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The Inevitable Trend of Contemporary Chic Subduing the Old World Class

D

Dave

Padilla Lanceros, yum yum!!
Joined
Nov 9, 2006
Messages
1,398
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Ok, so with the recent emergence of the new LCDH BGMs, and of course several other cigars that popped out of the woodwork with all the fancy packaging, I started to notice a decline in the old world classy presentations and an over representation of the gaudy chic marketing plans. I don't mind great humidors containing specially made cigars with unique bands, I don't mind glass/aluminum tubes... but to have a lonsdale and two bands plus a gold foil condom?!! This is not limited to only just the BGM, other cigars as well pique my disdain, such as the super coveted Opus X and Anejos sporting a gold leaf cello, maybe a cedar wrap plus a red ribbon foot. Is that supposed to symbolize the red carpet used for Planet Hollywood superstars?

The problems I see from this pronounced decorations fall into two categories, aesthetics and practicality. Form and Function for those of you who like that vernacular.

I'll take apart the BGM first, as that is what sparked this offensive brain fart of mine. Let me state that I love Bolivars, I found them always fulfilling, delicious, and always a performer on my palate. However, when the new LCDH BGMs came out, I was immediately put off from the presentation. Why you might ask? I can't see the cigar!!! I'm surprised it doesn't come packaged in a diamond encrusted platinum tube shaped like a pencil thin penis with an optional vibration function. With so much bling on this cigar, I can't see if there are beetle holes, mold, or anything else that might detract from the overall disturbingly horrible construction quality ISOMs are known for. To top it off, I have to risk damaging the cigar just to remove these armor plates from the article of oxidation because the factory workers aren't skilled enough to avoid getting adhesive on the wrapper.

Then there was Fuente... cedar sap anyone? The big mold scare of 2006 sure got me. I think the gold leaf cello is a nice idea, but add that to a cedar wrapped cigar, with a security foot band, and to top it off with the recently poor construction Fuente has been plagued with, I find these cigars to be nothing but over hyped pieces of art work. Nice form, less function, thanks for making me spend $XX on a cigar I was hoping to smoke but now can't even gift due to over zealous creative minds. Gaudy yes, articulate? No. Cigar in a bottle... is a nice idea, that is interesting and I see it as a museum piece only. Toast Across America? Someone coined the phrase "Rip Off Across America" due to certain authorized vendors that gouged on the ticket price set at $50. A tray of lasagna is not worth $100 no matter how you cut it. But then again people sure are brand whores, so I'm sure the value of these cigars are still present, if not over inflated.

I know there are many more out there that are deserving of criticism, but I feel these two are the biggest eye sores presently today, especially since their form over exemplifies their collectible characteristics. I miss the time when I was a know-nothing newbie puke who liked Anejos... now I'm just a hypocritical smart ass with a weary eye for pretty packaging in an attempt to obscure shoddy craftsmanship.

Anyone else feel the same about cigars as I do?
 
Don't get me started on tobacco farmers that want to be treated like royalty.

Doc.
 
While the Anejos and Fuente Super-Special Edition humidor gift sets are undoubtedly popular, the big "trend" I've seen is boutique brands with Cubaneque tastes, triple caps, good construction, no cello, and plain cedar cabinets. That's why everything by Pepin does so well.
 
So Dave, are you saying that you find unattractive and overly complicated the more ornate styles of contemporary cigar packaging?

Wilkey
 
Dave, while I tend to agree with your general idea of too many cigars being produced today with elaborate packaging (e.g. CAO Vision, Padillas, ect.), the BGMs aren't anything new. Obviously, they are a re-production of the originals which were discontinued in the early '90s. I don't think the gold foil or cedar sleeves necessarily add anything to a cigar and I don't really mind the presentation if it is a good cigar. What I can't stand are the cigars who have more money and time put into the box than the blending of said cigar. Flashy packaging may work for the mainstream, but I wouldn't take a CAO vision if it was wrapped in a $20 bill.
 
Mike33 said:
What I can't stand are the cigars who have more money and time put into the box than the blending of said cigar. Flashy packaging may work for the mainstream, but I wouldn't take a CAO vision if it was wrapped in a $20 bill.
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Substitute "marketing" for packaging and you the first (contemporary) cigar boom.

Wilkey
 
Mike33 said:
What I can't stand are the cigars who have more money and time put into the box than the blending of said cigar. Flashy packaging may work for the mainstream, but I wouldn't take a CAO vision if it was wrapped in a $20 bill.
Click to expand...


I myself have never paid a whole lot of attention to the likes of foil wrapped Tatuajes/BGM's, or cedar wrapped Fuentes. I know them all as a consistently good quality product. Smoking a cigar has a certain mental aspect to it, and just like food, the presentation of a cigar can help to set the mood.
Now, just like taste, this is a subjective opinion. I have had certain cigars that have not even had bands on them, and they were ones that stood out as cigars that produced those "Zen like" moments.
I am completely with Mike on the CAO Vision. I have never even ventured to try one yet. After seeing the gaudy humidors they came in, I refused to take a gamble on this product thinking it would just be all show.
 
Ginseng said:
So Dave, are you saying that you find unattractive and overly complicated the more ornate styles of contemporary cigar packaging?

