Questions For People who work in HSA and Factories

[ucla695]

I have a question from years past that I don't recall if it were ever answered...about HSA's freezing policy. If it were answered, please direct me to the thread. Do they freeze everything and, if so, for how long and at what temp, specs? How big is the freezer, how master cases in there? Are they in there long enough to truly freeze the little buggers?

[Van55]

A couple more, Rob:

At what point during the packaging/shipping process is the factory and date stamped on the boxes of cigars? Is it when the cigars are boxed or just before they are shipped or some other point?

What's the true story about the alleged 1000 extra Cohiba Behikes with printed numbered bands from 4001-5000 that a Bermudan store manager claims were made available to people "involved in the production" of the original 4000 Behikes? Are these genuine or counterfeit?

[Van55]

Havana Humidor's General Manager's video shows boxes of alleged diplomatic gift Cuban cigars bearing what he described as Palma Real bands that he claims are exclusively applied to these gift cigars. Other vendors have photos of cigars bearing similar bands. How would vendors get these cigars for sale? Are they authentic? Are these bands really as described by HH?

[Van55]

Well, Rob should soon be rising on his first full day back in Brisbane following the festival. Let's see if he can find time today to let us know if he got the answers to any of the above questions.

[El Presidente]

Well, Rob should soon be rising on his first full day back in Brisbane following the festival. Let's see if he can find time today to let us know if he got the answers to any of the above questions.

Hi Van.

I will address one question a day over the coming weeks. Some of the questions raised I am still awaiting answers for from HSA but they will be with me in the next 10 days. It is nigh impossible for them to answer things they are uncertain of during the Festival as everyone is flat out.

[Van55]

Understood. When you're partying hearty, it's hard to get serious and become an investigative reporter.

[El Presidente]

Understood. When you're partying hearty, it's hard to get serious and become an investigative reporter.

Van...the best investigative reporting is always between 2-5 in the morning !LOL!

Had two serious sit down Q&A sessions. You know the industry well enough to understand that the answers never reside with he one individual. Still, some good insights.

[anacostiakat]

Thanks Rob!

I have been aware and concerned with the soft/underfilled cigars in the current production for a while now. Everyone seems to focus on the plugged ones.