Trinidad Reyes Construction Problems

[braveheart655]

Hey everyone!

I've started smoking cigars just a couple of months ago. I have been trying different cigars to establish which ones I like. Depending on the rave reviews, I've decided to have a go at Trinidad Reyes and bought a box of 12 (The box code is MSE JUL 11). I've tried 4 cigars out of the box this past week and the construction is just awful. One cigar was plugged so it was unsmokeable. For the rest 3, the burn was wonky, I had to relight couple of times, draw was too tight and in the end I still couldn't get what the flavor profile of this cigar is (I can only say that they were light). I know that I should expect some inconsistencies in a box but 4 bad ones out of 12 seems a bit extreme (especially given the price premium).

When further I inspect the rest of the box, I can observe some underfilled/overfilled sticks, damaged wrappers, green tobacco on the foot etc. as well. I'll keep trying the rest of the box but I was wondering if this is just the normal case with the Trini Reyes.

Depending on your feedback I might invest in a box of 24. So please fire away

[Ginseng]

I've enjoyed the Reyes almost since they first came out and I can say I've never seen the type of severe problems you're reporting. I've found the Trinis to be uniformly well constructed from the smallest the largest (not counting the Coloniales, with which I have minimal experience). Well and properly stored, they have been very consistent in terms of appearance and construction.

Wilkey

[Puros Y Vino]

Very odd to have so many duds in one box. How are your storing the box? Can you post some pictures of the cigars/box? It could be you have a counterfeit.

[isa]

I have smoked one box of reyes which was good and another one which was just full of average to poor cigars, no plugging issues, but no flavour to speak of - so my experience is mixed

[brazoseagle]

I love them, all of mine have been great. I have never seen this problem in Reyes.

[cckandb24]

Construction for me has always been absolutely flawless but don't get much flavor from them. I think you have to have a great palate to pick up its complexities

[Bunner]

Idk if this is of any help but i have a box from 11 as well and it was a 12. All smokes have burned quite well and have been awesome. Ever since I was giften one last year I have been a fan!

[braveheart655]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll try to go through the box before reaching a conclusion.

@bundwallah

The box is new and cigars have been sitting in my humidor. I'm certain that I didn't get a fake so I guess it was just bad luck

[Orion21]

Trini is known for having beautifully constructed cigars....probably random. I just got a box of Coloniales and they are works of art.

[Colt45]

How are your storing the box?

My first thought as well....

When I hear tight / plugged draws and burn issues, without knowing your personal storage conditions, the first thing that comes to mind is

overhumidified cigars.

[CaptainQuintero]

Been talking to a few people this month and apparently very recent production (nov 11 onwards) has been going downhill very fast. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this here.

[Orion21]

Good thing my box is OCT 11 CQ I'm sure it's the standard Cuban inconsistency thing or a vocal minority. I have been thinking recently we hear about the plugged cigars, I am included, but don't have people post when they have a perfect draw etc. It's kind of like the Yelp phenomenon here in the US, the people that had great or horrible experiences post. Those in the middle don't bother.

[CaptainQuintero]

You lucky guy! If they were rolled a few days later you would have had to send them to me for your safety

[LLC]

My first thought as well....

When I hear tight / plugged draws and burn issues, without knowing your personal storage conditions, the first thing that comes to mind is

overhumidified cigars.

I was also going to say that it may be over humidified. Try dry boxing the next one. I have a FEB 11 box and there great.

[thechenman]

I have a 12 count box of Trini Reyes with the same box code. I have to agree with you that these are probably the ugliest Trini Reyes I've seen. Not up to their usual quality. A few random green splotches on the wrapper on a few cigars. I smoked many of these and have only 4 or 5 left in the box. These Reyes have not been up to par with ones I've smoked in the past, but they aren't horrible. I did not have any plugged cigars. On or tow may have been underfilled, but it didn't cause any draw or serious burn issues. I smoke a lot of Trini Reyes, and I don't know if others will echo my statement, but I tend to have better luck with the 24 count boxes. Not sure why that is. I wouldn't let your box discourage you though. Typically these are great cigars...one of my favorite goto smokes when I don't have the time to enjoy a larger cigar.

[braveheart655]

Update: After dryboxing for 2 days, I decided to give another try to Trini Reyes. I've picked out the best possible stick in the box and started smoking. Again the problem is the little sucker just keeps going out. In order to keep it alive, you need to puff it like a cigarette. After 10 minutes and 4 matches, I just gave up and throw it into the garbage. I was thinking about buying a box of Trini Reyes and Robusto T but after this experience I'm not even thinking twice. I'd advise you to be aware of the problems with Trini Reyes as well. (Just for a reference, yesterday I've smoked through a Siglo V on a windy day without any problems.)

In the end, Habanos SA succeeded to make me angry on such a cr*ppy box of cigars. Shame on you HSA and Trinidad. At least put a single decent one in the box!

[braveheart655]

Update to the update: I was so frustrated that I had to go ahead and crack open my very first box of Genios. Not as good as I hoped but still, that second third was a bliss.