Cigars/Seconds?
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Question
Hello James,
Thanks for all the helpful answers provided. Each online cigar retailer's site is wrought with specials and deals of all kinds. I am curious about the "Seconds" option. The sites say these products are rejected from regular sale because of one quality control or aesthetic issue, but that the smoke is still as good and it is just not banded or labeled. Are these a good value or safe option? Any insight is appreciated.
Joe
Hi Joe,
"Factory Second" cigars can be a great deal and are definitely worth trying. As you mentioned, many of these cigars are blemished and unbanded cigars that are plainly bundled in cellophane wrappers. They also do not come with boxes or cigar bands but due to their extremely low prices, they are definitely worth trying. Most factory second cigars aren't great but for the extremely low price, they make excellent "everyday" cigars for when you just want a quick and affordable smoke.
The quality of a factory second cigar can also surprise you. I've smoke a few factory second and "house brand" non-Cuban cigars that were plainly packaged without labels but tasted just as good as a premium Cuban cigar.
To answer your question, these cigars can indeed be a good value. You should try a house-brand or factory second cigar once in a while... you may be pleasantly surprised by them. :)
Hopes this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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