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Our Customer Reviews for

Rafael Gonzalez Cigars

excellent taste but must age for at least 2 months


excellent smooth tasting cigar. but must age in humidor for at least two months. will buy again when on sale

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by carl of florida on October 27, 2008



Not bad mild cigar


Received a 5 pack free and smoked one tonight after it had been equilibrated for a few days. Nice looking cigar, draw and burn were flawless. Pretty mild, tasted mainly Dominican to me. Not a bad smoke for what I paid ;-).

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by SeanGAR of Virginia on July 20, 2008



No wonder it was free...


Although the burn was fine, the draw was like sucking on a straw from a glass filled with DuPont's finest chemicals. This was a total loss...kept waiting for it to improve but half-way through I had to put it out of its misery. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and try it after a couple months in the humidor...or pawn it off on some unsuspecting buddy:o)

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra 5 Pack by Shawn of Chicago on July 14, 2008



Very Poor Draw


I smoked one from a sampler pack. I also experienced a poor draw which made the smoking experience unpleasant.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by George of Cleveland on July 13, 2008



My Lungs Are Tired


The RG Toro Natural is the worst drawing cigar I have ever smoked, period. The taste, though not objectionable, was also un-inspiring. It burned well, and stayed lit for as long as I struggled to get smoke through it, which was about 1/2 of the cigar. Worth noting is the fact that my wife, who normally likes the aroma of a good cigar (yes, I am blessed) commented "What is that? It's giving me a headache." I swear she actually said it. Don't waste your money, unless your diaphragm needs a good workout, and then don't bother lighting it.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by Mick of Lakewood on May 30, 2008



I agree with Omaha..... worst drawing cigar ever..


The box looked fine, the cigars looked great. I unwrapped the first one to sample and went cross-eyed trying to draw my first puff...... I closed the box up and got a refund.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Bob B of Austin on May 21, 2008



Very Nice little cigar


I got these as a freebie from Famous with my last order...Very good little cigar..Nice taste,good burn..worth a try!!!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Rafaelito (6) by Anthony of Baghdad Iraq on May 3, 2008



Tasted like a used Phillies blunt!


Horrible! Tasted like a used Phillies blunt! Ok, maybe not THAT bad because I don't actually know what a used Phillies blunt tastes like, but to put it politely-it was MUCH worase than a Phillies blunt.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Dave of Florida on March 4, 2008



Nose burner with little taste


Can't understand all the reviews about mild & smooth. The ones I've smoked are acidic and bland. Don't care for this cigar at all.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by btg of Michigan on December 30, 2007



disappointed


wanted to try after seeing reviews and FS hype. caps rip off when cut, not a lot of smoke and taste couldn't get honorable mention if they paid for it. maybe i just don't appreciate expensive cigars, but is seems like i'm more satisfied with less hyped name brands and private labels.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Double Corona by bob seaman of ny on December 1, 2007



The best cigar available in this price range.


Disclaimer: I prefer and enjoy milder stogies. Regardless, RG has always delivered consistentcy with a smooth draw, even burn and what I guess you'd call a mellow, nutty flavor leaving a pleasant aftertaste (and that lovely white ash rarely requires a tray before an inch has been puffed - a telling mark of quality build.) I don't say it can totally compete head-to-head with the boutique Lincoln or Hamilton-eaters but it may be the best you can get for two or three Washingtons.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Bitumen of Noble County, IN on November 27, 2007



great cigar


Bought the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra,on the monster deal. This cigar is great! This will be my every day smoke. Just as good as Ashton.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Raglop of VA on August 21, 2007



Definitely a winner


The first one I smoked was a real bummer - looked and smelled great, but draw was plugged. Luckily I didn't have just one, because all the others - YES! Very tasty, beautiful to look at, and other than that first one, great burn and draw. I'll have these to share when I'm feeling like giving someone a treat.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by RTS of Wyoming on July 21, 2007



Very good cigar


Very nice taste, easy draw and nice construction. Very good value for money. I think this will become my regalur in between smoke.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Rafaelito (6) by Paul V of Birmingham AL on June 9, 2007



The Toro is the best!


I love the flavor of this brand--hazelnut with floral overtones. The finish sometimes gives the impression of a strong onion, or the sensation of horseradish. The filler tobacco is exceptional. The construction is not perfect--there is occasional tunneling or unevenness. This was worse with the Robusto--better with the Corona Extra, however these were too mild. The Toro seems to be the best of the brand, and I think they will improve with age.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by Jerry of Connecticut on June 5, 2007



Love at first light!


