AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet rebellion in smoking a Lonsdale. In an era of fat ring gauges and instant gratification, the Foundry Vitola No. 13 is a narrow, 6.5-inch declaration that patience is a flavor. This is the thinking smoker's cigar, a format purist's retort to the blunt-force Toro. From the first cold draw, the message is clear: this is not a cigar that will shout at you; it will whisper in layers, demanding you lean in. The pre-light offers a scent of rich earth, damp leather, and a faint, sweet raisin note that hints at the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro's depth, a wrapper that feels like polished river stone under the fingers—dark, lightly toothy, and promising complexity without the oily heaviness of some maduros.
The opening third unfolds with a deliberate, almost scholarly pace. A dense core of dark cocoa and toasted cedar emerges, but the true signature is that whisper of dried fruit—a raisin and fig compote that dances on the edge of the palate, refusing to be ignored. This sweetness is not cloying; it is a counterpoint to the sturdy backbone of earth and saddle leather that grounds the profile. A gentle retrohale reveals a tingle of black pepper, more a warm spice than a sharp bite, which mingles with a roasted almond nuttiness. The burn is a study in precision, leaving a dense, grey ash that holds firm, a testament to the HATSA factory's rolling discipline.
As the second third begins, the narrative shifts from introduction to development. The cocoa deepens into a full-bodied espresso, its bitterness a welcome counterweight to the evolving sweetness, which now transforms into a darker, more viscous molasses. The oak core persists, but it is now charred and smoky, while a curious, subtle herbal quality—reminiscent of dried oregano—weaves through the background, adding an unexpected savory dimension. The strength, rated at Medium-Full, builds with a steady, assured hand, never spiking, but making its presence known with a gentle warmth that spreads across the chest. This is where the Lonsdale format proves its genius; the narrow ring gauge allows the smoke to cool and concentrate, each puff delivering a more integrated and nuanced expression of the blend.
The final third is a masterclass in consolidation. The flavors, once distinct, now merge into a rich, satisfying finish. Dark roast coffee and charred cedar lead the charge, followed by a lingering, bittersweet dark chocolate bitterness that clings to the palate. The earth and leather, the foundational elements from the start, soften and recede, allowing the sweeter, roasted notes to have the final word. The finish is clean and dry, a testament to the aged tobaccos and the careful construction. This is not a cigar that ends with a bang, but with a long, contemplative exhale. It rewards the smoker who has given it time, offering a final act that is both mellow and profound, a quiet resolution to a well-told story. Foundry may fly under the marketing radar, but the Vitola No. 13 is a compelling argument that the most interesting work is often done in the shadows.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed by General Cigar |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a compelling mix of dark cocoa, toasted cedar, and a whisper of dried fruit — likely raisin — from the Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. Earth and leather form a sturdy backbone, with a mild sweetness that coats the palate early. Retrohale reveals a gentle black pepper tingle balanced by roasted nut.
Second Third
Complexity deepens as espresso and bittersweet chocolate come forward, layered over a persistent leather and oak core. The sweetness from the wrapper evolves into a darker molasses note, and a subtle herbal quality — almost dried oregano — emerges in the background. Strength builds steadily but never aggressively.
Final Third
The final third consolidates flavors into a rich, satisfying finish dominated by dark roast coffee, charred cedar, and a lingering dark chocolate bitterness. Earth and leather remain present but soften slightly. The long format gives the tobaccos time to mellow and integrate, rewarding patience with a clean, dry finish.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically reliable from the HATSA factory — the draw is open with appropriate resistance, the burn line is mostly even with only occasional minor touch-ups required, and the ash holds firm in dense grey columns through the first third. A well-constructed cigar for its price tier.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a medium-bodied bourbon like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked — the vanilla and caramel notes of both spirits harmonize with the maduro's chocolate sweetness
Wine
A Zinfandel or Amarone della Valpolicella — their dark fruit and earthy depth match the cigar's profile without overwhelming it
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or cold brew coffee concentrate — reinforces the roasted cocoa notes and cleans the palate between puffs
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a dedicated humidor drawer for 'special occasion' sticks but finds themselves reaching for them on a random Tuesday. You are someone who appreciates the ritual of the smoke as much as the smoke itself—perhaps a collector who owns a few boxes of Cuban Lonsdales but is curious about what a Honduran interpretation of the format can offer. You are in a contemplative mood, perhaps after a demanding week, with a 90-minute window of genuine solitude. You already enjoy the earthy depth of Padron's maduros or the refined complexity of an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, and you are looking for a cigar that offers a similar intellectual engagement without the premium price tag. This smoke will give you a quiet, focused journey, a chance to deconstruct flavors with the precision of a sommelier, and it will leave you with the satisfying feeling of having discovered a hidden gem that your more brand-loyal friends have overlooked.
Bottom Line
The Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale is a sleeper hit that rewards the patient smoker with a beautifully integrated arc of cocoa, earth, and dark fruit. It is a masterclass in format-driven complexity and arguably the best value in General Cigar's portfolio. Seek this out if you value nuance over brute strength.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Foundry cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). This means it has a noticeable, building nicotine presence that warms the chest and creates a slight buzz, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. It is a steady, controlled strength that supports the flavors rather than dominating them, making it suitable for an experienced smoker looking for a satisfying, sustained session.
What does Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with dark cocoa, toasted cedar, and a raisin-like dried fruit sweetness. The middle third introduces espresso, bittersweet chocolate, and a darker molasses note, with a subtle dried oregano herbal quality. It finishes with dark roast coffee, charred cedar, and a lingering dark chocolate bitterness over a softened earth and leather base.
How long does Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale take to smoke?
Given its Lonsdale vitola and dimensions of 6.5 x 44, you should plan for a session of approximately 75 to 90 minutes. The narrow ring gauge and length encourage a slow, deliberate cadence to fully appreciate the flavor development, so it is not a cigar to rush.
What is the best pairing for Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale?
An aged Honduran rum like Ron Zacapa 23 is the ideal companion. Its vanilla and caramel sweetness directly complements the maduro wrapper's chocolate and molasses notes, while its own depth and complexity match the cigar's evolving profile without overpowering the more delicate nuances.
Is Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale good for beginners?
Probably not as a first cigar. The Medium-Full strength can be challenging for a novice palate, and the $10–$14 price point is an investment for a smoke that requires patience to unlock its subtleties. A beginner would be better served starting with a milder, shorter smoke to build their palate and nicotine tolerance before tackling this Lonsdale.
Where can I buy Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale?
As a General Cigar product, it is widely available at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists. It can also be purchased from major online cigar retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Holt's, where you can often find them sold individually or in boxes.
What is the price of Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale?
The Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale typically retails for between $10 and $14 per cigar. This price point positions it as an 'Everyday' tier smoke, offering a high level of construction and flavor complexity that competes favorably with cigars priced significantly higher.
Is Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, this Lonsdale has the structure to benefit from additional humidor time. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and the blend's inherent balance suggest that 1-2 years of aging could further integrate the flavors, mellow the pepper spice, and deepen the sweetness, rewarding the patient collector with an even more refined experience.
What wrapper does Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, specifically in a Colorado Maduro shade. This wrapper is known for its dark, toothy appearance and is a primary source of the cigar's initial dark cocoa, earth, and subtle raisin sweetness, providing a rich and flavorful foundation for the Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers.
Where is Foundry Vitola No. 13 Lonsdale made?
It is hand-rolled at the HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras. This factory is known for its consistent construction quality, which is evident in the cigar's even burn, firm ash, and open draw, all hallmarks of the reliable production standards found at this facility.