Stogie Reviews: Gispert Natural Lonsdale
14 Jan 2009
I suspect, as a result of the current economic turmoil, many cigar enthusiasts are temporarily experimenting with value sticks as potential substitutes to pricier options. Let me do you a favor by suggesting you not waste any time or money on the affordable Gispert Natural Lonsdale.
Handmade in Honduras, this Altadis stogie sports a Connecticut shade Ecuadorian wrapper with Nicaraguan and Honduran binder and filler tobaccos. Astonishingly, several of the 11 Natural vitolas have rated as highly as 90 in Cigar Aficionado (Gispert has another six Maduro sizes complete with a San Adreas Morrón wrapper.)
Sounds too good to be true, especially since the six and ½ inch by 44 ring gauge Lonsdale sells for only $38-47 per cedar chest of 20. “Heck,†I remember thinking to myself before lighting one up for this review, “if it performs moderately better than George E’s Quick Smoke, this could be a decent recession option.â€
I had good reason to be somewhat optimistic. With a well-applied wrapper, tight cross-section, and clean look, this Gispert has the appearance and feel of a cigar three times its price.
I was much less enthusiastic, however, after I toasted the foot and took a few deliberate draws. The uber-mild flavor of grass and sweet milk was almost nonexistent—the sort of creamy taste that can be drowned out completely by beer or wine, let alone rum or whiskey.
After the first inch I was still waiting for something to arrive, but only a light, airy, hollow taste was detectable. With nothing discernable to savor, I felt like I was smoking just for the sake of smoking. I enjoy mild cigars, but there’s a big difference between mild and bland.
Frankly, at the halfway point I wanted to extinguish the cigar and move on to something, anything, else. Never mind that the burn was straight, albeit with a strangely thick, bulging black mascara; decent physical properties don’t add up to much if the cigar tastes like white construction paper.
So, as you might have guessed, I don’t think I’ll be picking up another one of these anytime soon. The Gispert Natural Lonsdale serves as a stark reminder that, when it comes to cigars, you often get what you pay for. Recession or boom, I give it one stogie out of five.
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Wasn't it the Maduro that received the high rating from CA? I had several maduros given to me and have yet to try them.
Surprising as it is, the Natural blend definitely has been highly touted by CA. The Churchill was rated 90 and featured as a Cigar of the Week back in 2004.
I’ve heard that the Maduros are significantly better. Based on this experience, I can’t imagine they wouldn’t be…
Huh. I’m surprised. Over the years, I’ve had many of these, including my own box recently. They were always winners – very aromatic, great taste, good burn, great buy. Was there a hidden change recently in the manufacturing?
If you’re looking for a wonderful mild recession cigar with great taste/aroma/construction/consistency/cost, it is hard to be Temple Hall.
I'm surprised to read this. Gispert is something I almost always have on hand either for newbies or to enjoy as a morning smoke. I can't ever remember them being flavorless and bland. I do need to try the maduro one of these days.
Among the cigar enthusiasts I know this smoke is always recommended as a value brand. Wonder if you got an odd stick?
I have to disagree with ya on this one. I ran a blind taste test with this (among 4 other mild/medium cigars) on 8 separate people. it was the cheapest of the bunch and it rated second place on overall reviews. it also was never rated at the bottom.
I ran this test because I swear by this cigar as a great mild morning smoke.
I always try to smoke a Robusto, and have never had the featured Lonsdale. I have had both the Natural and Maduro Gispert Robustos , and they are my cigars of choice. I am far from an expert, but I have smoked many brands and sizes and always come back to the Gisperts.
I totally disagree with this review. I collect and smoke full bodied Cubans and Nicaraguan Puros. But I enjoy a nice morning Cigar, and found nothing that can beat the Gispert (his'pert), yet. It is a fantastic mild to medium cigar, based on its age. The Maduros are even better after a nice weekend lunch.