stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet

Smokin Gator · 02-23-2009, 08:56 AM

I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here.

Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources.

You guys have fun with it if you so choose.

icehog3 · 02-23-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here.

Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources.
You guys have fun with it if you so choose.

Agreed 100%.

jledou · 02-23-2009, 09:17 AM

IMO, a cigar is a cigar and yes all of the factors may change the taste, but there have been times that one out of a box will taste different from the rest correct?

That being said, I will go to the B&M to try a cigar and if I like it a lot I will order a box from the internet. If I don't like it enough for a box I may buy one at the B&M from time to time. If I didn't like it at all, I was only out one stick and I can try it again later when I forget what it tasted like.

For me it comes down to I cannot see paying that much more for a box at a B&M versus the same thing on the net.

02-23-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here.

Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources.

You guys have fun with it if you so choose.

Agreed there are a boat load of variables and the testing does not have statistical significance. But it is still odd and telling that 100% notice a difference and always in favor of the local.

Col. Kurtz · 02-23-2009, 02:30 PM

If I were Pepin, Fuente, et al. I wouldn't want my name on an inferior stick. It wouldn't matter to me where the stick was destined, internet or B&M.

I have gotten some putrid and great sticks from B&M and online. These are handmade products that are subject to minor variations unit to unit. I understand variations in color are sorted together for box presentation purposes, so it's plausible there are big differences in wrapper color within a blend. As far as purposely putting lower quality tobacco in a certain batch, not buying it. Aren't torcedors issued their bales for the days rolling?

I would imagine that the most important thing to aim for within a blend/brand is consistency.

I guess it boils down to this: If you like cigars from your B&M buy them (I'm sure they appreciate it), If you like them from online sources, buy those (I'm sure they appreciate it as well.) Not much on the conspiracy theories, but that's just me. I may be wrong.

02-23-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Col. Kurtz

If I were Pepin, Fuente, et al. I wouldn't want my name on an inferior stick. It wouldn't matter to me where the stick was destined, internet or B&M.

I have gotten some putrid and great sticks from B&M and online. These are handmade products that are subject to minor variations unit to unit. I understand variations in color are sorted together for box presentation purposes, so it's plausible there are big differences in wrapper color within a blend. As far as purposely putting lower quality tobacco in a certain batch, not buying it. Aren't torcedors issued their bales for the days rolling?

I would imagine that the most important thing to aim for within a blend/brand is consistency.

I guess it boils down to this: If you like cigars from your B&M buy them (I'm sure they appreciate it), If you like them from online sources, buy those (I'm sure they appreciate it as well.) Not much on the conspiracy theories, but that's just me. I may be wrong.

Once again guys. No conspiracy, not vastly inferior. just noticeable difference.

02-23-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here.

Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources.

You guys have fun with it if you so choose.

I couldn't of said it better.
Too many variables. Enjoy cigars, whenever, however and from where ever you choose. Just enjoy them fellas.

WildBlueSooner · 02-23-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here.

Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources.

You guys have fun with it if you so choose.

May not mean much coming from someone who hasnt done a lot of smoking but "cha ching"! Gator= spot on!

bobarian · 02-23-2009, 03:13 PM

I am starting to get an itch!

02-23-2009, 03:20 PM

I figure I buy from who I want, when I want period. After all, I'm the one who benefits or suffers which

ever the case may be.

Sancho · 02-23-2009, 03:23 PM

The biggest difference I have seen first hand is with againg, B&M's dont move the stock of some of the more boutique brands that the online guys do. i.e. go into some place that sells Tatujue and check the box code, probably not new. Recently the shop I work at recieved a new box of VSG torpedos, compared to the rest of the VSG's already on the shelf they tasted totally different (due to lacking years of age) as such someone can come to the conclusion that a big interent site that moves thousands of boxes a month has cigars that dont taste the same as the local shop who moves maybe 10-20 boxes a month and mostly singles.

Just my perspective having watched stock sit on shelves only to be blown at a bottom shelf prices because it doesn't sell.

02-23-2009, 08:56 AM	#1
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet I don't know why... but this thread really bothers me. It bothered me at the old site and it has taken pretty much the same course here. Even if you were "testing" the exact same vitola of the same marca there are too many other variables involved to make any statements as to the differences based on internet versus B&M sources. You guys have fun with it if you so choose. __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

02-23-2009, 09:17 AM	#3
jledou Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jay Location: Kansas Posts: 2,246 Trading: (27)	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet IMO, a cigar is a cigar and yes all of the factors may change the taste, but there have been times that one out of a box will taste different from the rest correct? That being said, I will go to the B&M to try a cigar and if I like it a lot I will order a box from the internet. If I don't like it enough for a box I may buy one at the B&M from time to time. If I didn't like it at all, I was only out one stick and I can try it again later when I forget what it tasted like. For me it comes down to I cannot see paying that much more for a box at a B&M versus the same thing on the net.

02-23-2009, 02:30 PM	#5
Col. Kurtz Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jerry Location: South Appleton Posts: 1,839 Trading: (26)	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet If I were Pepin, Fuente, et al. I wouldn't want my name on an inferior stick. It wouldn't matter to me where the stick was destined, internet or B&M. I have gotten some putrid and great sticks from B&M and online. These are handmade products that are subject to minor variations unit to unit. I understand variations in color are sorted together for box presentation purposes, so it's plausible there are big differences in wrapper color within a blend. As far as purposely putting lower quality tobacco in a certain batch, not buying it. Aren't torcedors issued their bales for the days rolling? I would imagine that the most important thing to aim for within a blend/brand is consistency. I guess it boils down to this: If you like cigars from your B&M buy them (I'm sure they appreciate it), If you like them from online sources, buy those (I'm sure they appreciate it as well.) Not much on the conspiracy theories, but that's just me. I may be wrong. Last edited by Col. Kurtz; 02-23-2009 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Pubic skool edjumucation

02-23-2009, 03:13 PM	#9
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet I am starting to get an itch!

02-23-2009, 03:20 PM	#10
nozero Guest Posts: n/a	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet I figure I buy from who I want, when I want period. After all, I'm the one who benefits or suffers whichever the case may be.

02-23-2009, 03:23 PM	#11
Sancho Puddle Jumper Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chris Location: back near the woods Posts: 387 Trading: (7)	Re: stirring the pot local B&M vs big internet The biggest difference I have seen first hand is with againg, B&M's dont move the stock of some of the more boutique brands that the online guys do. i.e. go into some place that sells Tatujue and check the box code, probably not new. Recently the shop I work at recieved a new box of VSG torpedos, compared to the rest of the VSG's already on the shelf they tasted totally different (due to lacking years of age) as such someone can come to the conclusion that a big interent site that moves thousands of boxes a month has cigars that dont taste the same as the local shop who moves maybe 10-20 boxes a month and mostly singles. Just my perspective having watched stock sit on shelves only to be blown at a bottom shelf prices because it doesn't sell.