strange brands in MT (elsewhere?)

[Empire23]

Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you. I think you're probably wrong about Arango, but I hereby acknowledge your post. The website listed on the humidors (and linked in an above post) suggests that they are from Nicaragua, but the names on the site aren't familiar to me.

It brings up a question about how cigar manufacturing and branding work in general. I mean, it seems to me that many cigars look very similar and could easily have the same band placed on different makes (especially on the lower end). I could also imagine different bands being used on cigars from the same lot. I also wonder about the buying and selling of tobacco lots between mfgs. Any thoughts on this? Is there any control (apart from consumer feedback) on cigar manufacturers in Honduras or Nicaragua? Anyone have any experience with this industry?

BTW, I asked several questions, one of which was about the origin of the cigars...

Anyone have any popcorn?

[bozone]

Anyone have any popcorn?

Sorry, I'm pretty new to internet forums in general. Does this mean I've stumbled into an rehashed or avoided topic? Or is it in reference to the sarcastic shit?

[Dickson]

First welcome to the site. This is a great site with a lot of experience. Enjoy yourself.

[basil]

bozeman, welcome to the board.

You are asking some interesting questions and there are absolutely none here more qualified to answer than bigpappapuff. A little research will show you why. Calling him (or anyone, really) wrong about anything cigar without being very, very sure of yourself is foolish. And even if you are pretty sure of your position, well, brace yourself.

Now, the sarcasm. Since you are, by your own admission, pretty new to forums, I can understand the temptation to be sarcastic with folks you cannot see, hear, feel, and maybe (probably) never even meet. You must resist this temptation if you intend to:

1) get your questions answered.
2) stick around here.
3) not get your head handed to you.

To the point: sarcasm, for the howdyfuckingdoody walking in the door for the first time, is considered very bad form.

So, just back out of this semi-predicament you seem to've blundered into, ask nicely, be gracious, and enjoy yourself.

[bigpoppapuff]

i know for a fact that they're buying "florentino" from arango.....they're made in nicaragua specifically FOR arango...the others i'm not familiar with...they could be made for other distributors like arango...in any case,they're no-names and not worth $8 a stick...maybe not even $8 a bundle..

i gave you the names of two sites that i highly recommend...i also suggest that you have fun with the search function....and try to learn instead of being newbieknowitallbutknowsnothing......capiche??....

[Dickson]

Someone get a bandaid.....we have a bleeder!!!!!

As I said enjoy yourself!!! As hard as they hit you, they will help you. Take it from experience.

[bozone]

Ok, so I come across as an ignorant ass. Turns out I am ignorant, but I'm usually not an ass. Didn't mean to offend or come across as arrogant. I searched around in the forum some, but didn't find much to the point (perhaps that's incompetance as well).

I'm still interested in this though, if I haven't completely alienated myself.

This whole deal has me thinking about obscure brands. I moved states, and most of the big names were still available, but suddenly there was the distributor I mentioned before showing up all over. I couldn't find any info on any of the cigars by doing web searches (even their own site was little help) and the outlet attendants knew nothing about what they were selling (or, for that matter, cigars in general).

So, I wonder if this thing happens all over. Do serious cigar smokers buy from sources like this? Do they ever 'discover' great new makers or good values? Are distributors buying 'generic' sticks and putting their own bands on? Is the 'Florentino' brand is used by multiple makers/distributors? Do the $50-'Rolex'-guys pull the same shit with cigars? Stuff like that.

Seriously, I don't have an ego here. I do in some relms, but not cigar knowledge. I am a slight reactionary sometimes, but I'll try curb that here.

On the positive side, thanks for so many replies (even before the 'show' started).

[brian]

I would not buy cigars from someone who doesn't seem to know anything about them. I like to buy from the people that are nice and helpful and willing to talk about cigars and educate me on what I am buying.
If you look hard hard enough and try enough different brands I am sure you are to stumble across a good price stick that tastes like a high dollar one, just depends on your taste though too I would think. But I am no expert myself and am new to this too so don't take anything I say as gospel. lol

[SmokinDVM]

[bard]

I was up in your neck of the woods last week and noticed them at a shop in Yellowstone. I wasn't willing to fork over the $8-$10 they wanted for what appeared to be a very gimmacky package so I couldn't tell you if they were any good or not. Their website does have a working 'About Us' link which does appear to lend them some credit so I now regret not trying them. Give them a shot and let us know what you think. I may never make it back to Yellowstone but they just might make their way down here some day.

[bigpoppapuff]

they're overpriced!!!.....and probably shit!!!....is this a tobacconist??.....if not, walk away...

[stjohnroe]

Welcome from the UK.

I make a point of only buying cigars from specialists (B&M or Internet), saves me spending money on shit.

Lets all play nice now

[prophetic_joe]

as far as net beatings go this was really mild. Good job for saying I'm sorry I don't know anything so quickly Bozone. Stick around it will teach you a lot. There is a lot of knowledge here and a really good group of guys. They'll watch your back and help you out if you need it, just don't turn into an asshat and you'll be fine.

[bozone]

I was up in your neck of the woods last week and noticed them at a shop in Yellowstone. I wasn't willing to fork over the $8-$10 they wanted for what appeared to be a very gimmacky package so I couldn't tell you if they were any good or not. Their website does have a working 'About Us' link which does appear to lend them some credit so I now regret not trying them. Give them a shot and let us know what you think. I may never make it back to Yellowstone but they just might make their way down here some day.

I'm heading out for a 5-day river trip this afternoon. A couple of the other guys also smoke and are bringing travel humidors. I just bought a few robusto Dos Reinas ($5) to take along (I only have an 8-stick box, so I could only spare 3 slots). I'll let you know what I, and my more experienced buddies, think.

BPP, I did check out the sites you linked. The prices and selection look great--I'm sure I'll be trying them soon enough.