"Hot" Brands right now (poll)

[muhren]

Obviously, this doesn't cover ALL brands. It's NC boutique based and only those that seem to be highly discussed and run by young(er) guys.

Brand doing good things RIGHT now? Yea or Nay is what I'm after here.

Tatuaje
Viaje
Liga Privada
Illusione

Oh yeah, you can vote more than once and the vote is hidden on this one.

[icehog3]

Doing well making cigars, or doing well marketing cigars, Mike?

[muhren]

Doing well making cigars, or doing well marketing cigars, Mike?

Good question! Do you feel good about them when you think of the brand. Does something overwhelmingly positive jump out at you? Something overwhelmingly negative? Does something give you pause? If you think of the brand is it a positive thought or a negative one?

I'm talking generally well. :)

M

[icehog3]

I have had cigars from three of the companies, and have some Viajes that I have yet to sample.

Tatuaje makes some good cigars, and some dogs. They spread themselves so thin, however, that they are turning some off with the dozens of releases. The marketing strategy is great though, because they have hundreds of BOTLs chasing their "HTF" multiple releases.

I was totally turned off my Illusione years ago when they decided to use the Jonestown Massacre as the center of their campaign. After enough time passed, I sampled some of their cigars, most recently the Epernay line and the Singulare. I like their cigars, and I guess I have forgiven their insensitive marketing of the past.

I have smoked a few of the Liga Privada, most recently a Flying Pig. Taste doesn't suit me, I am not impressed, but I see lots of BOTLs chasing them, so they most be doing something right.

I will probably smoke a Skull'n'Bones next week....of course one cigar won't give me an educated opinion, but at least I will have an initial impression.

[Bill86]

I voted Nay on Tatuaje for their stupid amount of releases, yay for Viaje for their less and "seasonal releases". Illusione I've only had one but it was great, going to sample more. Never had any interest in Liga Privada so I voted them down. Their Pigs and whatnot are $13-$14 a piece too pricey and I don't like the sizes or shapes.

[MurphysLaw]

I feel that all four makers are doing a good job of marketing cigars, and finding a way to create demand for their product. There are plenty of people seeking out these brands, and there is always a lot of hype surrounding new releases, at least in the online cigar community. I think the Liga Privada line has done an especially good job of getting "serious" cigar smokers to think of Drew Estate as something other than a flavored cigar brand.
I have yet to try a Viaje, but once I can justify an order from one of their distributors, I will order a sampler. But that is due to more of the positive light they've received here rather than any kind of marketing that the company itself has done.

[replicant_argent]

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.:tu

[nick2021]

Tatuaje is definitely doing good, as is Viaje...I wonder if this trend will last though? Seems like demand has gone up for these brands setting a certain level of standard. Hopefully, both brands won't compromise in certain areas to meet the new demands presented to them

[smitdavi]

Had some tats recently at the local shop and their quality is suffering right now. Had two last week with some MAJOR wrapper issues. The shop owner said that is becoming more and more common. That's unfortunate because they had a great stick a few years ago.

[hscmit]

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.:tu

:r:r:r:r

[muhren]

Had some tats recently at the local shop and their quality is suffering right now. Had two last week with some MAJOR wrapper issues. The shop owner said that is becoming more and more common. That's unfortunate because they had a great stick a few years ago.

:hm

So does that turn you off on them or are they just on a 'better watch out' kinda list??

M

[smitdavi]

:hm

So does that turn you off on them or are they just on a 'better watch out' kinda list??

M

Both

[Skywalker]

I'm hoping with popularity comes availability and affordability!:tu

[RevSmoke]

I enjoy a few Tats, but the continual "special releases" got old a while back. Great marketing technique, but I have smoked a few of the earlier special releases, but cannot say that they really excited me. The ones I like are a couple that have been around a while in the brown and VI lines.

I have had a few Illusiones, ehhh. I would love to get a box of the Cruzado Avalito, those were excellent. Haven't had the Epernay or the Nostros lines yet, so I cannot speak for them.

