Piggy goes Bi...

[Maron76]

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo Peligroso, Man 'O War Puro Authentico...

I like the Puro Authentico as well.

My recommendation would be for the Padilla Miami Corona. A damn fine cigar I find myself reaching for a lot. Shoot me your address and I can send you out a sampler piggy. Some advice, Cbid is your friend to find premium samplers and 5 packs for cheap.

[77stoneblues]

I find I really enjoy the Padron and Fuente lines (the 1964 and Anejo respectively being my favorite), as well as some of Rocky Patel's cigars. But I like them because I find them so vastly different from CC's. I also find I tire of their flavors quickly, smoking 1 NC to maybe every 5 - 10 CC's. I'm always trying out NC's, and had I known better, I would have started with Padron.

[Stalebread]

If you’re looking for a small ring-gauge non-Cuban cigar that you can enjoy for what it is, in its own right – forget this trying to be “Cubanesque” thing -- then maybe you have a chance.

If (in a fit of pique?) you’re looking for a small ring-gauge non-Cuban cigar that will replace the Cuban cigars that you love on a kind of one-to-one basis with Cuban, or Cubanesque cigar flavor, I suspect you will only be disappointed but you will have plenty to write about.

When it comes right down to it, I'm not convinced you're going "bi" at all, Piggy. Not really.

But, taking your request for suggestions at face value here are mine:

-- Ashton VSG Corona Gorda

-- Illusion Lonsdale or Lancero or Corona Gorda (there is also a short corona in this line but I’ve not tried it)

-- Padron 1964 Anniversario Superior (42rg X 6.5 inches)

[Rider1]

I would defintely recommend Padron and Illusione and Tatuaje (I like the Havana Angeles). You also might try the Fuente Don Carlos (#4 is a nice size)

[riazp]

Problem with venturing into NC's is the thousands or brands out there. I have limited experience with NC's, but thanks to fellow BOTL's like Mike Z who have shared their NC's with me and a few purchases myself when I'm on the other side of the border...here are a couple of marca's I've enjoyed.

Illusione is a defenite favorite of mine, and makes a great lancero, robusto and belicoso

My Father is another great line with their offspring brands like La Reloba, Jaime Garcia, and they also make La Aroma de Cuba for Ashton

the Ashthon VSG is a nice lineup too

Tatuaje is a good line up too with tons to choose from

Good Luck Piggy, I hope you do find something to your liking

[riderpride]

Try the Oliva V No. 4. I haven't had it as it was released this year, but the other boxes of Vs I have are quite good. Also try the Joya de Nicaragua Antano Machito or the Lancero (tasty wrapper) and the Tatuaje Noellas.

[dB69]

Ummm... I just can't watch this and I thought could there be anything acceptable in the following list of cigars? The ship is wrecked but not sunk yet...

Bolívar Tubos No.1

Bolívar Tubos No.2

Bolívar Tubos No.3

Bolívar Petit Coronas

Cohiba Coronas Especiales

Cohiba Exquisitos

Cohiba Lanceros

Cohiba Siglo II

Cohiba Siglo III

Cohiba Siglo V

Fonseca Cosacos

H. Upmann Coronas Major

H. Upmann Majestic

H. Upmann Petit Coronas

H. Upmann Regalias

Hoyo de Monterrey Coronations

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Gourmet

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Prince

Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra

Juan López Petit Coronas

La Flor de Cano Selectos

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.2

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4

Montecristo Especial

Montecristo Especial No.2

Montecristo No.1

Montecristo No.3

Montecristo No.4

Montecristo Tubos

Montecristo Petit Tubos

Partagás 8-9-8

Partagás Aristocrats

Partagás Coronas Senior

Partagás Habaneros

Partagás Mille Fleurs

Partagás Partagas de Luxe

Partagás Petit Coronas Especiales

Partagás Super Partagas

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos

Por Larrañaga Panetelas

Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas

Punch Coronations

Punch Royal Coronations

Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro

Rafael González Panetelas Extra

Rafael González Petit Coronas

Romeo y Julieta Belvederes

Romeo y Julieta Cazadores

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.1

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.2

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.3

Romeo y Julieta Coronitas en Cedro

Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs

Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas

Romeo y Julieta Romeo No.1

Romeo y Julieta Romeo No.2

Sancho Panza Non Plus

Trinidad Coloniales

Trinidad Fundadores

[greenpimp]

