Great cigar for little money.

I recently received a bundle of National Brand Soberano. I have smoked about 10 of them and I can honestly say they are a tremendous value. They are well constructed, they draw very well, and the taste is better than I expected from an inexpensive cigar. I will be buying another bundle soon. They have become my main cigar.
This review was written about National Brand Soberano
by Joe of Des Plaines, Il on July 20, 2008

Beats out the Premiums!

I have smoked hundreds of these cigars, and find the sweetness refreshing but not too strong, the draw is perfect, the contruction good, and most of all, I never have to throw one away... the consistancy is awesome. I have stopped buying $8-$15 cigars, because I always come back to these! Oh yeah... but the band is cheap looking.. put a luxurious band on it, and no one would doubt it for triple the price!
This review was written about National Brand Churchill
by Kendall of Yakima WA on June 14, 2008

a cigar smokers dream.

for price and taste you can't go wrong with National brand.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by barry of westchester il. on April 30, 2008

A Beginners Dream

First let me say, I?m fairly new as a cigar smoker (less than 1 year) but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. First one out of the bundle was smooth with a slight creamy taste. Construction was good and the burn was fairly even with a nice gray ash. The draw was excellent and made for a good over all experience. After a few days in my humidor, they appear to have improved a bit more making this cigar my new daily favorite. For about a $1.50 a piece you can?t go wrong.
This review was written about National Brand Soberano
by Bill of Brandon, Fl on February 25, 2008

Yeah Baby, Yeah

I do 2 things alot. Golf and smoke cigars. Usually at the same time. Got a bundle of the robustos at auction and tried them soon after arrival. I really liked the way these smoke. Easy draw, pleasant aroma, good taste. Went through the bundle pretty quickly and recently snagged a bundle of the Sun Grown Toros. Can't wait to try them.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Milkco of Cincinnati, OH on October 20, 2007

Rocksteady

I have been keeping these on hand in my humidor for a few months, and has become my everyday favorite, even beating out some of the more expensive brands. I just recieved a bundle from FSS, and right out of the bundle they are still an incredible smoke for the price. Great construction, even burn, perfect draw and topped off with nice medium bodied flavors. I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for a great smoke at a great price!! Thanks FSS!!
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Mark of Upstate NY on November 8, 2006

I love these, but.....

I love the flavor of these, the only problem is the sweetened cap. I just lick the cap, wipe it off a few times, cut it and go. I can look past the bother for this amazing smoke. I don't care for the natural leaf version, but the Maduro is one of my all time favorites.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Mark of Hicktown, MI on September 23, 2006

No Thank You!

Horribly, horribly sweet! *gag* As you might have guessed, if you've read any of the other reviews, this particular cigar pushes the limits of just how sweet you can make a cigar. Just to give you a baseline, I prefer a fairly mild cigar with a bit of spice to it. This cigar is mild, and sweet... too sweet. It's like smoking a sugar cane! On the plus side, I have to say it constructed reasonably well.
Only buy this if you like VERY sweet cigars. I'd suggest trying Hamiltons House Selection instead (which also gets some lousy reviews). I've only had one (Torpedo), it was alright, rather sweet also, but at least it had some body and spice (also its cheap, $2 maybe).
This review was written about National Brand Churchill
by John Wait of PA on August 25, 2006

A very nicely constructed consistant smoke

These cigars are all they are cracked up to be. The maduro is not as strong as the non-maduro. They smoke well and hold an even burn inside and out.
This review was written about National Brand Churchill
by chet sutphen of Rhode island on July 24, 2006

National Brand Rothschilds - good smokes!

I've bought and smoked several bundles of National Brand in the natural wrapper and also the Nicaraguan blend (red label) in the rosado wrapper. The natural wrapper Rothschild has a mild-to-medium body, clean flavor, excellent burn, very easy draw and fine construction (if a little bit toward the loose side). The darker Nicaraguan label has a more medium body, spicy overtones of flavor but same dependably good burn, draw, & construction. These are two "discount" cigars which I like for everyday smokes. They give me a good baseline from which to judge the more expensive premiums. So far, each National Brand cigar has lived up to expectation without any "clinkers". I have paid $58 a bundle before finding them on internet, and considered them worth it.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Brewster of Brentwood, CA on July 15, 2006

Overall a great cigar!!!

