Red Alert!

[Trevor2118]

So there's not enough context for me to understand that list. Is that just a list of packaging that is disappearing? For example, the choix supreme 50 count cabinet is disappearing but wouldn't that mean you can still buy the 25 box? The 25 box of Partagas are being discontinued but you can still buy singles or cabinets?

That list needs more context.

-- Gary F.

This may help:

In summary:

19 Cigars deleted.

10 Packaging types deleted.

Of the deleted cigars, there are 10 Panetelas, 7 Coronas, & 2 Churchills.

[BonVivant]

Makes one wonder: What is next?

[gfoster]

Thanks that helps noobs like me understand the situation MUCH better.

-- Gary F.

[landhoney]

These 'deletions' lists are becoming my shopping lists. Many are already favorites of mine (the skinnies mainly) and as relatively new smoker I am not going to get stuck in the LFdC Coronas, PL Lonsdale, RA 898 boat of either not getting them or paying through the nose to get them.

[gfoster]

And if we cross-reference this deletion list with Rob's summary of the top 8 weekend smokes, the only one that is on both lists is the Diplomaticos #4.

-- Gary F.

[Colt45]

Even though I disagree with rationale ......

No doubt - I don't find it rational either. Personally, I'd find the loss of the Connaisseur line to be even greater than that of the RA 898. But, I've basically

resigned myself to the fact that these things are, for the most part, out of my control. As they continue to discontinue personal favorites, I'll continue

to spend less than I already do on Havana cigars.

A drop in the bucket I know.

[El Presidente]

There is a rearguard action going on to save what can be saved. if there is a small silver lining there are enough of the discontinued cigars (the ones that hurt) in warehouses (Habanos/distributors) to last a couple of years based on existing consumer demand.

The beancounters are running the company. None of the listed cigars would likely have been rolled in 2010 regardless given current surplus supplies. It is a travesty, a mistake of the highest order. The are following the 80/20 rule where 80% of what they actually sell comes from 20% of their portfolio. What they are incapable of understanding is that the balance 80% of their portfolia symbolises their rich history.

We should have a clearer picture come January.

[Ginseng]

So much for any hope of a Habanos Heritage Series...unless you're willing to pay $25 a stick for "special" cigars...like the soon to be defunct SDC series.

What a travesty. And now the Punch RSs too? The world has gone topsy turvy.

Wilkey

[Mr Peales]

These listings are to painful. I have to get another hobby.

[Colt45]

None of the listed cigars would likely have been rolled in 2010 regardless given current surplus supplies.

A bit off topic, but what might be done with the tobacco that would have been used to roll 2010 production? Saved, aged, used for other more popular

cigars?

[SnakeHips]

The Diplomaticos Nos. 4 and 5 and the Punch Royal Selection Nos. 11 and 12 were unpopular?!

[Bartolomeo]

There is a rearguard action going on to save what can be saved. if there is a small silver lining there are enough of the discontinued cigars (the ones that hurt) in warehouses (Habanos/distributors) to last a couple of years based on existing consumer demand.

The beancounters are running the company. None of the listed cigars would likely have been rolled in 2010 regardless given current surplus supplies. It is a travesty, a mistake of the highest order. The are following the 80/20 rule where 80% of what they actually sell comes from 20% of their portfolio. What they are incapable of understanding is that the balance 80% of their portfolia symbolises their rich history.

We should have a clearer picture come January.

So what your saying is we dont have to worry about still getting Punch RS and Dip #4 for a while then, correct?

Thanks,

Bart

[PigFish]

A bit off topic, but what might be done with the tobacco that would have been used to roll 2010 production? Saved, aged, used for other more popular

cigars?

Ross.... Bingo!

That is the ******* point. What, 60 M out of 200 M potential production this year? All kinds of cigars are sitting around. Variety is the key to keeping the lion's share of a diverse market. Canning the "skinnies" is not a winning strategy. Like you Ross I won't be replacing cigars that I like with ones that I don't.

With exception of the "revitalized" PLPC I would like the crowd at Tabacuba to know that I have only smoked discontinued cigars for the past week or more. The last 'living cigar' that I smoked was a BBF before Thanksgiving.

Now I like the D-2 (Diplo). But keeping it in a crowd of overproduced piramides is just to kill every parejo cigar in the family is just plain ******* stupid. I know... you are gonna' kill the #2 as well!

Hear me Tabacuba. You guys are a bunch of dumb f2$#S!

