Quote:
Originally Posted by pinotguy
You're missing an important distinction with your list of Tats. Looking at the sticks you've mentioned, about half are LE's, either single-store, regional (Eastie and Westie), or a "seasonal", in the case of the Monster/Actor series. There are also several line extension sticks (the two Tubos, the RC's, and the Black Label PL) on your list as well. Do those really qualify as a new, seperate blend or brand?
I agree that even in the fairly recent past, the consistency level and, at times, the construction of Tatuaje has not been up to snuff. However, I'd submit that within the last year, this seems to have been addressed and the box-to-box consistency over that period has made a marked improvement, especially within the core lines.
Pricing will always be a debatable issue. The Monsters have always been MSRP'd at $13. Depending on what state they are located in (taxes, etc) and their individual value system, some retailers do charge more per stick. Prior to The Face, this was probably more of a problem because there were a lot less made. Pete had more of The Face produced, so availability was better and you saw fewer gougers.
As far as price gouging for Tat LE's on the secondary market, I'm not sure what to tell you. This happens all the time (give the cult wine scene a look-see) and I can't see how that should be a reflection on the producer.
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As far as what qualifies I dunno, I do know one thing everyone wants the Black CG jar or whatever and not the Tubos if they are the exact same blend why does no one want the Tubos and why pay $5-$7 more to get the jar ones? $7 more a stick for a different size is rough...IMO
I've only been smoking cigars seriously for the past year and I've had many of dud Tatuajes unless they are just supposed to be tasteless and muted.
I agree you kinda/probably/shouldn't judge a company based on the secondary market but you think a lot of that has to do with Petes limited quantities being so low that people gouge to high heaven. Ever seen a box of franks go for $500-$600? That's pretty lame of people to do that. Are those sticks $35 good? No they are not even close. Again Viaje seasonals are every season, this is good. Keeps gouging down because people can always get them next year. Tatuajes seasonals are ONE TIME RUNS which means people can mark them up as high as they want as you'll never get them again.
Faces were running everyone roughly $14.50-$16 a stick. A little high IMO but they were pretty available, although they were one of the weaker sticks in the Monster series so that probably helped out too.
I'll give you one thing, when Pete hits a home run it's a great stick. The problem is when you pitch 25-35 sticks out there it's probably not too hard to get 5 or so very good sticks.
I would like to see him do maybe 3-5 limiteds a year and make them all great sticks. Then maybe that might renew my faith in Tatuaje. Also keeping them around the $10 price range would be nice. Cut down on quantity go up in quality.