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Quality control

mmburtch

Sleep deprived and cranky
Joined
Oct 11, 2006
Messages
4,882
Location
Denver, Colorado
I have had two cigars in the last month that had "patches" on the wrappers. The patches didn't surprise me as much as the cigars both being "first quality" banded cigars.

The first was a Gurkha, and had a 1/4" square patch over a spot where a sharp area in the binder had pushed through. I noticed this patch easily and before I started smoking.

The second was on a Padron 2000 Mad. This patch was comprised of two separate @ 1/2" square patches applied overlapping each other to cover a 1/2" long tear in the wrapper.

I understand that most of the rollers have their wages/job security tied to production, and would benefit from patching and trying to keep their work in the "firsts" pile. What I don't understand, is how flaws as obvious as patches get by the quality inspectors. In years of smoking, I have never seen patches like these, and now two in one month. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come quality wise.
 
The 2000s are true "budget" cigars and I've seen crappy caps and patches all the time. But I've never had one taste bad or burn wrong. Ever.

Now the patch on the Gurkha is kinda surprising with the hype and price.

I consider Gurkha the most overpriced good cigars on the market.
 
This must be a trend, recently I've been noticing a lot of superficial blemishes, such as wrapper tears, incorrect band alignment (yeah, its petty, but might as well add it), sloppy cap jobs to name a few. This is unfortunately not just based on one brand, but spread across many lines. I've noticed these on Rocky Patels, some Fuente, Perdomo, and Padrons.

I give the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt and attribute this to the mishandling of cigars by other customers at the B&M, however damaged cigars from a freshly opened box is an obvious example of poor quality control.
 
I haven't been smoking long enough to tell whether quality is slipping or not. But I have seen wrapper batches on WOAMs and Ashton ESGs within the last year. These patches were hidden well that you couldn't see them by just glancing at them, but very noticable once you got close enough while smoking them. Both surprised me as they are premium brands from a first rate manufacturer. Saw patches on a Cuban HdM DC once too.
 
Weird that you brought this up, I seen this for the first time on the weekend, on a CR Centro Fino sun grown, big patch on the wrapper... I'll take a pic and post it up.
 
I emailed them, there is actually another one in the box of 10 with a smaller patch, we'll see if they respond.
 
That is funny I have had two smokes in the last few months that have had patches. One was under the band and the other i didn't notice until after I lit it. Never really thought about it until this thread.
 
I emailed them, there is actually another one in the box of 10 with a smaller patch, we'll see if they respond.

I read about a guy who had a Tar problem with a King B. Apparently Carlito himself called him to apologize and sent him a few replacement sticks as well.
No kidding? I had an Opus X a couple weeks ago with a tar problem. Nastiest thing I ever smoked. :angry:

Doc.
 
One second guys. Give me a minute to find the picture. Believe me, it is scary.

Here you go...

christ01.jpg



Photo is not mine, and I would give credit for it, but the site it is from is a trusted source.
 
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