Got this in a sampler, and it was my favorite new discovery. The delicious, hazelnut and floral flavor started strong, but settled and lasted. The aroma was a big plus--for once, the wife didn't complain about the smell! The draw was near perfect, perhaps a bit easy. The burn was pretty darn uneven, but I greatly enjoyed the smoke, nonetheless. I'm going to try the Corona Extra--perhaps a slightly trimmer version will burn more evenly.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Jerry of Connecticut on May 21, 2007



Very Underrated Cigar


Smoked one from the FSS 15-brand sampler. This is a cigar you can roll out of bed in the morning and smoke on an empty stomach and still get great flavor! The aroma and taste of nuts dominates. Didn't have any problems with the draw and it burned evenly. There will be a box making its way to my humidor soon.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Gregg of Concord, NH on April 20, 2007



Nice Smooth Mild Cigar, Excellent Burn & Ash


At first I thought these were a bit too mild for my preferences, however after smoking 3 of out the 5 pack I won at auction I've decided they are just right. As another reviewer noted, they grow on you. These cigars are rated as medium-bodied, but too me they are more on the mild smoking side. Excellent draw, excellent burn, firm ash, uniformly consistent construction, smooooooooth creamy smoke, good taste and good aftertaste. Will buy more, but will buy the box of 25 next time.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale 5 Pack by Arcadia Point of 472.1LMR on April 11, 2007



Got a hernia drawing off this one


This cigar looks nice...but after I got it lit, I felt like I just ran a 2 mile race to get a good draw. Real tight, horrible draw. Got a little better as I smoked it, but over all I would avoid this. If the draw would have been good, I would have reccomended it. It tasted good, but again, I was winded trying to get a good draw.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Steven of Omaha on March 25, 2007



RAFAEL GONZALEZ CHURCHILL


NICE CIGAR,AND A GOOD SMOKE FOR THE PRICE....

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by WAYNE KAY of RICHMOND (CHESTERFIELD) VA on March 22, 2007



Nice and smooth


Very smooth if not too much so. Faultless really and the same from start to finish,which was surprising but not boring. Allows time to think over a good tea or coffee with no unpleasant after taste.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto 5 Pack by CreekEnd of UK on December 18, 2006



a long lasting cigar


I have only smoked one of these cigars.I got it in a sampler pack .In my opinion it dosnt have enough flavor.The flavor it has is very good but its not quiet enough.The construction is superb,the burn is even,the draw is perfect. Its a good tight cigar ,that will last for almost two hours .The price is very resonable , and if it had a little more flavor,I would switch over to this cigar in a minute.But like I said,I have only smoked one .

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by James Cole of Alabama on November 24, 2006



Excellent Cigar for the Money!!


I tried this cigar years ago on a sampler!!! It has always been a part of my humidor since then!!! Excellent cigar !!!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Double Corona by Juan Cruz of NC on November 3, 2006



Good mild bodied smoke


Got this in a sampler pack. Liked it from the start. Perect burn and ash. Nice smooth taste and aroma. Very nice

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto 5 Pack by Ronnie of NC on October 21, 2006



best every day smoke


The best every day smoke I have had. For the price you can't beat it. starts out strong and finishes mild.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale by Jay Wells of marietta ga on September 14, 2006



Ho-Hum


Got this as part of a sampler bundle. It looks good, it smells good but the taste is a little sharp. I agree with the earlier assessment that it starts out harsh but settles down after a while. Problem is it settles down to tasting pretty bland. Not my favorite.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Boxtakilla of Irvine, CA on May 24, 2006



great smoke, great value


This moderately priced cigar has a draw and a taste of a much more expensive one. Rich thick smoke, firm silvery ash, sweet cedary taste. What's not to like? Did not canoe at all, did not turn "ammonia" even though it's not an "aged" cigar. Very consistent. Excellent value. Highly recommended.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Steve of Colorado on April 5, 2006



Good Cigar at a good price


Got a 5 pack sampler for Christmas and was suprized how good these were. Ordered a box in Feb., lit one the day they arrived. Still just as good as the samplers were. Nice aroma and flavor smooth easy draw and consistant burn. One of my favorites for the money.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Double Corona by Mike of St, Augustine, Fla. on March 15, 2006



Bad experience, despite other reviews


The RG is a nice looking cigar that starts with a sharp but nondescript flavor and settles down within the first inch to a steady, somewhat boring filler dominated experience. (There's a hint of spice, but nothing much.) The wrapper has a pleasant aroma, which is almost entirely overwhelmed. The construction is miserable – the filler was a wad in a single U-shaped fold which burned into a canoe almost immediately, curling the ash off to one side. No amount of rotating would keep it even. Cutting it and starting over produced the exact same result. Are they all like this? But with the dull flavor, why bother to find out?

