Why are the bands so grotesque? BR cigars 109

[subzerox]

I got a 5 pack directly shipped from here, so there is no doubt to provenance. Look at the band - it's veiny-er than a BBC. Also, it looks like its been rubbed on stuff and fading in some parts. The veins you can actually feel with your nail. At first I thought no big deal, and still think no big deal, I'm just curious what did they do in the factory? lol The foot band was the same - I tossed it before I decided to post this. 

[El Presidente]

The bands are the big upgrade project for BR in 2026.

I wear the blame here. We could have gone top tier by importing from Europe but I insisted on every aspect of BR, Desnudo, MOFOH to be made in Honduras. Box makers, ribbon suppliers, band manufacturers. We have invested money to assist the local artisans to get up to speed. I really want the dollars to remain in Honduras and assist this aspect of the local economy to rise and become world class.

It will happen slowly, but it will happen 😉

[Çnote]

This is the most impressive thing I've heard about this project. 

[El Hoze]

Pardon the interruption here but to clarify, I believe the veins the OP is referring to are an intentional part of the design element to emulate the veins of tobacco leaves. They are also found on two sides of the cardboard outer, the ends of the box, and embossed on the inside paper. I’ve attached photos as just looking at the band it is a bit more difficult to discern what the pattern is on the small area of the band. 

I have smoked a whole bunch of both the 109 and Petit 109 out of several boxes, I have not noticed enough scuffing or fading that I would call it problematic. El Pres clearly has a much more discerning eye and standard vs. what I have (always a good thing when the owner has higher standards than the customer). 

One thing I would say is on the foot band, I have torn a few of the wrappers slightly when removing them. Not a huge deal to me as within a minute or two you’ve smoked past it…but since we’re on the topic. 

Hopefully I have forgotten about the BBC reference the next time I smoke one! 🤣 

[JDoughty]

Smoke it and you'll stop caring much what the band looks like. They really are that good. This said, that does look a lot more beat up than the ones in any of the boxes I have. 

[BrightonCorgi]

A more forgiving adhesive on the foot band would help some.