Wilkey
Click to expand...


Say wuh?

Uh, yes?

It's not that I find them unattractive, nor over complicated, but rather over emphasized. To me, less is more, and unfortunately a cigar that comes with all the bells and whistles sets off flags in my mind that the manufacturer is attempting to hide something about the cigar with a distractive presentation. A great product will always sell, despite it's outer appearance, however the difference in my deference lies in the great marketing scheme in comarison and/or contrast to overall quality.
 
Dave,
I got it all except for the last half of your last sentence. So you think that certain packaging is meant to mislead with regard to the impression of quality so that smokers are more inclined to believe that the cigar is good when and if they smoke it? Basically that this mind game is to make up for what quality the cigar does not inherently possess?
Wilkey
 
Ginseng said:
Dave,
I got it all except for the last half of your last sentence. So you think that certain packaging is meant to mislead with regard to the impression of quality so that smokers are more inclined to believe that the cigar is good when and if they smoke it? Basically that this mind game is to make up for what quality the cigar does not inherently possess?
Wilkey
Click to expand...

Yes.
 
I am going to have to disagree with you Dave especially on the BGM.

I was gifted a BGM from Sam (Strayvector), thanks Sam. Great smoke particularly seeing as it's a young smoke. I nubbed the sucker and immediately ordered 20.

The presentation, IMO, and as John pointed out, added to the enjoyment. My wife has always had this knack of presenting food on a plate to me in an appetizing way, even
if it's just a sandwich...I have to say that it definitely adds to the anticipation that the food will taste good.

As a matter of interest, in Japan, the Japanese will spend more on the packaging (presentation) in some instances, than the actual product. I have personal experience of this happening.

Brian
 
Fascinating points, Brian.

Could we say then, that as long as the product meets some level of expected quality or performance, the package will only add to the experience? Of course, there must be some artistry to it, but the packaging doesn't make the product, only enhance it.

Wilkey
 
I only have a few minutes, but I would like to chime in.

Often presentation can be flamboyant or simple. (I suppose I am talking about both food and cigars.) Although, great presentation can make either more attractive, and maybe the anticipation more intense… it can’t make either “better” than they are. Once you bite (or draw) you’ll know the truth.

Personally, I prefer simple aesthetics and I am a believer of “less is more.” Good, simple fare, without all the packaging or sauces, is the best presentation.
A great example of “less is more” is the Davidoff band. Now THAT is presentation! You can keep your neon boxes, cedar sleeves, stripes, ribbons, and foils. Just give me a good cigar.

C&G…into the great wide open.
 
Ginseng said:
Fascinating points, Brian.

Could we say then, that as long as the product meets some level of expected quality or performance, the package will only add to the experience? Of course, there must be some artistry to it, but the packaging doesn't make the product, only enhance it.

Wilkey
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Enhance would be a perfect way to describe it Wilkey. If the product is absolute "crap", then you can dress it up all you want to no avail. But, a good product like Anejo's and BGM's, this only helps to set the mental anticipation.

I am not by any means saying I buy these cigars for the flash and dazzle, but I have to admit it is apealing. Brian #1 said it best to me........."I smoke the cigar, not the band."

To each his own, although, I do have to say I disagree on one thing Dave. I have never felt that ths would be an intended way to hide shoddy construction.
 
What a wonderful topic. I like the Padron and Monty bands. Simple! After a boutique roller friend of mine told me how much it cost to make his very nice cigar boxes, I asked if I could get my cigars bundled and the cost of the box deducted. :D
 
the Anejos are a premium cigar. Even if this cigar is not your favorit, we all can a agree it is a premium. with that being said we have to look at all premium products. Have you ever seen a pair of Prada or Gucci shoes wraped in news paper? The packaging has to fit the price point.
 
MillhizzelPB said:
the Anejos are a premium cigar. Even if this cigar is not your favorit, we all can a agree it is a premium. with that being said we have to look at all premium products. Have you ever seen a pair of Prada or Gucci shoes wraped in news paper? The packaging has to fit the price point.
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You know an awful lot about womens shoes there Millhouse. ??? :sign:
 
Louis Vuitton bags aren't stuffed with solid gold... unlike the price point would suggest.
 
Personally, I prefer simple presentation. There's something old-fashioned and elegant about a wooden SLB in which the cigars have a single ribbon holding them in place. I was even a little disappointed when HSA started banding cigars in cabs, although the bands are very practical for tracking singles, trading, gifting, etc.

That said, and focused solely on Havanas, it seems to me that while Altadis has brought an increased focus on marketing/packaging to the game, there's been a concurrent increase in the quality of the cigars being produced. May be a fair trade-off.

I'm far more displeased by their push toward larger ring cigars than I am by packaging gimmicks.

As far as the Fuentes go, marketing has long been a huge part of their formula. They roll great smokes, but the pricing difference between a box of 858s and a box of Power Rangers is not all about the quality of the cigars therein.

As to cedar wrapping, I'm not a big fan, but I think it started in Cuba, so I can't blame anyone who does it for creating new hype.

Strong believer as I am in the power of markets, whether it's because of quality, rarity or marketing, cigars are worth what the public will pay for them.

But that doesn't mean I'm always willing to pay what they're worth.
 
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