Pass report from Phil:
Jeff,
I am going through each stick right now and here are the concerns I have found:
33) Oliva V has a crack at the foot extending up about half an inch. Still smokable imo but I doubt it will survive more than another trip or two as such, it is big enough that it will spread.
Do what you think is best with this smoke. As it's only about $8ish I'm not too awfully concerned. I'd say leave it and let someone take it as a discount.
35) BGM has some strange substance along the last half inch or so of the foot. At first I thought it was mold but on inspection I think it is pectin that was used to repair a crack, as a small hole is visible.
Odd. I know it wasn't like this when I shipped it.... don't know. Is the hole a beetle hole? Or... ?
38) Cohiba Siglo VI '06 has a series of hairline cracks extending from the band to the top of the cap and splitting out. I think it would cause a real problem when clipped, assuming it doesn't fall apart sooner which is more likely.
Figures a 20+ dollar cigar would be damaged... use your judgment on what you think is best. If it's really that messed up, probably best to remove it.
45) Cuaba Distinguidos '06: Cracked at the cap spreading down about 1/2- 2/3 an inch. The same thing happened to a cuaba salamone in my pass and it was destroyed by the time it got home. Right now this is still smokable but if the crack spreads anymore you will be clipping too much of the head and it will unravel.
.... again, use your best judgement.... :angry: :angry: :angry:
46) SLR A from 06 has a chip out of the wrapper towards the foot. I would have no problem taking it anyways but it is my job to mention it. If you want I can replace it with an 01 and just do a direct swap.
If you want, that's fine... but don't feel obligated to do so. If it's so minor that would go away after lighting and taking a few puffs, don't worry about.
55) Padilla Signature 1932 Churchill: Has a couple of noticeable chunks out of the wrapper (like as if there was once a patch there maybe 1/4 inch wide) as well as a crack at the foot spreading upwards.
Leave it and we'll let someone take it at a discount.
69) Partagas Privada has a light mold developing above the band to the cap. It is noticeable and I am isolating it pending your direction.
Absolutely remove it from the pass. Don't worry about putting anything for it.
37 (esplendido) and 44 (VR) both look like they have light water damage on the bands. The smokes are fine so no worries, just curious if you knew why the bands would be water damaged.
I believe you're referring to the poor appearance of the bands. The vendor that mailed these cigars shipped them w/o bands. They were clearly torn off without regard to the integrity of the band. I had to reapply them as best as I could.
Phil, is there any way you could pics of all of this up - if it's not too much work? If it delays the pass a day or two, I'm not too concerned. Pictures would really help me with my decisions. If we decide to remove some smokes, I will be mailing a pack to souldog to put in the pass to replace them.
To the future passers: Please, if you can, inspect the pass carefully! If it delays the pass a day, I'm not too worried about it. I highly doubt this all happened en route to Phil. Also, please be careful when repackaging the smokes. Thanks!