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Overworked of CA on February 21, 2006



WONDERFUL CIGAR !


I LOVE THIS CIGAR. Rafael Gonzalez has really snuck up on me and has quickly become one of my favorite cigars. A smooth, very well balanced, mild to medium experience, it is best enjoyed with your favorite coffee and a slight suggestion of cream. Rafael Gonzalez will definitely make a difference in your day. Whether it's morning, afternoon, or evening, I look forward to it every time.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by JHS of New York, NY on November 8, 2005



A good smoke for the money


I've smoked several RG's and have found them to be consistent. Nice ash, good burn, a well built cigar. Mild in flavor...gets lost with a drink or after a meal but if you are looking for something mellow, RG is a good buy.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Rick L of West Bend, WI on October 17, 2005



as advertised


This cigar is not to my liking but it is as advertised. Construction was excellent, draw was fine, burn was perfect, but the flavor was definitly mild. I prefer medium to full flavor, actually lean toward full. So this cigar isn't the best I ever had but not bad.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale by tenringtom of montana on June 17, 2005



Good Smoke


A Good smoke. Nice wrapper and good draw. smokes nicely to the end. Oh yeah, nice ash, reminds me of a girl I dated in Texas!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by John Israel of Carriere on April 4, 2005



Excellent value


Living in Mtl we have access to all kinds of Cuban sticks but by far the value lies in well-made Honduran & Nicaraguan alternatives which I have little or no local access to....until I found Famous. By far the RG is perhaps the best value for your dollar I have ever experienced ! Been a smoker for 12 years now & turned more friends onto this product than I can remember! Keep up the excellent service/product availability.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Kevin S. of Montreal on February 27, 2005



Best Of The Sampler Pack


I Got The R/G In A Sampler Of Robustos, This Was Clearly The Best. I Ordered A Box Of Churchills,The Same Excelllent Quality. I Have Reordered Another Box.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by James Simpson of Irwin,Pa on February 22, 2005



consistant, smooth, good draw.


Very good cigar Happy with the overall quality.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Phillip Brunetto of Pinellas County Florida on September 25, 2004



Mmmmmm...now that's a well spent three bucks


If you like an inexpensive cigar with a consistent, even burn, this is great choice. Good taste and aroma, well worth every penny you'll pay. I wholeheartedly endorse this as one of the best values in the market

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by Joe Leach of Minnesota on August 28, 2004



Jurys still out


Just recieved my order of Rafael Gonzalez Corona extras. Smoked one right out of the box. The draw was pretty tight but the flavor was excellent.Smooth and mild.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Thomas A Early of Andover NJ on August 3, 2004



A pleasant surprise!


I smoked an RG Londsdale for the first time last night and found it to be mild, not medium to full strength like may Honduran cigars. Even burn, normal draw, and a good smoke past where you have to put most cigars out. Great price to value as well---I will order more of these.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale 5 Pack by Marshall Anderson of Dallas, Texas on August 3, 2004



lit, only once


lit this cigar once,now this is what i call a great cigar long white ash, great taste, no burn at the bottom, easy draw what more can i say

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by vito of michigan on June 7, 2004



Great


Got the robusto in a sampler pack from Famous Smoke. This cigar was a very pleasant surprise, excelent aroma, impressing burn, draw and construction. Will buy again, definitely. Don't let it burn alone, pair it with an XO Cognac......

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Sampler by Christian of Resita, RO on April 18, 2004



Great burn, consistancy, flavor, no bite


I received an RG robusto in a sampler pack that I purchased and of all the samples this RG is without a doubt the best. I have been trying different names and makes and have found the Hondurans to be the best for my taste. I have orderd my first box of RG's and look forward to a long relationship with the Famous Smoke Shop and the RG rubustos. Thank you for your service and sample pakages for those of us who are experimenting.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Michael J of Bartlett on March 4, 2004



Nice every day cigar


I got one of these with a robusto sampler and really enjoyed it so I bought a box. Very nice mild cigar for everyday use. Nice burn and easy draw. I shared a couple with two friends and now they want to buy a box. These are now my main cigar replacing some Montecristo robusto seconds that I my tobacconist can no longer get.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Jack Long of New Cumberland, PA on February 27, 2004



First time I smoked this brand..I'll do it again!