Rob I am once again ready for good cop/bad cop 2010. The bad cop has started!!!

[Colt45]

What, 60 M out of 200 M potential production this year? All kinds of cigars are sitting around. Variety is the key to keeping the lion's share of a diverse market. Canning the "skinnies" is not a winning strategy.

Without intending to pile on, we've got the Cohiba GR at 52 ring, the upcoming Behike lina at 52, 54, and 56 ring, and the upcoming SCdLH O'Reilly

at 56 ring. I'm seriously curious to know if they really think they would sell less GRs if they had been Siglo V instead of Siglo VI?

Or the San Cristobal book a Cervantes, or have at least one of the Behikes a corona let's say. Especially with the specialty products, do they really feel

they'd sell less?

[samb]

So what your saying is we dont have to worry about still getting Punch RS and Dip #4 for a while then, correct?

Thanks,

Bart

Holy $hit!! I hope so! Ive only just begun my journey into habanos and because of this corruption and stupidity, I will be unable to have ready access to the ill-fated smokes on the list. I just hope the warehouses do have enough for another couple of years.

[El Presidente]

Ross.... Bingo!

Rob I am once again ready for good cop/bad cop 2010. The bad cop has started!!!

I actually agree with you

[El Presidente]

A bit off topic, but what might be done with the tobacco that would have been used to roll 2010 production? Saved, aged, used for other more popular

cigars?

All of the above Colt. Production may hit 80 million cigars this year with capacity say 160 Million. They didnt cut back the crop and it was an excellent year (08/09). That is a hell of a lot or prime tobacco being stored.

[bunburyist]

What a bizarre situation this really is.

In my experience, whenever a company falls into the trap of back-room staff (accountants, hr, IT etc) exercising too much control performance dives. Just in this situtation it doesn't really matter as it's not as if there is any real competition. So the only result is that the end-user (us) gets shafted. A case of the tail wagging the dog.

Ford didn't remake the GT40, or Nissan the new Skyline to make direct cash from sales. The cost benefit of producing those motors compared to their regular run about cars is way out. They do it because they have the vision and forethought to understand that those products do a great deal to enhance the line as a whole.

If we end up with a world of robustos, double robustos....and sod all else, overall sales will fall, of that I'm sure.

Just me ranting I guess as nothing that everyone here doesn't already know....and typing this reminds me of an extensive thread a few months back pretty much about the same thing.

My most common smokes are robustos, petit coronas and piramides. But my cuban experience would be greatly diminshed if I was denied the opportunity to smoke lines like the party conns.

Strange people huh.

[El Presidente]

So what your saying is we dont have to worry about still getting Punch RS and Dip #4 for a while then, correct?

Thanks,

Bart

I think the Dip 4 will be the first to go. it is a popular cigar amongst those that know their cigars. Still I think you will see it thoughout 2010 but it will disappear first. Pick up HQ and PSP when and if they come up over the coming months.

Punch Royal Seleccion No 11 and 12 will hang around longer. They have always been slow movers and relatively unknown outside of the zealots.

As much as I love the Connoisseur line most buyers don't share the passion. They will be available for some time to come I suspect.

[MIKA27]

Diplomaticos No.2 still available

Is that a given and confirmed??

[Bartolomeo]

I think the Dip 4 will be the first to go. it is a popular cigar amongst those that know their cigars. Still I think you will see it thoughout 2010 but it will disappear first. Pick up HQ and PSP when and if they come up over the coming months.

Punch Royal Seleccion No 11 and 12 will hang around longer. They have always been slow movers and relatively unknown outside of the zealots.

As much as I love the Connoisseur line most buyers don't share the passion. They will be available for some time to come I suspect.

Thanks for the heads up Rob

Bart

[Tampa1257]

How large (boxes) is a Master Case of Partagas Serie du Connaisseur's?

Maybe Piggy, Colt and myself can go in together?

This is a serious question.

[aavkk]

Wow, I don't have much more to add other than it's like watching a car accident in really slow motion. I agree Rob that they are tearing the fabric of the history that is such a big part of the habanos experience. Many will be missed on that list! I'm really upset and disappointed.

[mkz]

Just curious: Where does the list come from? Is it official?

[bunburyist]

Hold on - if the Diplomaticos 4 and 5 are being deleted....that only leaves the No. 2 piramide.

...I guess there's no reason why not, but isn't it odd to have a cigar line with just one cigar?

Unless.....room is being made for a Diplo Robusto or some such