Okay, not trying to be "snobby", but...

Gentlemen,

As an avid La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal smoker, it is becoming a bit of a nuisance to have two of the last three San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol cigars that I have smoked to contain ENORMOUS stems in them.

After this latest incident, I went so far as to take pictures of the “tree trunk” that required use of needle –nose pliers to remove from my cigar. I actually kept the cigar nub and the offending stem to show to my local store owner (Wayne Xxxxxxx of Xxxxxxx Cigars) here in Fayetteville, NC.

I don’t hold Wayne accountable for this, after all, it is outside of his control. I do however, expect much better quality control from Ashton, considering the excellent reputation that you have earned with the ESG, VSG and multiple collaborations with Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia. It would be almost acceptable to find stems and pieces in a cheaper cigar, but when paying $8.75 for a cigar, one should expect higher standards, shouldn’t he?

Thank you for your time,

Sent to Ashton Cigars this afternoon.

JohnnyKay5 took a picture of the inch and a half "tree trunk" I pulled out of my cigar Saturday night.

Am I wrong?

[forgop]

Pics???

[RightAJ]

I'd be verklempt if I were you Tobii

Definitely worth letting them know though... after spending $7 on a stick I would expect it to smoke well

aj

[pnoon]

Not snobby or unreasonable at all. Polite and respectful - as it should be.

So who wrote it for you?

Originally Posted by pnoon

So who wrote it for you?

You beat me to it. I know it was not Dave, the writer uses complete sentences.

[colinb913]

So I want to see pics of this tree trunk.. I have never encountered a stem.

Yeah that is unacceptable. Never had any such issues with any LADC or SC I have smoked but there is always that exception.

[ashtonlady]

They must have done it just for you Tobii. I have never had that issues and I have smoked may more Ashton cigars than you have. And yes I am a snob.

[hotreds]

No, you are right!

[G G]

Right on as far as I can see.

[neoflex]

Once in a blue moon maybe an oversight in QC, but when it starts to become commonplace it is definitely unacceptable. I prob would have sent them a letter too. There's too many choices out there for them to start becoming complacent and letting QC go to hell. SNOB! J/K

[68TriShield]

A polite letter is never a bad idea though a good retailer will(should) replace them for you if you are unhappy.
My local has done it for me a couple times,for some higher priced cigars.

Out of all the vendors I have ever dealt with in this industry...Ashton BY FAR is the BEST...that letter is not disrespectful, snobby, over the top, etc...It does suck however that that would happen. They like to keep their customers happy and smoking Ashton...on top of that, it's about the only company that trains EVERY EMPLOYEE in the company about every aspect of smoking and cigars...not just their own...I love dealing with Ashton and I hope you have the same response Tobii...

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by ScottishSmoker

Out of all the vendors I have ever dealt with in this industry...Ashton BY FAR is the BEST...that letter is not disrespectful, snobby, over the top, etc...It does suck however that that would happen. They like to keep their customers happy and smoking Ashton...on top of that, it's about the only company that trains EVERY EMPLOYEE in the company about every aspect of smoking and cigars...not just their own...I love dealing with Ashton and I hope you have the same response Tobii...

Thanks For The Info, Andrew! & Yes, I Would Complain, Also, Tobii!

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

A polite letter is never a bad idea though a good retailer will(should) replace them for you if you are unhappy.
My local has done it for me a couple times,for some higher priced cigars.

Wayne was ready, willing and able to replace the cigar on the spot - but it's not HIS fault - so why should he be held accountable and/or financially responsible for a substandard product?

Wayne is just as curious as I am to see the results/response from Ashton on this - I made sure to explain that I mentioned his store just in case Ashton pulled their products from his business!

It would be wrong not to write such a letter. You are making an effort to see no other smokers have the same problem in the future. You are speaking out for the guy who may be too timid or lazy to. You, sir, are a hero!
I'm a hughazzz fan of both brands of cigars and your effort today may save even the likes of me from dealing with the horror of a ginormous stem in his stogie. For that I thank you!

As for Wayne, if he wants to replace the cigars I'd let him. And if anything, Ashton might send a few boxes gratis to Wayne's store because of yr letter.

[mmblz]

did the cigar taste bad? what was the problem?

[Salvelinus]

A giant stem was the problem. Can't see any problem with sending a well thought out letter. Hope you get a good response.

[CigarNut]

It will be interesting to see what kind of response you get from the letter.

[DonWeb]

Originally Posted by mmblz

did the cigar taste bad? what was the problem?

Originally Posted by Salvelinus

A giant stem was the problem. Can't see any problem with sending a well thought out letter. Hope you get a good response.

I would infer that the problem was poor draw - but it's not indicated herein.

your point is valid though mmblz; if it smokes well and tastes as expected, perhaps its a minimal issue. After several though feedback is warranted.