Buy what small ringed guage cigars that are left. Support the Cuban sizes you love that remain! Otherwise you will be disappointed by the non-Cubans and, frankly, your "point" will be lost.

JMHO.

[CanuckSARTech]

I just don't like the idea of Piggy going "bi", however it's being done.

[PigFish]

Ummm... I just can't watch this and I thought could there be anything acceptable in the following list of cigars? The ship is wrecked but not sunk yet...

Bolívar Tubos No.1

Bolívar Tubos No.2

Bolívar Tubos No.3

Bolívar Petit Coronas

Cohiba Coronas Especiales

Cohiba Exquisitos

Cohiba Lanceros

Cohiba Siglo II

Cohiba Siglo III

Cohiba Siglo V

Fonseca Cosacos

H. Upmann Coronas Major

H. Upmann Majestic

H. Upmann Petit Coronas

H. Upmann Regalias

Hoyo de Monterrey Coronations

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Gourmet

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Prince

Hoyo de Monterrey Palmas Extra

Juan López Petit Coronas

La Flor de Cano Selectos

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.2

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4

Montecristo Especial

Montecristo Especial No.2

Montecristo No.1

Montecristo No.3

Montecristo No.4

Montecristo Tubos

Montecristo Petit Tubos

Partagás 8-9-8

Partagás Aristocrats

Partagás Coronas Senior

Partagás Habaneros

Partagás Mille Fleurs

Partagás Partagas de Luxe

Partagás Petit Coronas Especiales

Partagás Super Partagas

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos

Por Larrañaga Panetelas

Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas

Punch Coronations

Punch Royal Coronations

Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro

Rafael González Panetelas Extra

Rafael González Petit Coronas

Romeo y Julieta Belvederes

Romeo y Julieta Cazadores

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.1

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.2

Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.3

Romeo y Julieta Coronitas en Cedro

Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs

Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas

Romeo y Julieta Romeo No.1

Romeo y Julieta Romeo No.2

Sancho Panza Non Plus

Trinidad Coloniales

Trinidad Fundadores

I suppose that if I read this thread rather than started it, I would have answered it this way. I think that many have pointed to this logical response.

I have smoked many of these cigars, the best of them I own from multiple years and multiple boxes. Some of what I own now and still favor is on this list. Absent are the cigars that have become as rare as good management at H SA. It is not what is available that upsets me, it is what is no longer available, cigars that were as good or better than the best of these. There is merit in simply getting another box of what is left... QdO coronas, Monte Esp., Cohiba Lanceros... the RG PC and so on. There are some great cigars on the list, there are also many I consider dogs! The point that I still have some choices is well made and well taken. Unfortunately, a good number of these cigars I just don't care for.

On the NC side I can't see myself buying a box of any with a box of QdO Coronas Claro still within grasp. I have certainly narrowed my focus on cigars on my own before deletions, in a few short years that list has gotten much smaller by the very people who make it there business to sell me cigars, not deny them to me! With that perspective, despite the list appearing to be comprehensive, for me it is pretty narrow. From my perspective there are now a greater number of cigars absent from the list, than there are great cigars on the list! I that light I claim that the Cuban cigar is in decline.

To all that have responded I am going to consider some of the suggestions. Unless things have changed, neither Fuente nor Padron products are motivation enough to keep me smoking cigars. I smoked enough to know I don't like them sufficiently enough to spend my time or money on them. Some of the others I have never heard of, much less tried. I am just going to have to grin and bear it... and try a couple, I guess. For those that know me and say don't waste my time, I am betting that they are right.

