That's very kind of you, Bigpoppapuff, I will.
Regarding codes, they used to be actual codes for the date and factory they were made in, but a few years ago they bowed to pressure and started putting the actual dates on the boxes, still using codes to designate the factory of manufacture. I used to know the factory codes, but stopped paying much attention a few years ago when quality control went up and they started to concentrate production of different brands in certain factories, rather than spread production of them all over ('casa matriz' is what they call this system of making each factory responsible for the majority of a brand's production). When I started smoking and selling cigars, I'd say about one in four Havanas (as they were called then) were plugged or rolled poorly. Now, maybe one or two per box of 25, regardless of vitola or brand.
The date codes work like this:
The first three letters are the factory code (secret), and the next three letters are the month in Spanish, i.e. FEB is Februario, and the last two numbers are the year of manufacture.
Please excuse me if you know all this.
The codes for the factories are pretty much an open secret, but I'd have to do some research to get back up to date. I'm sure your friend knows the score.
I've visited a few factories in Havana, and was amazed by the pride and skill of the workers, and the floor stewards and guides. As soon as they find out you know a bit about cigars, you are singled out and get very special treatment. Same thing in the Casas del Habanos.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks