"Hot" Brands right now (poll)

muhren · 03-05-2011, 09:22 PM

Obviously, this doesn't cover ALL brands. It's NC boutique based and only those that seem to be highly discussed and run by young(er) guys.

Brand doing good things RIGHT now? Yea or Nay is what I'm after here.

Tatuaje
Viaje
Liga Privada
Illusione

Oh yeah, you can vote more than once and the vote is hidden on this one.

icehog3 · 03-05-2011, 09:28 PM

Doing well making cigars, or doing well marketing cigars, Mike?

muhren · 03-05-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

Doing well making cigars, or doing well marketing cigars, Mike?

Good question! Do you feel good about them when you think of the brand. Does something overwhelmingly positive jump out at you? Something overwhelmingly negative? Does something give you pause? If you think of the brand is it a positive thought or a negative one?

I'm talking generally well.

M

icehog3 · 03-05-2011, 09:43 PM

I have had cigars from three of the companies, and have some Viajes that I have yet to sample.

Tatuaje makes some good cigars, and some dogs. They spread themselves so thin, however, that they are turning some off with the dozens of releases. The marketing strategy is great though, because they have hundreds of BOTLs chasing their "HTF" multiple releases.

I was totally turned off my Illusione years ago when they decided to use the Jonestown Massacre as the center of their campaign. After enough time passed, I sampled some of their cigars, most recently the Epernay line and the Singulare. I like their cigars, and I guess I have forgiven their insensitive marketing of the past.

I have smoked a few of the Liga Privada, most recently a Flying Pig. Taste doesn't suit me, I am not impressed, but I see lots of BOTLs chasing them, so they most be doing something right.

I will probably smoke a Skull'n'Bones next week....of course one cigar won't give me an educated opinion, but at least I will have an initial impression.

Bill86 · 03-05-2011, 09:51 PM

I voted Nay on Tatuaje for their stupid amount of releases, yay for Viaje for their less and "seasonal releases". Illusione I've only had one but it was great, going to sample more. Never had any interest in Liga Privada so I voted them down. Their Pigs and whatnot are $13-$14 a piece too pricey and I don't like the sizes or shapes.

Bill86 · 01-18-2012, 12:03 AM

I thought I had to go to the local library to buy cigars online

I had no idea my internets works too!

Great info!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill86

I voted Nay on Tatuaje for their stupid amount of releases, yay for Viaje for their less and "seasonal releases". Illusione I've only had one but it was great, going to sample more. Never had any interest in Liga Privada so I voted them down. Their Pigs and whatnot are $13-$14 a piece too pricey and I don't like the sizes or shapes.

Interesting to see my old assessments.

To re-vote in this thread I'd go
Tatuaje -Nay
Viaje -Nay (went the way of Tatuaje, like two clowns in a circus)
Illusione -

(they are branching out with a lot more smokes but no stupid limited crap)
Liga - Nay (not my cup of tea, but they are doing well I'm sure. Quality smokes, just not a super-full bodied smoker)

MurphysLaw · 03-06-2011, 09:46 AM

I feel that all four makers are doing a good job of marketing cigars, and finding a way to create demand for their product. There are plenty of people seeking out these brands, and there is always a lot of hype surrounding new releases, at least in the online cigar community. I think the Liga Privada line has done an especially good job of getting "serious" cigar smokers to think of Drew Estate as something other than a flavored cigar brand.
I have yet to try a Viaje, but once I can justify an order from one of their distributors, I will order a sampler. But that is due to more of the positive light they've received here rather than any kind of marketing that the company itself has done.

replicant_argent · 03-06-2011, 03:53 PM

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.

hscmit · 03-06-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.

replicant_argent · 01-18-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.

Thanks for the bump, Bro!

nick2021 · 03-06-2011, 03:58 PM

Tatuaje is definitely doing good, as is Viaje...I wonder if this trend will last though? Seems like demand has gone up for these brands setting a certain level of standard. Hopefully, both brands won't compromise in certain areas to meet the new demands presented to them

smitdavi · 03-06-2011, 04:36 PM

Had some tats recently at the local shop and their quality is suffering right now. Had two last week with some MAJOR wrapper issues. The shop owner said that is becoming more and more common. That's unfortunate because they had a great stick a few years ago.

muhren · 03-06-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitdavi

Had some tats recently at the local shop and their quality is suffering right now. Had two last week with some MAJOR wrapper issues. The shop owner said that is becoming more and more common. That's unfortunate because they had a great stick a few years ago.

So does that turn you off on them or are they just on a 'better watch out' kinda list??

M

smitdavi · 03-07-2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muhren

So does that turn you off on them or are they just on a 'better watch out' kinda list??

M

Both

Skywalker · 03-07-2011, 08:19 AM

I'm hoping with popularity comes availability and affordability!

RevSmoke · 03-07-2011, 08:25 AM

I enjoy a few Tats, but the continual "special releases" got old a while back. Great marketing technique, but I have smoked a few of the earlier special releases, but cannot say that they really excited me. The ones I like are a couple that have been around a while in the brown and VI lines.

I have had a few Illusiones, ehhh. I would love to get a box of the Cruzado Avalito, those were excellent. Haven't had the Epernay or the Nostros lines yet, so I cannot speak for them.

As for the Viaje, I don't get them. Have had a cigar from three different bands, not sure what the hype is all about. Haven't had any of the special releases though. Do have a 2010 Holiday blend sitting, but I am nervous about trying it. Everybody hyped the other ones I had, and they turned up a lackluster performance at best.

I have had LG #9 toro sized and a Flying Pig. OK, not bad. Something exciting, not really. And at the prices they are charging for their stuff, I doubt I'll be trying many more.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

01-18-2012, 09:15 AM

In my opinion the best thing about any of the brands listed is thier marketing. Sure they all have some good blends but most of their blends are mediocore at best.

NCRadioMan · 01-18-2012, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdryder

In my opinion the best thing about any of the brands listed is thier marketing. Sure they all have some good blends but most of their blends are mediocore at best.

Your taste is your taste but I couldn't disagree more about the marketing (at least in a large scale). 99.9% of the novice, everyday smoker (and they are the largest percentage of buyers while us forum users are the smallest) has no clue about these cigars and will look at you funny if you ask them about these brands.

Seems the marketing on these are for the experienced, informed smoker. A very small market.

Subvet642 · 01-18-2012, 01:27 PM

As for myself, only within the past year have I tried any of these. I love the Tat red bands and their El Triunfador as well as Illusione's Eperney. I've bought a bunch of Viaje lately as well based on the reviews I've read, but I have yet to smoke one.

maninblack · 01-18-2012, 09:22 AM

It's resurrected!

View Poll Results: Is the brand doing well RIGHT now?
Tatuaje - Yea	107	79.85%
Tatuaje - Nay	17	12.69%
Viaje - Yea	74	55.22%
Viaje - Nay	27	20.15%
Illusione - Yea	84	62.69%
Illusione - Nay	26	19.40%
Liga Privada - Yea	81	60.45%
Liga Privada - Nay	27	20.15%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 134. You may not vote on this poll

03-05-2011, 09:22 PM	#1
muhren The Cigar Artist Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Mike Location: Ohio Posts: 1,268 Trading: (43)	"Hot" Brands right now (poll) Obviously, this doesn't cover ALL brands. It's NC boutique based and only those that seem to be highly discussed and run by young(er) guys. Brand doing good things RIGHT now? Yea or Nay is what I'm after here. Tatuaje Viaje Liga Privada Illusione Oh yeah, you can vote more than once and the vote is hidden on this one. __________________ Cigar Art available for sale: www.mikeuhren.com Last edited by muhren; 03-05-2011 at 09:24 PM. Reason: vote detail info

03-05-2011, 09:28 PM	#2
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,284 Trading: (60)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) Doing well making cigars, or doing well marketing cigars, Mike? __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-05-2011, 09:43 PM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,284 Trading: (60)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) I have had cigars from three of the companies, and have some Viajes that I have yet to sample. Tatuaje makes some good cigars, and some dogs. They spread themselves so thin, however, that they are turning some off with the dozens of releases. The marketing strategy is great though, because they have hundreds of BOTLs chasing their "HTF" multiple releases. I was totally turned off my Illusione years ago when they decided to use the Jonestown Massacre as the center of their campaign. After enough time passed, I sampled some of their cigars, most recently the Epernay line and the Singulare. I like their cigars, and I guess I have forgiven their insensitive marketing of the past. I have smoked a few of the Liga Privada, most recently a Flying Pig. Taste doesn't suit me, I am not impressed, but I see lots of BOTLs chasing them, so they most be doing something right. I will probably smoke a Skull'n'Bones next week....of course one cigar won't give me an educated opinion, but at least I will have an initial impression. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-05-2011, 09:51 PM	#5
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) I voted Nay on Tatuaje for their stupid amount of releases, yay for Viaje for their less and "seasonal releases". Illusione I've only had one but it was great, going to sample more. Never had any interest in Liga Privada so I voted them down. Their Pigs and whatnot are $13-$14 a piece too pricey and I don't like the sizes or shapes.

03-06-2011, 09:46 AM	#7
MurphysLaw Anything can go wrong Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Brian Location: SoFlo Posts: 2,823 Trading: (19)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) I feel that all four makers are doing a good job of marketing cigars, and finding a way to create demand for their product. There are plenty of people seeking out these brands, and there is always a lot of hype surrounding new releases, at least in the online cigar community. I think the Liga Privada line has done an especially good job of getting "serious" cigar smokers to think of Drew Estate as something other than a flavored cigar brand. I have yet to try a Viaje, but once I can justify an order from one of their distributors, I will order a sampler. But that is due to more of the positive light they've received here rather than any kind of marketing that the company itself has done.

03-06-2011, 03:53 PM	#8
replicant_argent Gravy Boat Winnah. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: my attorney has advised against giving this information to insane people Posts: 5,326 Trading: (22)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) Thinly veiled market research annoys me. __________________ www.stogietorch.com Some days call for a stiff Pomade.

03-06-2011, 03:58 PM	#11
nick2021 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 436 Trading: (17)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) Tatuaje is definitely doing good, as is Viaje...I wonder if this trend will last though? Seems like demand has gone up for these brands setting a certain level of standard. Hopefully, both brands won't compromise in certain areas to meet the new demands presented to them __________________ It's one thing to be stupid, it's dangerous for a stupid person to think he's smart!

03-06-2011, 04:36 PM	#12
smitdavi Ambassador of Quan Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Bloomington, IN Posts: 1,434 Trading: (9)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) Had some tats recently at the local shop and their quality is suffering right now. Had two last week with some MAJOR wrapper issues. The shop owner said that is becoming more and more common. That's unfortunate because they had a great stick a few years ago.

03-07-2011, 08:19 AM	#15
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) I'm hoping with popularity comes availability and affordability! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

03-07-2011, 08:25 AM	#16
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,848 Trading: (51)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) I enjoy a few Tats, but the continual "special releases" got old a while back. Great marketing technique, but I have smoked a few of the earlier special releases, but cannot say that they really excited me. The ones I like are a couple that have been around a while in the brown and VI lines. I have had a few Illusiones, ehhh. I would love to get a box of the Cruzado Avalito, those were excellent. Haven't had the Epernay or the Nostros lines yet, so I cannot speak for them. As for the Viaje, I don't get them. Have had a cigar from three different bands, not sure what the hype is all about. Haven't had any of the special releases though. Do have a 2010 Holiday blend sitting, but I am nervous about trying it. Everybody hyped the other ones I had, and they turned up a lackluster performance at best. I have had LG #9 toro sized and a Flying Pig. OK, not bad. Something exciting, not really. And at the prices they are charging for their stuff, I doubt I'll be trying many more. Peace of the Lord be with you. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

01-18-2012, 09:15 AM	#17
hdryder Guest Posts: n/a	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) In my opinion the best thing about any of the brands listed is thier marketing. Sure they all have some good blends but most of their blends are mediocore at best.

01-18-2012, 01:27 PM	#19
Subvet642 Bilge Rat Join Date: Nov 2009 First Name: Darren Location: Torpedo Room Bilge Posts: 2,997 Trading: (13)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) As for myself, only within the past year have I tried any of these. I love the Tat red bands and their El Triunfador as well as Illusione's Eperney. I've bought a bunch of Viaje lately as well based on the reviews I've read, but I have yet to smoke one. __________________ *"Man's mind is his basic tool of survival. Life is given to him, survival is not." -John Galt*

01-18-2012, 09:22 AM	#20
maninblack Will smoke for food Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Kevin Location: Where the hoot owls f$ck the chickens Posts: 10,637 Trading: (80)	Re: "Hot" Brands right now (poll) It's resurrected! __________________ Proud member of the GMCGTPWHAFA