Ultimately it is hard to turn my back on a decade of belief that even the most modest of CC's is better than the best of NC cigars. On the flip-side, I think I might make it a rule to stop bashing NC cigars; a rude habit that I have had for a long time now. Gone are the days that I blindly root for the home team as well.

Sour grapes? Maybe! Disappointment? Certainly! -the Pig

[Colt45]

Ray, kidding aside, there is so little to lose and the possibility of much to gain (not just the cigars themselves).

All that's required is an open mind.

P.S. If in your travels you come across a Montecristo Platinum Series No.3, give one a shot.

[laficion]

Ultimately it is hard to turn my back on a decade of belief that even the most modest of CC's is better than the best of NC cigars. On the flip-side, I think I might make it a rule to stop bashing NC cigars; a rude habit that I have had for a long time now. Gone are the days that I blindly root for the home team as well.

Sour grapes? Maybe! Disappointment? Certainly! -the Pig

Dear Ray,

If I understand correctly, you have been smoking cigars for over 10 years, Please correct me If I'm wrong.

Allow me to say that you have the right to smoke or not to smoke whatever suits you .But your outburst on giving up on Cubans just does not cut the butter my friend.

I've been smoking Havanas for 40 years, (ok, who gives a flying F***, right ? ) but it's like every passion, It's for the better and sometimes, yes, for the worse.

I've seen more great cigars go then good cigars coming in, I've tasted some of the best Corojo grown in Cuba then some of the Habana 92's or the Criollo 99's from today.

The cigars that I'm smoking today have nothing in common with the cigars I smoked years ago. When I started to smoke Havanas there was no Mag 46 but there was Partagas Royales, no QdO but there was Maria Guerrero, a wonderful cigar, there was no Cohiba but there was Davidoff & Dunhill, etc; etc; so what was I to do once they were gone ? give up ? OK , today it's a different story, they've taken away the 3 Partagas SDC to replace them with Montecristo Open, not great I'll agree, but still.

Things will still change, it always had and always will but there's one thing that will never change and that's "TERROIR", that will always be.

What Cuba can do with its tobacco, no NC country can do it. No NC tobacco can live on its own and make a great cigar, It needs to be blended with other tobaccos to come out with something decent.

It can be pretty good but it will never be GREAT, sorry Pete Johnson, As much as I enjoy your cigars, they'll never be as tasty nor as complex as a Cuban.

However, what the NC's are great at is packaging and marketing, something the Cuban are discovering now. Every week there's a new, better then better cigar. Packaging is extremely elaborate and enticing but at the end, what do you get out of that cigar ? well, the chance to try other greater then great cigar .

Is that what you want ? ok, no problem with me my friend, you may even enjoy the hobby. but I think that your dissappointments will be even greater then today.

This is just my opinion Ray but I felt that I had to say it, at the end it's all up to you bro.

Your cigar smoking friend,

Guy

[perfectform]

Don Carlos No. 3 is one of my favorite NC's.

[Plato]

Ones I like, not neccesarily the corona size, but generally smaller gauges:

La Aurora 1495 Series Corona #4 (Not quite a corona...it's 5.2 inches by 43...but a DAMN FINE CIGAR. Hell, I think that pound for pound and penny for penny, the La Aurora 1495 Series line is one of the best DOMINICAN cigars on the market. It doesn't have that ARTIFICAL taste many of the highly rated NCs (Rocky Patel, etc.) have. When I want a Dominican cigar this is the line I tend to reach for.

Don Pepin Black Label Corona Especial.

La Flor Dominicana LG Diez 2010 Vintage LANCERO (NOT THE DOUBLE LIGERO P.O.S. Lancero)

Tatuaje Especiales

Illusione MK (This is pretty good, but I think that all the Illusione stuff is over priced. I personally hate the Illusione Epernay...I think it's one of the most over rated cigars out there)

I know a lot of people like the Padron Anniversary Series, but I have mixed feelings about em. They are damn fine cigars, but I feel as if they almost belong in their own category. Someone on these boards said before that they are almost too consistant. And that you always know how they are gonna taste, and that the flavor and taste during the entire smoke is very expected. I think that for the cost, I'd much rather buy 3-4 Aurora 1495's.