This cigar is sweet and mild. Not to strong but strong enough, and has a sweet cap that stays sweet for a few minutes. It takes about 35 - 40 minutes to smoke and that is my only complaint about this cigar. Great value on a great cigar. National Brand is in my top five list.
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by Orlando M of Texas on November 28, 2005

Disgusting at best

This was one nasty smoke. I wasnt expecting the "sugar coating" on the end-cap. Not pleasant. Burned ok, ash wasnt so bad,, the draw was scary,,, LOTS of smoke with little effort; which is fine with some cigars. Not my kind of cigar to say the least.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by Scott V. of Tampa, Fl on February 2, 2005

Nothing Natural About It...

Want to smoke an old candy bar???? If so, here's your cigar!!! Not good at all. To be fair, I don't like sweet cigars. But I honestly don't see how ANYONE could enjoy this cigar. Someone once told me that Drew Estate was a reputable distributor. Based on the Acid line and these pixie sticks I think that it may have been a 4 year old. I can't recommend.
This review was written about National Brand Churchill
by Shawn of Orange County, CA on February 2, 2005

Great smoke, unbeatable value!

I enjoy these cigars immensely-- they are a hit on the golf course as I bring along enough to share.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by John Neal of Minnesota on October 6, 2004

What a deal!

This cigar was a nice surprise. Reminds me of my all time favorite smoke the Baccarat in aroma and flavor. The cap is even sweetened. Not made quite as nice as the Baccarat robusto though I've noticed some quality variations in construction, burn and draw from stick to stick. also the finish is not as nice. Still for the money this is a damn good smoke, especially if you're victimized like I am, by the "cigar mooch". I peel the cheesy looking labels off of 'em and hand them out to my cigar bumming friends passing them off as a Baccarat (hey it's worked every time so far!) I also keep some around the shop so when I set one down and forget where I left it, drop it or otherwise abuse or neglect it, I'm not out a bunch of dough. I'm calling the natural wrapper a mild to slightly medium smoke. If that's your taste give them a try.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Manny Gomez of Henderson Nevada on April 9, 2004

Best bargain smoke around.

Excellent construction and burn. Good aroma and taste. Cigar is unnecessarily sweetened with sugar cane. I would pay double the asking price for this smoke any time. Tell me a better smoke for $2. (this cigar costs $1.) Reviewing the Rothchild 5x50
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Larry of Florida on March 7, 2004

Awwwwwful!

Got a single to try and it was worse than a Phillie. Poor draw and no taste. Couldn't finish.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by Tim of Edinboro, PA on February 8, 2004

no bargain here

Not worth the trouble. Initial taste was OK and medium strength. However, the finish was harsh and bitter. Overall, the cigar tasted a bit "green". Perhaps some humidor time would help. Draw was good but there were some soft spots in the construction that resultd in burn problems. Could not finish it. I'm willing to pay more to get a good smoke.
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by DaveG of Mount Laurel, NJ on January 1, 2004

Good Smoke

Maduro had a little more flavor than Natural. Still had to take frequent hits to keep it lit. Would recommend Maduro over Natural. Heck of a deal at a $1. Too long for me - wonder what Rothschild is like.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by Mike of California on October 4, 2003

Not Bad

Really, really long. Wrapper was broken at the tip when I got it. Started off with a good mild flavor - reminded me of a Baccarat - just not as sweet. Flavor went a little downhill as I got towards the tip. Smokes pretty fast - have to take frequent hits or this one will go out on you. Heck of a deal at 1$ a stick. I would recommend it for a poker game. I would buy again when on sale.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by Mike of California on August 30, 2003

Flavorful, good burn and draw and GREAT price

Bought a bundle of these along with a bundle of Baitoa and over time have found these to be far superior. Though a "bargain" price cigar found them relatively consistent in construction with a nice easy draw and a flavorful smoke all told. WELL worth the money.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by David Palmer of Ireland on June 6, 2003

Pleasantly surprised

Never heard of these and bought a couple of singles on impulse while shopping at the local tobacco store. It's a fair price for a decent cigar. Nice draw, even burn, acceptable flavor. I've paid three times this amount and gotten duds. I'll buy some more.
This review was written about National Brand Lonsdale
by Richard Charles of Pennsylvania on July 22, 2002

Ultimate everyday gar! Hands down!

