CigarMedia Discussion > Value Cigar Philosophy?
Bruce, you make several good points and I appreciate you sharing them. It is important to try as many cigars as you can over time so that you are able to spot a real value when it arrives. Lately, I have been browsing one of the cigar auction sites and as in the past, I am amazed to see the outrageous prices paid for some of the cigars. Many of the auctions result in commonly discounted sticks being sold for more than they are generally available on the same vendors site. However, by watching for less popular sizes or less well popular makers, I have seen the occasional deal. Success in this realm relies on knowing what you are buying and what is is truly worth in the market. There is no substitute for research. Overall I find a strategy like yours to be the most successful. That is, know what you like, watch for it to be discounted and then get a box (or two) for the long haul. Also, don't forget about those brands that offer value like Bucanero, Oliva, E. Zarzuela and some of the 'bundled' products.
Thanks for a great post Bruce.
Bob
Bob,
You wrote "cigar auction sites" and I couldn't resist the temptation to see how they worked. CigarBid was my first experience with auctions on the web. I only bid on the "quickie" page that runs for one day.
How did I do? One five pack of Padron Ambassador Maduros for 13 dollars and a Torano five pack of 1916 Cameroon Robustos for 13 dollars. Stuck with what I liked. Had two tabs open in Safari from two retailers so I could compare prices.
My desktop humidor is full and I have a few Aruro Fuente humidification bags for the overflow. My is that a nice problem to have. :)
Oh, the Bucanero Cameroon cigars that I ordered are wonderful. I had one the next evening after the order arrived. Beautiful ash, aroma, flavor of sweet grass and a nice toasty flavor that I love in a cigar. Looking forward to trying the windjammer cigar that was included for free. I emailed Mr. Spoden to let him know that I enjoyed his cigars and that I wouldn't have known about his fine cigars if it wasn't for dogwatch. Not sure if you're aware of it, but I was unable to get to Bucanero.biz to place an order from the ad on dogwatch's site. Unable to scroll either.
Appreciate all the info you and Dale provide!
Bruce Berg
Auctions are addictive, just look at eBAY, people tend to over pay for items they don't know the true nature of. You did it right, keep the real value in mind by watching vendors sites and set realistic maximum bid limits. Oh, and don't forget to include the cost of shipping those little five packs and such. Thanks Bruce, that is a nice addition to the discussion. ALso thanks for the heads up on the advertiser links. I got those fixed up.
Bob
I love great cigars, but I'm on a tight budget. Today I bought some closeout cigars from Bucanero (Cameroon corona) and a box of Sancho Panza double maduros. Also got a five pack of Henry Clay cigars and another of Punch London Clubs that I like. Nice to have some variety.
With the help of Bob and Dale, I've learned much about cigars and what value means. Buying cigars because they are cheap isn't much of a value if they are harsh or poorly constructed. And buying a value cigar that isn't a size or flavor you enjoy isn't much of a deal either.
Today I spent a little more than I wanted, but buying by the box is always cheaper and one on-line retailer provided free shipping on the Sancho Panzas. Not that's a deal! Having a full humidor for a few months will be nice too. :)
I might be a little strange, but I find the research of finding a great cigar at a good value that I'll enjoy to be fun and educational.
Any thoughts from the rest of you Dogwatch listeners?
Bruce