Everyone bashes on non-cubans. They aren't ALL bad. There are some diamonds out there. But you have to be in the MOOD for a non-cuban to really enjoy it. If you go into the smoking experience with the mindset that you want something to taste as cuban (or as close to cuban) as possible you will always come out dissapointed.

Good luck piggy!

[Stalebread]

Dear Guy, my Cigar Smoking Friend,

I've been wanting to say something like that for a while now but you've said it with much more authority and veritas than I could ever muster. Thanks.

I will take exception to two (minor) points however.

No NC tobacco can live on its own and make a great cigar, It needs to be blended with other tobaccos to come out with something decent

I don't believe this is an accurate statement. While, yes, many NCs are blends from various countries, other outstanding NCs are puros. And let's not overlook that some Cuban puros are, according to what I've been told, less than decent.

However, what the NC's are great at is packaging and marketing

To leave it at that is doing a disservice to a great many tobacco/cigar professionals. NCs are also great and getting better all the time at growing and processing tobacco, blending, and making cigars. You and I may not like them but let's give them the credit they deserve.

[PigFish]

Dear Ray,

If I understand correctly, you have been smoking cigars for over 10 years, Please correct me If I'm wrong.

Allow me to say that you have the right to smoke or not to smoke whatever suits you .But your outburst on giving up on Cubans just does not cut the butter my friend.

I've been smoking Havanas for 40 years, (ok, who gives a flying F***, right ? ) but it's like every passion, It's for the better and sometimes, yes, for the worse.

I've seen more great cigars go then good cigars coming in, I've tasted some of the best Corojo grown in Cuba then some of the Habana 92's or the Criollo 99's from today.

The cigars that I'm smoking today have nothing in common with the cigars I smoked years ago. When I started to smoke Havanas there was no Mag 46 but there was Partagas Royales, no QdO but there was Maria Guerrero, a wonderful cigar, there was no Cohiba but there was Davidoff & Dunhill, etc; etc; so what was I to do once they were gone ? give up ? OK , today it's a different story, they've taken away the 3 Partagas SDC to replace them with Montecristo Open, not great I'll agree, but still.

Things will still change, it always had and always will but there's one thing that will never change and that's "TERROIR", that will always be.

What Cuba can do with its tobacco, no NC country can do it. No NC tobacco can live on its own and make a great cigar, It needs to be blended with other tobaccos to come out with something decent.

It can be pretty good but it will never be GREAT, sorry Pete Johnson, As much as I enjoy your cigars, they'll never be as tasty nor as complex as a Cuban.

However, what the NC's are great at is packaging and marketing, something the Cuban are discovering now. Every week there's a new, better then better cigar. Packaging is extremely elaborate and enticing but at the end, what do you get out of that cigar ? well, the chance to try other greater then great cigar .

Is that what you want ? ok, no problem with me my friend, you may even enjoy the hobby. but I think that your dissappointments will be even greater then today.

This is just my opinion Ray but I felt that I had to say it, at the end it's all up to you bro.

Your cigar smoking friend,

Guy

Wonderful reply my friend, I should say my stoic friend.

Like many in my part of the world my cigar tastes have developed. Developed over near 30 years of smoking and trying just about every cigar product under the sun. I settled on CC firmly, as in a purest about a decade or so ago.

I have been an outspoken critic of NC cigars as well as a rabid advocate of the CC cigar as you are. I am just not convinced anymore of my conviction, not that NC cigars are subpar, but that the CC will remain on top. Some of these NC growers are pretty determined to topple those in the CC industry. And one thing for sure, I don't want to get in the way of any pissed off Cubans!!! -LOL On the other side of it is what the Cuban oligarchy is doing to their company. This represents to me the burning of the candle at both ends. The expats are gunning for them from the outside, and the clueless leadership is capitulating, even following them from within.