As for the Viaje, I don't get them. Have had a cigar from three different bands, not sure what the hype is all about. Haven't had any of the special releases though. Do have a 2010 Holiday blend sitting, but I am nervous about trying it. Everybody hyped the other ones I had, and they turned up a lackluster performance at best.

I have had LG #9 toro sized and a Flying Pig. OK, not bad. Something exciting, not really. And at the prices they are charging for their stuff, I doubt I'll be trying many more.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Bill86]

I thought I had to go to the local library to buy cigars online :confused: I had no idea my internets works too!

Great info! :rolleyes:


I voted Nay on Tatuaje for their stupid amount of releases, yay for Viaje for their less and "seasonal releases". Illusione I've only had one but it was great, going to sample more. Never had any interest in Liga Privada so I voted them down. Their Pigs and whatnot are $13-$14 a piece too pricey and I don't like the sizes or shapes.

Interesting to see my old assessments.

To re-vote in this thread I'd go
Tatuaje -Nay
Viaje -Nay (went the way of Tatuaje, like two clowns in a circus)
Illusione - :tu (they are branching out with a lot more smokes but no stupid limited crap)
Liga - Nay (not my cup of tea, but they are doing well I'm sure. Quality smokes, just not a super-full bodied smoker)

[hdryder]

In my opinion the best thing about any of the brands listed is thier marketing. Sure they all have some good blends but most of their blends are mediocore at best.

[maninblack]

It's resurrected!

[replicant_argent]

Thinly veiled market research annoys me.:tu

Thanks for the bump, Bro! :tu:rolleyes:;)

[Mr B]

Sorry by my vote still goes to Don Pepin Garcia (and family) for his hand in so many GREAT botique blends.

[maninblack]

Sorry by my vote still goes to Don Pepin Garcia (and family) for his hand in so many GREAT botique blends.

Gotta say, that is a wise choice.:tu

[NCRadioMan]

In my opinion the best thing about any of the brands listed is thier marketing. Sure they all have some good blends but most of their blends are mediocore at best.

Your taste is your taste but I couldn't disagree more about the marketing (at least in a large scale). 99.9% of the novice, everyday smoker (and they are the largest percentage of buyers while us forum users are the smallest) has no clue about these cigars and will look at you funny if you ask them about these brands. :lr

Seems the marketing on these are for the experienced, informed smoker. A very small market.

[Subvet642]

As for myself, only within the past year have I tried any of these. I love the Tat red bands and their El Triunfador as well as Illusione's Eperney. I've bought a bunch of Viaje lately as well based on the reviews I've read, but I have yet to smoke one.

[cre8v1]

I think it would be best if Tatuaje stuck to what made them so sought after in the first place. They're a boutique cigar company... or at least they used to be. Now they put out way too many cigars (Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin? Seriously?) and the quality has suffered. I just think they've lost their identity and need to get back to who they are.

[awsmith4]

I think Habanos/Cubatabaco/Tabacuba is the hottest brand. Their cigars are sold in almost every country of the world except the USA. Pete, Dion, Drew and whoever the hell owns Viaje cant say that.

[sevans105]

I think Habanos/Cubatabaco/Tabacuba is the hottest brand. Their cigars are sold in almost every country of the world except the USA. Pete, Dion, Drew and whoever the hell owns Viaje cant say that.

His name is Andre......but the same argument could be made for any of the"hot"brands. Macanudo and Cohiba sell way more cigars and have much better brand recognition than these four combined. Doesn't make them better, just better known.

Of the four, I think the Liga Privada has the most interesting story. Of the cigars I'd actually want to smoke....stack ranked would be Illusione, Viaje, Liga Privada, then some Tatuaje. Like many others, I've had some great Tats' and some crappy ones.
Just mho.

[awsmith4]

His name is Andre......but the same argument could be made for any of the"hot"brands. Macanudo and Cohiba sell way more cigars and have much better brand recognition than these four combined. Doesn't make them better, just better known.