I received this cigar as part of a sampler...I enjoyed everything about the smoke and won't hesitate to add the brand to my humidor...Aloha!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by Kalika Clark of Maui, Hawaii on February 20, 2004



Kind of Disappointing


I ordered the Rafael Gonzalez Sampler and was a bit disappointed with the construction & flavor. Not anything like their Cuban counterparts (I enjoyed lots of Flor de Rafael Gonzalez cigars while vacationing in St. Martin).

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Sampler by Greg of Indianapolis, IN on February 9, 2004



Outstanding Construction, Great Taste


Got with the 9 cigar sampler as well, I'd say visually the best of the bunch. Personifies the 'medium' cigar in body and flavor, burn is (was) perfect too. Quite impressive for a first time.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Timothy Vale of Portland, Oregon on February 6, 2004



Very good


I also received this cigar as part of Famous' 9-cigar sampler. It easily exceeded my expectations for a private-label cigar. Good burn, taste, draw and it easily stayed lit. Well done, Famous.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Sampler by Mike of Detroit on February 1, 2004



VERY SMOOTH AND REWARDING


very good and surprisingly smooth with a great draw,easily enjoyed by those who would like a great cigar without the big price tag.thanks for turning me on to this with one of your samplers.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by TOM REILLY of HAMPTON NH on January 10, 2004



Great Little Cigar


This Robusto started out a little hot and short but after about 1" in got very smooth and mellow and the taste was excellent. Great construction, firm draw and perfect burn. A great cigar for the price. Highly recommend.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Tom Quarantello of Nashville, TN on January 1, 2004



Suprisingly good robusto


I have no idea why some of you guys found this cigar not to your liking,must really be picky.I found it to be very good in all aspects of performance.One of those sleepers that sneak up on you.I give it a high 80"s overall rating.Definetly will order more.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Sampler by Richard Martindale of Temecula, cal on December 8, 2003



Surprisingly delicious smoke!


I am another one who received this in the "9 Great Robustos" sampler. I've enjoyed my share of Hoyos, La Glorias, Romeo y Julietas... and I really hadn't even heard of these. Easily the smoothest smoke of that sampler so far and definitely on my "order a box" list. If you like a medium... by all means, jump on this one. I was very impressed.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Tony More of Philadelphia, PA on December 5, 2003



Disappointed


Received one of these as part of a sampler had in and was greatly disappointed. Thought it might be isolated so next order I got another and it was just as bad. This is definately on my not to try again list.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Steve Larson of Minnesota on October 29, 2003



Nice n smooooth!


I like this 'busto! I got this one in the 9 great robusto sampler. I let them all rest in the humi for about a week before I decided to try this one first. Nice mild and smooth start, easy draw with big clouds. Rich complex woody flavors halfway. Stronger creamy finish with hint of spice. I smoked this one down as far as I could till it got too hot! I can't believe anyone would say this tastes bad.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by D. Kevin Hargiss of Fort Worth Texas on August 15, 2003



I Vote A Big No


I tried a couple of these cigars and had to return them because of the terrible burn and taste. These are for someone who doesnt have a clue what cigar smoking is all about. As is evidenced by the majority of respondents here. I wonder who is really writing these reviews?

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Sampler by Irvin Rappaport of Minneapolis on July 21, 2003



Very smooth smoke. A winner!


Got one of the RG Robustos in a sampler. Wow! Smooth, with a hint of wood and nut. Definitely a pleasure to smoke any time of the day. I'll be ordering a box each of Toro's and Robusto's soon as my everyday smokes. A steal at their current price!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Dave Howard of Kodiak, AK on June 30, 2003



Damn Good Cigar - what's all the construction fuss


I have been buying $12-$20 cuban cigars from Cigars-of-Cuba.com in Geneva, Switzerland and am used to a heavier smoke, BUT I have tried two out of the sampler and they are terrific. Been smoking for 20 years and know a good cigar! These are a "superior" smoke. Obviously, the gentleman who labeled it a bad cigar should not be smoking at all but sucking on a Tootsie Roll Pop! I smoked the Churchill and the Corona, and both have my stamp of approval!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by Mac Brown of Orlando, FL on June 13, 2003