You have been here longer and have watched a greater decline than I have. I have been exposed to the CC cigar for only about 15 years now. The pace of the contraction of this company has hastened, or perhaps it is probably just a sample size error on my part, you tell me.

I know one thing... life is short. And as my friend Rob (RA) indicates, it is not a dress rehearsal. The CC company owes me nothing. And frankly they show it everyday in their actions against me as a customer, a loyal customer. What I am saying is that I owe them no loyalty either. The loyalty is my own limitation... a conviction to bring others and share what I have historically considered a fine, but acceptably flawed product. As the flaws grow larger, and the acceptability grows thinner, the loyalty becomes an issue that binds me to decline, instead of leading me to a better place.

I am not as confident as you. I think that going forward I may just buy only the older stock that represents what I know I like or not buy at all. Like a drunk on a last binge these folks need to be abandoned by their loyal supporters in order to get the message. When you breakdown yourself, if it happens, well that may just be the day they change! I used to think that I was like you, that I could fly the flag forever, but I cannot.

I feel for the people who have far less than I do, whose jobs will be taken by the increased production of a NC cigar company. That market share may well be gone forever. Beyond that... these folks can crash and burn for all I care! To say the least, I have had sense enough to buy a sufficient supply of what I like to smoke to last me a while. I can wait them out. But I will not wait them out quietly!!! I am anything but quiet!

Best mate, Ray

[laficion]

You and I may not like them but let's give them the credit they deserve.

Ken,

No one will ever blame them for TRYING,

[Orion21]

Hi everyone. I am not a Cuban cigar expert, but I do know a lot about business. And what I know about business is that big sells. It's a concept that America developed and the world has slowly started to follow. It may be that the bigger the cigar the better it is perceived to be (Behike 54/56?). More tobacco, more wrapper more everything is what people want. To a point it is not their fault. With the taxation associated with tobacco products around the world the cigar industry suffers from the same "special occasion" syndrome as champagne. Let me use Champagne as an example:

Regular drinkers of sparkling wine don't have to drink French 100% of the time because they enjoy sparkling wine on a regular basis. But for those who only drink sparkling wine on special occasions only French Champagne will do. The same concept may hold true for cigars. As cigars become less and less a hobby/lifestyle consumers are going to look for "celebratory" cigars that are big and long because of the perceived superiority. What Habanos is doing is reacting to what the market is buying (Recent LE's?). At the expense of long time consumers? Yes, but it's not all bad. I am sure Piggy can think of a few CC's he still likes? But let's consider abandoning Habanos all together -- the result would be catastrophic for everyone. Sales numbers would swing all the way to the new big fat smokes and hypothetically everything, but short/long and fat would remain standing.

Piggy, what I think you fail to realize is your loyalty will help to ensure that Habanos has to at least consider the needs of consumers who enjoy the older style of cigars that aficionado's enjoy. If guys like you move to NC's no voices of opposition will be heard. Long time smokers like you have power because you are know to guys like Rob. And guys like Rob want to keep you happy by voicing your dislikes directly to those at Habanos. If it helps in the long run, no one knows, but if you leave you guarantee marginalization.

P.S. Did anyone consider that the fact that Habanos is only running at 1/2 to 1/3 capacity means they have to focus on product that is selling vs. product that has been sitting for 5-6 years? Who is to say they won't bring things back if demand returns?

[Colt45]

Piggy, what I think you fail to realize is your loyalty will help to ensure that Habanos has to at least consider the needs of consumers who enjoy the older style of cigars that aficionado's enjoy.

Not to speak for Ray, but I think that's part of his point - they've stopped listening to him - some time ago.

