Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 5/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill,
Not too long ago, I purchased a box of Macanudo Hampton Courts from JR which came w/ a free 4-pack of (what were listed as) Macanudo Somersets.  The 4 Macanudo cigars were 6.00x48.  However, I can't seem to find any listing of Somersets ever made in that particular size.  Any idea on what Macanudo they sent me?  Or was this perhaps a discontinued line?  I'm trying to keep my stogie journal up to date, and I'm stuck...

Thanks!

ANSWER: Greg,

The only Somerset I'm aware of is Macanudo Gold Label Somerset. It is actually a 5" x 54. The Gold Label series is double-banded with the second band reading "Gold Label". Any chance that is what they sent you?

Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Definitely not.  It's a standard Macanudo series (judging by the ring label).  The 4 came individually cellophaned and loose.  I measured them myself at 6.00x48.  JR's customer service and the printed invoice maintain that they are the Somerset series, but I know it HAS to be a typo.  I am lost on this one...

ANSWER: Greg,

Don't know what to tell you. There is not a Somerset in the Macanudo Cafe line. There is a 6" x 50 "Duke of Windsor" and a 6" x 50 "Thames". I wonder if they ran out of the "Somerset" they were advertising and sent these to you as substitutes? The only other thing I can think of is that JR had Cafe Somersets made for them, but I doubt that is the case.

Take a look at General Cigar Company's web site at www.cigarworld.com and you can see every size of Macanudo cigars.

Sorry I don't have a perfect answer - I'm willing to bet the cigars you received were a substitute.

Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, it's not the Windsor (that's a bellicoso shape, mine are parejos).  It very well could be the Thames.  Is that a parejo shape w/ a Natural colored wrapper?  If so, that is most likely it!  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Greg,

The Thames is a straight shape (parejo), and it is only available in the Cafe line (natural wrapper). However, it is a tubed cigar and normally comes in an aluminum tube with the name "Thames" on the tube. I just can't imagine what else they would have sent you.
Bill