Michel1968 Posted August 29, 2011 Posted August 29, 2011 Two fantastic posts from Pig. Great rationalization of the first post which to my personal taste, has the right doses of uncomfortable truth. It somehow saddens me to realize I started enjoying CC's during a era of possible decline, especially since I converted to smaller gauges last year. It reminds me a bit of what I find to be the decline of Bordeaux wines (1990) softer tannins, 'pressure cooked' and low potential for serious maturing. Same goes for whisky which seems to be about non-offensive profiles (vanilla, oranges one side - bland peat other side) since about 2004/5) Both operating quite parallel amongst the lines of Pig's posts: facilitating new booming markets with little or no experience on the subject, hyping and utter premiumisation of that what should be a considered a product made from mediocre raw materials (hey, new markets - little experience). The thought of jumbo gauges in relation to large stocks of not so good tobacco sounded more than plausible to my ears and snugs in quite nicely with above. But perhaps worst, anticipating on old markets to get used to current products with any new additions to the old market not knowing any better... Is it all gloomy? Not all, over the decades we saw angry young man putting up with this and started producing to their own concepts with some majestic results. Problem is, in the case of whisky and wine we'll see independent producers whilst on Cuba we'll see a state-run company which behaves like Moloch if anything else... Problem is the absence of local competition, no-one leads 'the way' and H 'see if we don't' SA can lay back as a Cuban cigar is notting less than a Cuban cigar. Just a nickle (in what is not my native language.. sorry...)
dB69 Posted August 29, 2011 Posted August 29, 2011 Every ism has its good and bad areas. Some more, some less. Nothing is perfect, at least alone. Capitalism has forgotten one big thing. The growth will never be unlimited, never. That is simply impossible. When the market is saturated, it just is. If coronas existed and were cheaper than usually I would buy more cigars than today, but not forever. I would stock up cigars for 10-15 years maybe, but that would be enough. After stocking up I would not buy even the amount of cigars that I do at the moment. I would not increase the number of cigars smoked more than once a day average. When smoking too much, it makes the enjoyment of flavours more difficult and I don't want that. Smoking more would also increase diseases (who am I to say that!), so the buyers would die earlier. The number of smokers will not increase either. Well, maybe in China, but not forever. This is an extremely difficult equation for cigar business. Then a question: How could one act to change the trend from jawbreakers to traditional cigars? That should be done mostly in China, I suppose. People who want to show their wealth with jumbo cigars will not follow. They have most of the money to buy Cubans and jawbreakers look the coolest. This is certainly not to offend anyone, I'm sorry if I do. It's just a fact as I see it. Then there is an attitude I have heard many cigar smokers spreading on other forums and especially "live". I hate to say this, because it will hurt many people. I don't mean this in a bad and offensive way. "If you have a favourite cigar, don't tell anyone! If you tell, others will buy it and you can't buy it anymore because it will be always sold out." Could there be worse attitude, which will definitely lead to cutting the particular marca/vitola. Spread the word, please do not shut your mouth! I like the attitude here at FoH. The latest example of QdO by Laficion, PigFish and El Prez made me try one. I liked it and will buy a box later this year. Of course that's a small factor, but without a drop of water there wouldn't be a lake.
cigarros Posted August 30, 2011 Posted August 30, 2011 Not so simple guys. I think that the biggest problem is that the people at the helm of HSA sometimes just forget for whom they work. Strange every year cigar deletion from the current lines, constant problems with quality of CC, funny moments related to obvious problems with the distribution in different markets. It's sad. And against this backdrop the producers and sellers of NC makes their profit...
CanuckSARTech Posted September 5, 2011 Posted September 5, 2011 Perhaps some of you just happen by and peruse this board. I know, why would you, the site is for cigar enthusiasts, not disconnected schmucks, goose-stepping in a circle? I am still here, there are a lot of old faithful members lingering around waiting for you to actually find a flashlight and stagger onto a traditional path. I guess without the expatriated cigar owners you guys are a bit lost now that they are in the industry again. Yeah, I noticed it. With that said, have you noticed a little about what is going on here at FoH? I seem to have noticed that the site has taken a bit of a turn and lot more non-Cuban cigars are being discussed. Why do you think that is? Don't answer, it must be because they make 60 ring cigars and you don't. Why don't you just follow along instead of leading us, the loyal folks that are already customers in a different direction? I think the expatriates would love to see you follow along. They will just switch up and start pushing thin rings right about the time you blow out all your traditional customers. Oh, that would include me too! Read over the daily smoke thread. There are a lot of non-Cuban cigars being talked about over here at Friends of Habanos. Someone suggested the place be renamed Friends of Cigars. I mean how often do you want to post about the fact that you smoked a PSD4...? Ever get the feeling that you are being replaced? I do. Kinda' nice if people were posting about ERdM PC's... but you don't make them anymore. I know I don't really post much about Partagas Coronas, Partagas lonsdales, Bolivar lonsdales, or Ramon Allones Coronas.... why should I, you just can't get them anymore? Ever thought about a real push on 42 ring cigars? I mean why would you? They taste great but you can't stuff them with a bunch of worthless, tasteless filler and charge what you get for a robusto. Ever think about selling some of these PC's at $75 bucks a box retail? Probably not. Don't tell me... there is a labor shortage over there!!!-LOL At 3 cents a piece wholesale there is just no money in selling them at $75 bucks retail a box! Yes... that goes against the whole cigar elitist image that you are trying to create. Funny how you guys over there in your classless dystopia are always working to separate the rest of us into classes! Is the proletariat not worthy of a good cigar that they can afford; aye comrade??? You know maybe I might have to go out and try some of these cigars not made on Isla Cuba. Perhpas if I buy them they may pay attention to my likes; they might want my money going forward. Friends of Cigars... got a ring to it you gotta' admit it. How about Friends of Fuente? -the Pig Ahhhhh yes, Ray. I'm away for a bit, but I come back, and here is my faithful comrade, shaking his fists at the sky. *tearing up* Ray, I missed you buddy.... *light sniffling* Hell, I even am beginning to FULLY agree with what you're saying.... *tears running down cheeks* Piggy, I missed you SO MUCH.... *fully wailing now* I'm glad I came back to find your warm embrace. How could I ever have left you?!!?! Please forgive me, I'm sorry!!!!!!
