What to buy blind

[Lucass111]

Ok so buying blind is never a situation that we want to find ourselves in, that's why we're here. If you had to buy blind though what would your list of boxes be? Also what are a few that you would never buy blind?

[Derboesekoenig]

15 minutes ago, Lucass111 said:

 

Ok so buying blind is never a situation that we want to find ourselves in, that's why we're here. If you had to buy blind though what would your list of boxes be? Also what are a few that you would never buy blind?

 

I've bought a lot of ELs and ERs blind. I'd buy custom rolls blind. Otherwise, I'm very glad to have found this community

[TBird55]

I used to be content buying blind from a couple of vendors, but it was always a crap shoot. Sometimes very good, but mostly average or less. I was very hesitant to buy a marca, that I was unfamiliar with. Since discovering FOH, My experience is that you can buy blind in the FOH store, and receive cigars (as Rob would say), that you would buy if you went to a B & M store. I rarely purchase from other vendors now.

[El Presidente]

31 minutes ago, Lucass111 said:

 

Ok so buying blind is never a situation that we want to find ourselves in, that's why we're here. 

 

God I hope not. 

 

31 minutes ago, Lucass111 said:

If you had to buy blind though what would your list of boxes be? Also what are a few that you would never buy blind?

 

 

The "What's Hot and What's thread"what's not thread provides a good starting spot. 

Rule of thumb:

Avoid the big sellers.

Avoid the Pinar factory. 

Go 50 cabs when that is an option. 

 

very few duds in 

El Laguito

Lusi

898

E2

HDM DC

Esplendido

Winston

P2 (this year). 

Monte 1/3/5

Presidente 

Fonseca 1

Le's of 2017 have been good. 

 

Overall it has been a tough year in terms of consistency and quality. The reasons are well known. 

 

 

[Derboesekoenig]

What are the PDR codes? I'm not familiar with these.

[backbone]

The FOH store inspects every box sold and only sells good stock.

Blind would be buying from a vendor that doesn't inspect product.

[Colt45]

7 minutes ago, Backdrft76 said:

Isn't "buying blind" not knowing the factory and date code? If so, everytime we purchase from the FOH store we buy blind, correct?? 

Not necessarily......

Typically it refers to buying cigars which have not been inspected by a merchant regardless of codes. Czar does have an inspection process.

[Lotusguy]

Don’t fool yourself - even with inspection it’s a crap shoot. You just improve your odds a bit.

Handmade products produced in a no-wage country with laughable quality control - what could go wrong?

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, backbone said:

 

Blind would be buying from a vendor that doesn't inspect product.

Your not buying blind if any legit vendor combines running an eye over the box (and a few fingers) + a pinch of giving a flying fig 

[vidast]

My problem is I'm a sucker for deals and great prices which usually means buying blind. As I'm learning more about this hobby I am realizing FOH is the way to go

[earthson]

I have to say I was first caught by the allure of the cheapest vendors, but all it took was a couple dog boxes or moldy boxes or unscrupulous individuals who hesitated the few times I called in their "satisfaction guaranteed" warranty, before I realized saving a few quid per cigar wasn't worth it when I was dreading smoking from a box I had looked forward to receiving.

Still, for the blind buying I do partake in (the shame! the horror!), I've found a few gems that rarely disappoint: PLMC, Punch Punch and the sadly discontinued HUPC.  Not that there aren't bad boxes out there of these.  Just that the duds I've had of these are far outweighed by the consistent quality (which isn't to say that the cigars are all identical to each other).

Just following the 24:24 offerings (that I'm almost always too slow to win at) has been a help, as have the new "Hot and Not" threads Rob is gracious enough to put up.  Happy hunting!  Blind-buying a picture-perfect box is a rush!

[Drguano]

A Braille torch lighter...

[El Presidente]

8 hours ago, mtapia3 said:

Would Fundadores make this list right now? 

it is very much getting there. RAG DIC 17 to 18. I wouldn't mind seeing one more shipment. 

[joshhooper7]

22 hours ago, El Presidente said:

very few duds in 

El Laguito

Lusi

898

E2

HDM DC

Esplendido

Winston

P2 (this year). 

Monte 1/3/5

Presidente 

Fonseca 1

Le's of 2017 have been good. 

I smoked a Fonseca No. 1 from 2015 the other night in my hotel in Doha, Qatar. For a cigar that goes under the radar and costs very little I was blown away. The last one I smoked was excellent, but this one improved even more since the last time I visited it. Hands down my #1 cigar of the year so far, and this was my second cigar of the day - first being a Trinidad Topes! Loads of velvety smoke, flavors of milk chocolate in the first half that settled down into black truffle and coffee on the back half. Absolutely stunning.

Anxiously awaiting another PSP offering of them so I can pick up 2-3 more boxes!

[Derboesekoenig]

23 minutes ago, joshhooper7 said:

I smoked a Fonseca No. 1 from 2015 the other night in my hotel in Doha, Qatar. For a cigar that goes under the radar and costs very little I was blown away. The last one I smoked was excellent, but this one improved even more since the last time I visited it. Hands down my #1 cigar of the year so far, and this was my second cigar of the day - first being a Trinidad Topes! Loads of velvety smoke, flavors of milk chocolate in the first half that settled down into black truffle and coffee on the back half. Absolutely stunning.

Anxiously awaiting another PSP offering of them so I can pick up 2-3 more boxes!

You got black truffle out of it? Wow, I'm leaving all mine for 4-5 years then. Very interesting

[BinBin]

I stopped buying every where else. FOH doesn’t have the cheapest but it does have quality. I trust everything coming from Diana and the worst sticks from here is the best from other retailers

[Lotusguy]

Would not buy anywhere except FOH......unless getting over to Cuba and I can open up to see what’s inside. And if I can’t open, I’m not buying. Yes, I’d rather pay more on FOH than buying a box blind in Cuba for less.

You’re missing out on a hell of a lot of RE and aged cigars then

[Habana Mike]

4 hours ago, Jal154 said:

In Cuba?

I believe Claus means in general. Many RE are not available on FOH as it's typically PCC (APAC) RE Rob puts up.

Aged, yes too. Many places to find aside from the locker sales or PCC Vintage you see here. Caveat Emptor though as they say.....

[joshhooper7]

21 hours ago, Derboesekoenig said:

You got black truffle out of it? Wow, I'm leaving all mine for 4-5 years then. Very interesting

Black truffle is the only way I know how to describe the sweet, mellow mushroom flavors that I was getting. Not exactly a black truffle flavor, but very, very similar.