“I wanted to say something bad about these smokes so there wouldn't be a run on them,-- and leave them for those of us who have found them. But there isn't anything bad about them --- Great smoke, smooth -- packed well for a budget cigar. Hell I like these smokes better then most premium brands. What a great deal --------”
“I have been smoking Don Rafael maduro cigars for a couple of years always consistant mild and flavorful, even burn GREAT VALUE”
“I've smoked a bunch of these (Don Rafael) and found the construction to be consistently good. I appreciate a value cigar that smokes evenly. Good Value.”
“Just got in my order yesterday, and I've already smoked two of 'em (Don Rafael). I've ordered several boxes of these over the years, and I've always found them to be damn good everyday smokes. This box was no exception. If you're looking for a humidor-stuffing, solid everyday smoke that won't drive you into the poor house, then this is a cigar for you... it is for me, anyway. Damn good smoke!”
“Just smoked my first Don Rafael yesterday. These are very good cigars... the draw was a bit hard and i had to relight it a few times, but i didn't mind. This cigar lasted a long time and had a great smell and taste. Don Rafael and Dark Sharks will be my 2 favorites from CI and i will be ordering many more of these. Thank you, CI for the excellent service.”
“I smoked one of these right off the truck. It was extremely dry, and it tasted horrible to me. Everything else was perfect: construction, burn, etc. So, I let them rest in the humi a couple weeks. What a difference! I was truly impressed. After resting, this is a very consistent, mild cigar. If you smoke Brocatus or similarly priced offerings from CI, I believe you would find these to be superior in every way.”
“In an effort to find a good stick at a low price, I've spent a lot of money, and endured some horrible cigars in search of a good one that wouldn't break the bank. Having had the privelige of smoking real Cubans, and a host of great cigars purchased from CI. For me, it is difficult to go from steak to peanut butter sandwiches unless I have to. Now that I have had the Don Rafel for a few weeks, and smoked several of them. Never again will I have to choose from the filet to a slice of cold cuts. This is a well made, fantastic draw with billows of smoke, a 2 inch ash, and only gets better the longer it rest in the humidor. My first order was for 25, and it only took a week or so for me to make a second order for 50 so I could allow them time in the humidor. At this point I have not found a single cigar with defects, which speaks more than the words I can write. The Don Rafael is one of the most dependable sticks among the 300 or more in my humidors, most being well known 90 plus rated. It is very common for me to smoke a certain well known brand that is flawless. Then, I get another one out just like the other that smoked well. Except the next time, one side will burn faster than the other, the draw is difficult, or something else will be wrong. Not so with the Don Rafael, each one gives me the same gratification as the last, and keeps it's great attributes. If your in the situation I was in on finding a good cheap in price cigar well constructed and good in flavor. Please give these a chance, then you can write how wrong I was if you don't feel the way I do on a Don Rafael 6 X 54 Toro that goes for $69.95 for 50. THANK YOU CI FOR MAKING THESE CIGARS AVAILABLE AT A LOW PRICE. One negative thing that I need to bring out, and remember this if you make a purchase. For some reason when I pull the ban off there will be a blemish under the ban. The last one I smoked I looked at the back of the ban and noticed tiny pieces of tobaco stuck to it which explains the blemish. Even though it hasn't caused a problem, and your a ban remover such as myself. Do it in a gentle manner rather than just ripping it off. I don't expect every person to be as excirted as I am about this cigar, since we are all diffeent. Nevertheless, I'm betting that there will be more the way I feel than those with negative comments.”
“I found the draw to be a little hard straight out of the box. Good even burn and taste good. Good cigar for the price. Will let cigars set in humidor for awhile to see if they get better.”
“I'v been looking for a daily smoke cigar and ordered them as the deal of the week. As soon as I got home I had to open the box and smoke one. I love them. The draw was easy and the smoke was light in texture and have a wonderful farm house flavor with a light spice finish. My first though was that it would pair well with a beer or tequila and fresh avacodo dip on a simmers day. I'm looking forward to injoying them with my friends while BBQing on a hot Dallas evening.”
“That never ending search for a quality, everyday smoke. This is where I'm at right now. Great value in a pleasant mild smoke. I find these better than my Casa de Garcia's that I'd previously been enjoying. I've now been through several boxes and quality is consistent. Great bang for the buck.”