Otherwise, you'd still be able to buy Partagas Serie Du Connaisseur Nos. !, 2, & 3. You would still be able

to buy RA 898. Bolivar Inmensas. You wouldn't have to worry about Bolivar CEs. The list goes on.

His loyalty is crapped upon with Behikes.

I will say that deletions are not just a recent phenomenon - they have a history of trimming the fat.

[laficion]

I can wait them out. But I will not wait them out quietly!!! I am anything but quiet!

Another great reply Ray, but please don't think that on the other side I myself will just

lay back and wait quietly for the wind to change , I never did that and I won't start today.

Just a few days ago, I sent an e-mail( one more) to H SA , and I'll post it here to show you

with what you have to deal with when bureaucracy no longer has an Idea of what you're talking about .¨

^^

^^

> Message: Dear sir,

>

> I have been smoking Habanos for over 40 years and I still can't understand

> why I can't get any consistency out of my PRICLY cigars. Either they are as

> tight as an ass or so underfilled they burn like hay.

> Where is your Quality control?? Not only are they expensive,they are

> also ALWAYS a

> hit or miss experience. Never the same.

> Will I have to smoke Non- Cubans to get the consistency but not the taste ??

> Maybe if your workers were better paid they would be more motivated, I'm

> sure.

> Not only are you getting rid of some of the best cigars Cuba has ever

> made,(Bolivar coronas extra, Partagas SDC,1,2,3, etc etc) but you are also

> replacing them with tastless cigars and poor Quality,(Montecristo Opens,

> Guantanamera etc etc). I'm very upset to see that the only important thing

> today is MONEY & MARKETING and that the historical heritage is not so

> important anymore to a point where it may be lost alltogther. I'm sorry if I

> seem a bit brutal but I love my Habanos so much that I'm sure you will agree

> that things cannot go on like this. Between Habanos & Non-Cubans,

> Habanos must be a leader not a follower.

> Sirs, please bring back the passion.

> Leave the great cigars and take out the cigars that are not fit to be called

> Habanos.

> Bring back a REAL Quality control. Every cigar should be great, Every box

> should be a delight and not a guess or a gamble.

> I'm only asking my Habanos to be what you ,sirs, say they are, the best

> cigars in the world.

> Thank you for the kind attention you have given my comments.

>

> Best regards,

> Guy Buscema,

> Calvisson, France

> Dear Mr Guy,

>

> Thank you very much for contacting us.

> There are strict quality control tests at all stages of hand making. Cigars

> than fails will never become Habanos. For further information about this

> topic you can go to http://www.habanos.com/article.aspx?aid=25〈=en.

> We recommend you to contact the retailer where you bought the cigars and we'd

> be very grateful if you provide us the information about that retailer and

> his location.

> Finally we recommend you always to buy Habanos in specialized shops.

>

> Best regards,

> Daymi Difurniao Rodríguez

> Dirección de Marketing Operativo/ Marketing Division.

> Corporación Habanos S.A.

> Avenida 3ra no. 2006, entre 20 y 22,

> Miramar, Playa, Ciudad de La Habana Estimado Sr.:

> Teléf.: +537 204 0513/14 ext 565

> www.habanos.com

> www.lacasadelhabano.com

>

> -----Mensaje original-----

> De: Guy Buscema [mailto:[email protected]]

> Enviado el: martes, 23 de agosto de 2011 8:36

> Para: [email protected]

> CC: Daymi Difurniao

> Asunto: Email from Contact Us page

Dear Sr. Daymi,

Thank you for your reply but it is clear that you did not understand

the meaning of my letter.

It has nothing to do with WHERE I'm buying my Habanos, nor with

what you advertise on how your Quality Control should be.

I am talking about REALITY !!!

I'm sorry to have taken your time & mine.

Best regards,

Guy Buscéma,

France

OH Well, I'll just keep on pushing I guess

[armedak]

Now that's funny! Tell them where you bought your cigars and they will scold the merchant for selling you sub-par cigars? Guy, they probably think you bought fakes!

