Am I getting what I paid for?

**WOXOF** · 06-01-2006, 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by JHarri31

Evening all,

I'm outside enjoying my evening cigar and baseball game, but this night my smokes are frustrating me a bit (no word on the yankees so far).

I started a Patel Vintage '92 and lost most of the wrapper removing the band. I cut the stick up high so I could give it a try, but I had a longer smoke in mind so I abonded the '92 after about an inch (mostly due to the fact that it was way too hot). I started an Upman Cameron, and had a similar problem with this cigar (I had to replace the band to hold the wrapper in place). My humidor is holding a good level, 62 - 65%, which has left me wondering about the quality of the cigars themselves.

I got both sticks at Cigarfest '06 and wanted a consensus as to whether or not giveaways at these sort of events are generally of a lower quality or if I just had lousy luck tonight.

Have a great night all.

Just how high up on the cigar are you making the cut? If you're cutting the cap off I could see why you would be having wrapper problems. Do you have some sort of fetish with removing bands? They are easier to remove once the glue warms up.

**stjohnroe** · 06-01-2006, 04:40 AM

I agree with WOXOf, smoke for a while before removing the band (I dont normally remove it until I have to) and make sure that your cut doesn't go past the cap of the cigar.

**JHarri31** · 06-01-2006, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

Just how high up on the cigar are you making the cut?

Both wrappers came off before I even made the cut. As far as the band is concerned I have simply gotten into the habit of removing it before I light the cigar, but to avoid losing anymore smokes I might have to take your advice and wait till the cigar warms up a bit. Thanks for the ideas.

**Kenyth** · 06-01-2006, 12:55 PM

I'm with the other guys. I don't remove the band until absolutely necessary to avoid it combusting. Damaging the wrapper is all too easy with a tight band. Many times the adhesive from the band gets on the cigar, gluing the band to it.