Pleasantly surprised


I received this cigar with a sampler package, and was pleasantly surprised with it's flavor, burn consistancy, and easy draw. It was truely an enjoyable smoke. I plan to order a box.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Russ Wells of Corona, California on June 2, 2003



Great alternative to Excalibur IV


This mild Honduran is an excellent cigar. Construction and burn are flawless and taste is very consistent (and gets better the longer they are aged). If, like me, you're a fan of the Excalibur IV then give the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra a try... you'll save a little money and get five extra stogies ta'boot!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Jon O'Neall of Peoria, AZ on May 15, 2003



Much better after two months in the humidor


This cigar has gotten much better after sitting in the humidor for two months, smoother and burns better.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Mark Kilpatrick of Leesport on April 20, 2003



So far so bad


I tried a robusto in a sampler and I thought I was smoking an Ashton Cabinet, so I bought a box of the Corona Extra's as this is the size I prefer. So far I have smoked one and what a disappointment, bad burn and not much taste, by the time I got down two thirds the fire was a 1" inside and burning my mouth. Only good thing was the aroma. Maybe after they sit in the humi for a month or so they will be better.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by Mark Kilpatrick of Reading, PA on March 5, 2003



What a wonderful suprise...


The Robusto was in a sampler pack, and wow I'm not sure if I should order one or two boxes now.. Really enjoyed this one..

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Robusto by Steve of Idaho on February 23, 2003



Consistent....ly bad


This review actually deals w/ several sizes of RG, since I smoked them out of samplers (one full RG sampler, plus a few out of others). Good golly, these were the worst name-brand stogies I've ever had. Poor burn (good luck smoking one straight, much less straight through), flavor either non-existent or marked only by a good throat-burn, and too, too airy. Oh, but they looked decent.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Double Corona by LDS of Albany, NY on February 23, 2003



Great Price, Great Smoke


Rafael Gonzalez has to be one of the best cigars on the market in it's price range. I have been smoking cigars for over 15 years and this is one of those cigars that once it's "discovered" the price will skyrocket. It draws with rich, thick and tastey clouds of smoke. A "best buy".

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Toro by Chris of Winchester CT on December 18, 2002



FACT OR FICTION


I read ashort clip in your catalog that wayne from tampa said about the rafaels is this an ashton!.So i decided to try a couple corona extras.know ive been smoking cigars for 15 years and i will tell you THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CIGAR!. mild silky wrapper just a great smoke. who ever dont like the taste of these babys needs palate surgery. so all i have to say IS THIS AN ASHTON!!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by james provenzano of Chgo, ILL on June 26, 2002



Please Arthur, keep these available!


There are two BIG sticks that I really enjoy...Excalibur No. 1's and these. Very different, but both nearly the best of their kind (for me). The Gonzalez has great mild to medium flavor, billows of thick smoke, it's georgous to look at and hold, burns well and evenly...what's not to like? Right out of the box with no settling time they were superb. Well, a box of these hummers REALLY puts a dent on humidor space - but worth it to be sure. I can't imagine how they do it for the price - I've tried these and the Corona Extra (another really really fine stick) and belive they're one of the best values Arthur sells. Way to go Famous-Smoke! Another winner!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Churchill by D Mathews of Portland, Oregon on February 27, 2002



A Nice Surprise


I'm a fan of many complex cigars (Jimenez, CAO, Punch Grand Cru, Padron and yes, Andros) and I like this blend VERY much! My friend Tom, a frequent reviewer of cigars here, turned me on to these. I bought a box and they grew on me quickly. Wonderful burn, draw and finish. They hold a mild sense at first and enter into a fantastic blossom of earthy, nutty and woody flavors which stand up to many higher priced alternatives. I'm a fan. Enjoy!

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale by ML Gustafson of Hudson, NH on November 3, 2001



THE VERDICT IS IN


Just finished the last of my sampler and I have a winner. The Corona Extra is my new all day cigar. I like my Ashtons & Macs in the AM and my Hoyo's and El Original maduros in the evening, but during the rest of the day its the Corona Extra for me. I could just smoke em all day, and at these prices I'm going to. My order is in FSS, hope UPS can hurry a bit.This is a nice looking,well constructed stick with a nice,full draw and a smooth creamy tobacco flavor with a touch of sweetness.If you ever discontinue these please let me know, I have a 500 count humidor.

This review was written about Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra by WAYNE of Tampa on May 30, 2001



IS THIS AN ASHTON ?