[Van55]

Cabiguan Guapos JR.

Davidoff Millenium Blend Petite Coronas.

[Stalebread]

Ken,

No one will ever blame them for TRYING,

Damning with faint praise.

-- edited --

what I should say is that in these discussions about the only thing that really gets to me is when an opinion is stated as if it were a fact.

[android]

Another great reply Ray, but please don't think that on the other side I myself will just

lay back and wait quietly for the wind to change , I never did that and I won't start today.

Just a few days ago, I sent an e-mail( one more) to H SA , and I'll post it here to show you

with what you have to deal with when bureaucracy no longer has an Idea of what you're talking about .¨

^^

^^

> Message: Dear sir,

>

> I have been smoking Habanos for over 40 years and I still can't understand

> why I can't get any consistency out of my PRICLY cigars. Either they are as

> tight as an ass or so underfilled they burn like hay.

> Where is your Quality control?? Not only are they expensive,they are

> also ALWAYS a

> hit or miss experience. Never the same.

> Will I have to smoke Non- Cubans to get the consistency but not the taste ??

> Maybe if your workers were better paid they would be more motivated, I'm

> sure.

> Not only are you getting rid of some of the best cigars Cuba has ever

> made,(Bolivar coronas extra, Partagas SDC,1,2,3, etc etc) but you are also

> replacing them with tastless cigars and poor Quality,(Montecristo Opens,

> Guantanamera etc etc). I'm very upset to see that the only important thing

> today is MONEY & MARKETING and that the historical heritage is not so

> important anymore to a point where it may be lost alltogther. I'm sorry if I

> seem a bit brutal but I love my Habanos so much that I'm sure you will agree

> that things cannot go on like this. Between Habanos & Non-Cubans,

> Habanos must be a leader not a follower.

> Sirs, please bring back the passion.

> Leave the great cigars and take out the cigars that are not fit to be called

> Habanos.

> Bring back a REAL Quality control. Every cigar should be great, Every box

> should be a delight and not a guess or a gamble.

> I'm only asking my Habanos to be what you ,sirs, say they are, the best

> cigars in the world.

> Thank you for the kind attention you have given my comments.

>

> Best regards,

> Guy Buscema,

> Calvisson, France

> Dear Mr Guy,

>

> Thank you very much for contacting us.

> There are strict quality control tests at all stages of hand making. Cigars

> than fails will never become Habanos. For further information about this

> topic you can go to http://www.habanos.c...aid=25〈=en.

> We recommend you to contact the retailer where you bought the cigars and we'd

> be very grateful if you provide us the information about that retailer and

> his location.

> Finally we recommend you always to buy Habanos in specialized shops.

>

> Best regards,

> Daymi Difurniao Rodríguez

> Dirección de Marketing Operativo/ Marketing Division.

> Corporación Habanos S.A.

> Avenida 3ra no. 2006, entre 20 y 22,

> Miramar, Playa, Ciudad de La Habana Estimado Sr.:

> Teléf.: +537 204 0513/14 ext 565

> www.habanos.com

> www.lacasadelhabano.com

>

> -----Mensaje original-----

> De: Guy Buscema [mailto:[email protected]]

> Enviado el: martes, 23 de agosto de 2011 8:36

> Para: [email protected]

> CC: Daymi Difurniao

> Asunto: Email from Contact Us page

Dear Sr. Daymi,

Thank you for your reply but it is clear that you did not understand

the meaning of my letter.

It has nothing to do with WHERE I'm buying my Habanos, nor with

what you advertise on how your Quality Control should be.

I am talking about REALITY !!!

I'm sorry to have taken your time & mine.

Best regards,

Guy Buscéma,

France

OH Well, I'll just keep on pushing I guess

Guy, very nicely written letter...Clearly Mr. Daymi is clueless!!!

[ronin]

Guy, very nicely written letter...Clearly Mr. Daymi is clueless!!!

Nobody wants to know that the emperor has no clothes.