A tale of two Principes.

[El Presidente]

Just in the warehouse picking a little bit of stock and checked my San Cristobal Principes from a mastercase of EML MAR 15. I really rate EML. Skewed to the right (quality) on the my Box Code quality index.

Still you have some hit and misses.

For me, quality Principe need to have that hint of red in the wrapper to achieve that molasses flavour hit that I love.

This HQ box of EML MAR 15 is what I am looking for: great construction, nice oily wrapper.

This box however (same EML MAR 15 code, same mastercase) is what I avoid when looking for principe. Flat lifeless wrapper.

I smoke a fair few Principe. That reddish wrapper makes a big difference to my taste. If you have the opportunity to purchase from a B&M, try to get the former as opposed to the latter.

[TheLiquidGator]

Thanks!

[shlomo]

That top pic is much sharper. Did you use your phone for bottom? Top? Both?

Need a good camera on my next phone.

[maxcjs0101]

The latter looks like wrappers one will find in Jose Piedra brand.

Having said that and being the cheap bastard that i am, I'D STILL TAP THAT

[Lotusguy]

That top pic is much sharper. Did you use your phone for bottom? Top? Both?

Need a good camera on my next phone.

Just look at the bands in both pictures - really not a good comparison when they look so different.

[sandz]

Quite the noticeable difference there. As an unassuming buyer, if I saw both boxes sitting there I would certainly choose the one with the redder darker wrapper. Looks so much richer!

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[Coolio]

Only been through two boxes of these, and both have looked like the top example.

And both smoked awesomely!

[oliverdst]

Just look at the bands in both pictures - really not a good comparison when they look so different.

It's been like that for a long time. The only way-out would be put boxes side by side, what I think it's kind of hard due the amount of boxes to be inspected.

[El Presidente]

That top pic is much sharper. Did you use your phone for bottom? Top? Both?

Need a good camera on my next phone.

Samsung S5. Auto white balance. Will try and take a few more shots of each.

[shlomo]

Samsung S5. Auto white balance. Will try and take a few more shots of each.

For both pics? That's a nice shot for the top one. Been looking at the Samsung. Still with an old Samsung flip phone myself.

[Pariah89]

That is good to know, thank you.

[El Presidente]

For both pics? That's a nice shot for the top one. Been looking at the Samsung. Still with an old Samsung flip phone myself.

I only use the Samsung S5 for cigar photo's. no time for anything else so a point and shoot exercise. If blurry I sharpen. Auto white balance and up they go.

Here is a photo side by side.

[Lotusguy]

I only use the Samsung S5 for cigar photo's. no time for anything else so a point and shoot exercise. If blurry I sharpen. Auto white balance and up they go.

Here is a photo side by side.

Principe comparison.jpg

Much better comparison - thanks!

[bugman78629]

Thanks for the info/comparison.....

[JohnS]

My EML FEB 15 San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe cigars have that wonderful red shade and they have been smoking fantastically. I'm down to the last 10 so I'm hoping these EML MAR 15 come up on 24:24 soon!

[bwgan]

clang

[Smallclub]

Why not complain to Pacific Cigar? I'm sure David Tang would be horrified if he knew what was going out under his name.

and what's going "under his name", exactly?

I'm sure mister Tang will be VERY interested to know that some mediocre boxes of El Principe have made their way to Australia

[ralphie48]

Im hoping to see these on the 24:24 soon. Need more!

[oliverdst]

Why not complain to Pacific Cigar? I'm sure David Tang would be horrified if he knew what was going out under his name.

clang

and what's going "under his name", exactly?

I'm sure mister Tang will be VERY interested to know that some mediocre boxes of El Principe have made their way to Australia

I think he was being sarcastic but I am not sure.

[vinnyvega]

Time for a box of Principes. Great little cigar.

[El Presidente]

Why not complain to Pacific Cigar? I'm sure David Tang would be horrified if he knew what was going out under his name.

If I returned every cigar like that I would wear out my welcome quick smart

[Smallclub]

Rob, I know Tang and he'd be the first to complain about defective merchandise. In fact he'd scream about it.

There is no "defective marchandise" here. These cigars are totally smokable, they might even be perfectly rolled.

Have you ever inspected boxes in a well-stocked cigar shop? Ugly, veiny, dry, rough habanos wrappers are certainely not rare.

[Orion21]

There is no "defective marchandise" here. These cigars are totally smokable, they might even be perfectly rolled.

Have you ever inspected boxes in a well-stocked cigar shop? Ugly, veiny, dry, rough habanos wrappers are certainely not rare.

True, , the best bolivar Petit Corona I have ever smoked was the ugliest mother you could have imagined. I was smoking it to get rid of it and it was a stellar smoke. I know this flies in the face of the wrapper quality discussion in another thread, but the wrapper is just supplied to the roller. If everything else is good-great quality the cigars can still be top notch. BUT, given the choice I would take box A with the reddish wrappers LOL!

[luv2fly]

True, , the best bolivar Petit Corona I have ever smoked was the ugliest mother you could have imagined. I was smoking it to get rid of it and it was a stellar smoke. I know this flies in the face of the wrapper quality discussion in another thread, but the wrapper is just supplied to the roller. If everything else is good-great quality the cigars can still be top notch. BUT, given the choice I would take box A with the reddish wrappers LOL!

I too have had fantastic cigars that would not win a beauty contest. They might take the "Prize Pig" award, but that said, I would take box A if the chance presented itself.

[Destino30]

I've seen this same kind of variation in Trinidads. I've had Robusto Extras that were pale (and smoked that way) and others darker and richer looking. No surprise that the latter were more flavorful.

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