FLB03TT

What a fabulous read and what great investigative work. Bravo!!

I suspect that the person who boxes these was unsure if they were headed for a southern or northern hemisphere market so they decided to play it safe by placing then south and north...

Ken, please show me a better current system than capitalism. Cuba is "near bankrupt" not because of capitalism, but communism. Cuba is free to engage in trade with every other country on this planet, except the US. If their system worked even the big bad US of A couldn't keep them down. Their plight is surely not solely due to the US embargo. The embargo is outmoded and ineffective at encouraging positive change of any kind in Cuba. Irregardless, the US has forced them into nothing.

No current system is perfect. However, to my mind, capitalism works better than the alternatives.

Crimp your barbs lads, crimp your barbs...

24:24 has completely changed my CC acquisition process. I used to chase box codes from other vendors, but learned how much of a crapshoot that approach is- it just doesn't work. Rob's review, grading and pictures are absolutely essential to acquiring good boxes. I love 24:24 and could not imagine a world without it. Some fine tuning like limiting 1st hour sales to one box per customer would be a great idea. I have a fast internet connection, but feel for those who don't, and who regularly miss out. One box in first hour would help level the playing field for all. As for those sucking up multiple boxes for resale- let them burn in hell, which is where they're ending up anyway. That behavior is completely abhorrent and not at all in the spirit of the community the vast majority of us are trying to develop and perpetuate here.

The futures so bright I've got to wear shades!!

Find some way to get out of the wind. Wind and cigars don't mix!

Arrange your singles drawer in any way that pleases you when you look at them. There's no right and wrong way to arrange, IMO.

This ^ High quality CORO prices have gotten a little goofy of late!

HDM Epicure Especial is a winner. It's a Gordito, but well worth a try. One of my favorite HDMs.

I've rarely had a stick that just won't stay lit. Some act up on and off but I usually can coax them thru their midterm issues. The pissers, for me, are the plugged sticks that I didnt give up on soon enough. I used to fight with those fuckers till the bitter end- now I chuck 'em early and move on a more cooperative companion.

An '03 des Dieux I smoked about 4 years ago. Pure class and extraordinary complexity. Curiously, out of two cabs I have not had another that was equally transcendental. Don't quite get it, but I keep hoping to repeat with the remaining few sticks I have left. Runner-up- a Monte 2 on the beach in Cabo about 15 years ago. I bought it down there, legitimate goods, and it was remarkable. Have had hundreds since, some close, but none as good as thet one. When Monte 2s are on they are spectacular.

Happy 40th Rob. Stay forever young!

Be careful Piggy- when Tabacuba completes this downward spiral and offers to put ones name, logo, or other affectation on Mahogany 10 ct. boxes of Custom, L.E., S.E. Mega Gordo 62RG donkey dick throat missles they're going to put razor blades in your sticks! Your long post above was epic- you're on the top of your game there. Don't disagree with a word of it.

Would also have a desktop humi for daily smokes at closer to average room temperature at 62-63 RH.

Rather dark wrappers, unlike standard issue Punch Punch.

Rob had 2016 EL CoLa up on a 24:24 earlier this week. Was lucky enough to get a box. They do come up occasionally, but you must be quick! As for the '01 5x5s I'd pass and wait for them to pop up on a 24:24. Robs inspection is worth its weight in gold, particularly for pricy sticks, IMHO.

Another vote for HDM Epi. Especial for the King of Cream. There's even a crown on the band!

Yes, extra time down. How much extra depends on your preferences and oil content.

I'm getting towards the end of two cabs of '03 des Dieux, have a few sticks from each cab. left. In mid '13, shortly after I received both cabs, the ones from ORE MAY 03 box were simply magical. The other cab- ORE SEP 03 had slightly darker, courser wrappers and were definatley not as savory, but still good. Over the last few years the two boxes have flip flopped back and forth as to which one is better. But the initial magic in the earlier box has not been fully repeated. Something has been lost. Don't know why. Perhaps some of you des Dieux fans can chime in on your experiences.

If you like Bolivar and you're buying blind BRCs have been pretty consistent of late.

Glad you're back. Hoping 2017 makes up, and then some, for 2016.

Glad you're back. Hoping 2017 makes up, and then some, for 2016.

Glad you're back. Hoping 2017 makes up, and then some, for 2016.