Of the four, I think the Liga Privada has the most interesting story. Of the cigars I'd actually want to smoke....stack ranked would be Illusione, Viaje, Liga Privada, then some Tatuaje. Like many others, I've had some great Tats' and some crappy ones.
Just mho.

So what makes a brand "Hot"? Good sales, cigar board chatter, taste or ones that if you paint them someone will think the subject of the artwork is cool and buy the painting? I think Cuba wins in all categories.

[sevans105]

So what makes a brand "Hot"? Good sales, cigar board chatter, taste or ones that if you paint them someone will think the subject of the artwork is cool and buy the painting? I think Cuba wins in all categories.

Lol....in this case, it's probably art work. I may not be the best opinion, because my significant other did a Viaje painting that is (in my opinion) pretty cool. Most of us strive to be associated with significant brands. Thats why decent OpusX paintings and posters sell better than an equally artistic painting of a Cremosa label.

Kind of a hostile vibe coming off your post.....does this poll bug you for some reason?

[awsmith4]

Lol....in this case, it's probably art work. I may not be the best opinion, because my significant other did a Viaje painting that is (in my opinion) pretty cool. Most of us strive to be associated with significant brands. Thats why decent OpusX paintings and posters sell better than an equally artistic painting of a Cremosa label.

Kind of a hostile vibe coming off your post.....does this poll bug you for some reason?

I wasn't trying to be hostile but simply adding another brand for consideration. Tone is hard to convey in text. It takes two seconds to scan posts to see that these four brands are "hot" on the boards. I think it would have been better without a poll, just a question to see what is hot. however if this is just to decide what the OP will paint next then why not just come out and ask. If I had the money I would honestly consider a well done Cuban theme painting to hang in my office. I have nothing against the other brands just Cuban tobacco is what gets me "hot" :xxx

Edit: Damn I just realized this thread was 10 months old :r

[sevans105]

Ah, the dreaded Bill86 thread resurrection. I hear ya on the theme though. Because I have an artist- in- residence, I actually do get to choose my cigar artwork. (I picked the Viaje) I think she's gonna do a San Cristobal watercolor next. Both because I like the cigars and she thinks the label is cool.

[awsmith4]

Ah, the dreaded Bill86 thread resurrection. I hear ya on the theme though. Because I have an artist- in- residence, I actually do get to choose my cigar artwork. (I picked the Viaje) I think she's gonna do a San Cristobal watercolor next. Both because I like the cigars and she thinks the label is cool.

That is pretty cool, I like the San Cristobal label...both the NC and CC ;)

The parrot would make a great painting.

[sevans105]

That is pretty cool, I like the San Cristobal label...both the NC and CC ;)

The parrot would make a great painting.

That is the plan....she has a pencil sketch done of the parrot so far. Should be done in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted, if you'd like.

[awsmith4]

That is the plan....she has a pencil sketch done of the parrot so far. Should be done in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted, if you'd like.

Definitely!

[Boz]

Ah, the dreaded Bill86 thread resurrection. I hear ya on the theme though. Because I have an artist- in- residence, I actually do get to choose my cigar artwork. (I picked the Viaje) I think she's gonna do a San Cristobal watercolor next. Both because I like the cigars and she thinks the label is cool.


Actually it was a troll and Bill's post is a response. Obviously the troll's post was deleted.

[Bill86]

Actually it was a troll and Bill's post is a response. Obviously the troll's post was deleted.

This.

I don't bring up dead threads.

[celtic250]

To me they are all desired brands. I am still at the point in my smoking career where I do not have a signature taste yet and am still trying to figure out what really suits me best. I must say being new to the hobby it is easy to get caught up in the "limited release" chase that seems never ending. Who knows what the future will bring me and how my tastes will change.

[whodeeni]

You left off Fuente, and they are truly the masters and the creators of the HTF Category!
I never saw guys go crazy over ANY cigars like the 100th Anny's in my life!
(And they're great cigars to boot!)

[mmblz]

no need for this to stay open.