale over any other vitola from that decade!! ... Until i try the Dunhill Bolivar Seleccions that seem to exist 95/100. That's the highest score i'd give to a cigar i couldn't nub. I'm pretty sure if i treated more of them better and focused a tad better, i could easily get it down to 2 cm or even 1.5. But this time, it isn't so. For comparison, the last one i've scored over 95 was a Partagas 20th Sublimes. New Trinidad Colonials normally rate 81 on my scale. Bolivar Tubos No. 3 rates at 72. The Por Larranga Panetela hits around a 67. The RyJ Short Churchill-Ts rate around 50. And the RyJ Duke i had a few days ago received a 42. Man, I need a box of these.

I love Bolivars on the whole (like a few others on here it seems ) and found the GMs to be a bit different to the usual Bolivar character, but very much to my liking! Unfortunately I have only had a couple of singles and then boom HSA strikes again! I cant see them in stock in any of the retailers I usually use So my post has 2 parts: 1) does anyone have a reputable retailer with GMs that they would be willing to share with me?? if so please PM me. 2) Do people have any suggestions for other current production cigars that have a similar flavour profile to the BGMs? no need to have the same vitola of course. Thanks in advance for any info!