The first cigar bundle I bought on Cigar Monster was the Famous Dominican 2000 Churchill. They were $19.95 for 20 sticks shipped. Since this was my first purchase I expected nothing more than a few cigars to have on hand in a pinch. I read a few reviews online that gave me the idea they weren't completely bad and said what the hell. The next day they were at my door.
I ripped open the box and was shocked at how long they were. I realize that Churchill cigars are long but it didn't really hit me as to how much cigar I was getting when I bought these. I eagerly walked out to my porch and lit up. The cut was good. The light was fine. The draw was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised. The taste was completely mild but smooth. Exactly what I wanted. I didn't want something that was really bold. I just wanted something that I could smoke on a daily basis, that wouldn't kill me and didn't cost much. As you can see in the pictures below the ash lasted quite a while and the burn was very even.
The Famous blends are made by other companies particularly for Famous Smoke Shop / Cigar Monster. As far as I can tell they are just a "house" brand but I may be mistaken. I was so happy with these cigars that I was completely sold on Cigar Monster and went back for more. Out of the original 20 cigars I now have 3 left. Which brings me to the next purchase.
The Value Line Honduran 100 Robustos were also $19.95 for 20 sticks. I love the Robusto size. I think it is just about perfect for a cigar. The name "Value Line" should have tipped me off that maybe these were going to be a bit less quality but I bought them anyway. I opened them up to find that there were no labels or branding anywhere on the cigars. The wrapper was also very veiny and rough. I went out to my porch lit up and gave them a try. They were definitely a stronger taste then the Dominicans but that was not what turned me off from them. What turned me off from them was the uneven burn and the gaping hole in the middle of the cigar.
It actually got worse as I smoked it. That was just the best picture I took. Parts of the cigar started to fall off the end. Not ash but more like flakes of the wrapper.
You can see the uneven burn in this picture. It got alot worse before I put it out. I haven't smoked another one since. I think they might just need some humidor time. Probably a months worth before they mellow out. I would definitely buy the Famous Brand cigars again but I would stay away from the Value Line. With those you really do get what you pay for.
Update on the Value Line: The second one I smoked did not burn uneven or have a gaping hole. Probably (like many cigars) hit and miss. I will post again on these later for a final verdict.