PigFish Posted September 8, 2011 Author Posted September 8, 2011 Ahhhhh yes, Ray. I'm away for a bit, but I come back, and here is my faithful comrade, shaking his fists at the sky. *tearing up* Ray, I missed you buddy.... *light sniffling* Hell, I even am beginning to FULLY agree with what you're saying.... *tears running down cheeks* Piggy, I missed you SO MUCH.... *fully wailing now* I'm glad I came back to find your warm embrace. How could I ever have left you?!!?! Please forgive me, I'm sorry!!!!!! Glad you are alive and well my friend, sorry it took me so long to respond. BEGINNING TO FULLY AGREE! Com'on mate... you did not get out of boot camp by sittin' on the fence!!! Feel the FORCE! Thanks for the kind words. I am glad to see you back. Thank you too, for your service. Still waiting for my get out a' jail free card!!! -LOL -Mr. Pig
Colt45 Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 Ray, I missed you buddy.... I'm glad I came back to find your warm embrace. How could I ever have left you?!!?! FULLY AGREE! Com'on mate... I am glad to see you back. You two! A little soft music, some baby oil......
PigFish Posted September 8, 2011 Author Posted September 8, 2011 You two! A little soft music, some baby oil...... ... Rossss! You're jealous! I am touched... -LOL Watch the g-string... it tickles some when it is plucked!!! -LOL
Colt45 Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 ... Rossss! You're jealous! Am I that obvious?
Puros Y Vino Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 Colt,this thread is now "unreadable" due to that picture. Thanks for nothing!
Van55 Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 Three cheers for the wit and wisdom of Pig Fish! Right on, bro.
bassman Posted September 8, 2011 Posted September 8, 2011 This rant comes a bit late. How many of you gentlemen were regular buyers of Punch SS1 & SS2, Partagas lonsdales and Serie du Connaisseur, RG Slenderellas, RA 898, etc. when they were still available? As for the political aspect, don't forget that "they" were able to produce excellent cigars at the time they were more communist (if that makes sense) than they are now… Four cabs of 2002 Party Lonsdales & one from 1999 (a very good cigar for 99). Never liked Punch cigars so didn't get them. Had a few boxes of RA898s, but frankly, the price in the secondary market is so high I sold them. Now have BCE cabs from 2002, 07 & 08. Buying more boxes. Grab them while you can, my friends.
jedipastor Posted September 9, 2011 Posted September 9, 2011 Mate they don't wanna' hear what I have to say, much less pay for it. While I don't want this to get too political, my first suggestion would be to scrap the government, reestablish factory designation for cigars, sign boxes, create competitive rolling teams with profit sharing and insist on competitive team inspection and tasting... ... I could go on, but I am off the clock! Thanks for the encouragement. -Piggy Excellent plan. I think this would improve quality, encourage innovation, and result not only in a renaissance of the "traditional" Cuban cigars, but in a wave of new blends as well. I look forward to this day. I only hope cigars in general have not been outlawed by then here in the "free world." I used to be that non-Cuban cigar manufacturers would look to Cuba to get ideas and tips ... but many of the old masters have now left Cuba to set up their own shops, and I'm guessing many of the true Cuban masters left are being pushed out of HSA. It may be that Cuba will have to invite some of their escapees (or their sons) back to train them on how to run a proper factory!
Colt45 Posted September 9, 2011 Posted September 9, 2011 It may be that Cuba will have to invite some of their escapees (or their sons) back to train them on how to run a proper factory! All HSA would have to do is allow the people who know what to do to go ahead and do it. I'm sure there are plenty of Cubans who are more than capable of getting the job done - all they need is the proper chance - which I imagine would include fair wages and a bit of autonomy- If not with HSA, some private Cuban company.
CanuckSARTech Posted September 9, 2011 Posted September 9, 2011 You two! A little soft music, some baby oil...... Nice, Colt! LOL. But, the Canadian one with the maple leaf, being me and all, well....I'd be the bigger spoon in this relationship!
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