This cigar is the best under a dollar cigar I have ever smoked! I have smoked various Cuban cigars (yes from Cuba and some from Miami) This cigar is better. Don't believe me...give them a try. At less than $1.00 each you can't go wrong.
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by Terry of Virginia Beach on April 22, 2002

What a nice find for a middle income man

What a nice suprise.Quality is somewhat consistant for a cheap cigar but varies in taste from bundle to bundle.All in all a blessing to find a cigar of this quality at this price.
This review was written about National Brand Lonsdale
by Roger Robinson of Oshkosh WI. on October 9, 2001

What a nice find for a middle income man

What a nice suprise.Quality is somewhat consistant for a cheap cigar but varies in taste from bundle to bundle.All in all a blessing to find a cigar of this quality at this price.
This review was written about National Brand Lonsdale
by Roger Robinson of Oshkosh WI. on October 9, 2001

Great value, excellent cigar!

These are a very tasty cigar. Beautiful Connecticut wrapper and construction. If you like Baccarat cigars, you'll love these. They taste exactly like the Baccarat petit corona. One of the best bundled cigars out there!
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by Carl Jones of Illinois on June 20, 2001

Very good...for the price.

I was intrigued by the price of 50+ ring maduro and thought I would give it a try. Flavor is spicy and definitely Honduran, draw is good but burns a bit unevenly.
A fine cigar for those times when you are not paying a lot of attention to the cigar. Still, too good a cigar to hand out to non-cigar-smoker. I will buy them again.
This review was written about National Brand Imperial
by George Basbanes of Lowell, MA on April 5, 2000

gREAT CIGAR FOR THE PRICE!

i'VE BEEN KNOWN TO KEEP THIS PRICE RANGE CIGAR IN MY HUMIDOR FOR MY BUDDIES WHO DON'T APPRECIATE A MORE COMPLEX SMOKE.i THINK FOR THE PRICE,IT'S A WELL MADE CIGAR WITH A GREAT DRAW.i ALSO DIG THE VINTAGE LABEL,VERY COOOL!
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by jIMMY kOLODZIEJ of WESTMINSTER cO. on January 25, 2000

Good cigar, Great price

I was first attracted by the budget price and then was very pleasantly suprised by the cigar overall. I found the taste to be mildly sweet, very similar to a Baccarat and the draw great.
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by Jon Lewis of Fresno, Ca on January 11, 2000

extremely dissapointed

The old saying; You get what you pay for is never more true than buying cigars....the entire bundle was dead dry and tasted like it..harsh and bitter.Perfect giveaways for those who haven't a clue...I thought I could find a small diamond in the rough due to price, but I would suggest keep looking...
This review was written about National Brand Churchill
by craig graham of ft worth texas on November 12, 1999

Well made, good draw, short on taste

Gentelmen, I just received my first bundle. I have so many of my Golfing buddies bumming cigars I thought this would be the answer for keeping up their habits without driving me to the poor house. I think these will work OK. In general I find them to be a good cigar for the price. The two things I don't like about them is the band and the taste. The name National Brand which is displayed on the band just rained down abuse from my buddies. National needs to catch-up and rename these. Something more exotic. Regarding taste,they do in my humble opinion miss the mark. If they had a little more flavor I would be buying these 4 bundles at a time. The overall rating amoung the 3 guys I play golf was 3 out of a possible 10. I may not be the best to comment on taste because I'm a big fan of Bering a full body cigar. Next to Bering these come up to light and dry for me. Never fear I will buy more. I still have my 3 golfing dependents to supply.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Rich Vierra of Tualatin, Oregon on September 29, 1999

I would have thought..........

Well after getting tired of waitning the Coronas to come in
I tried the longer model. I was a little leary,
because of the size, about how the draw would be.
Well, let me just say that you need not worry
about the draw. The draw of a cigar is almost the
single most important element in a smoke for me.
This cigars draw was effortless.
This review was written about National Brand Soberano
by Bob Holmes of San Jose, CA. on September 23, 1999

What a Deal!

This has got to be the best deal going! What a consistant smoke! Don't tell anyone!
This review was written about National Brand Corona
by Robert Holmes of San Jose, CA. on August 24, 1999

Wow Great Cigar.... Havana Gold....Lookout!

Very well made,great tasting cigar.
Honduran handmade but I'll bet it's Dominican tobacco. Tastes and smokes very similar to Havana Gold Muduro. I just bought 3 boxes.
This review was written about National Brand Rothschild
by Mike Piersimoni of Pennsylvania on August 9, 1999

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