Ernest Lonsdale, the 'Meerapfel'

At InterTabac 2023 in Dortmund, Meerapfel unveiled its latest cigar range, the Ernest Master Blend – the third in a series named after significant figures in the history of the Meerapfel family.

The range is named after Ernest Meerapfel, who left his family and his village of Untergrombach in Germany in the late 1800s to set sail and “revolutionise the world of premium tobacco”.

“My great-grandfather Ernest’s exodus epitomised the curiosity and courage that our family members have always carried in their hearts; the desire to seek out nature’s finest leaves, no matter how remote or challenging the adventure may be,” said Jeremiah Meerapfel, Chairman of M. Meerapfel & Söhne Belgium S.A., in a press release. “The Meerapfel Ernest Master Blend is brimming with evocative sensations, layers of curiosity and an awe-inspiring complexity that exemplifies the unique explorations of those who leave behind the supposed security and comfort to conquer only the very best – the complexity of luxury itself.”

Super-premium and extremely limited

The composition of these cigars’ blend is unknown. Nor has the location where they were manufactured been officially confirmed. Given the very good relationship with Arturo Fuente, it is assumed that these super-premium cigars were produced at his factory. It is also rumoured that tobacco aged for up to 20 years was used.

Tasting Report

Cigar exterior: Oily wrapper with a subtle sheen.
Cigar interior: Medium roll, good construction.
Smoke: Creamy with a medium smoke volume.
Flavour: Cedar , leather and earth
Burn: Good burn