Pin-stripe cigars...

[T.G]

Originally Posted by ajacobs

I can't help but think "gimmick" each time I see them.

It is a gimmick, but it's one with a valid purpose and actual added value in many cases.

The helical barber pole allows the use of multiple different wrappers for flavor - and it's snazzy looking sitting on the shelf of the walk in.

In the case of the JdN Cabinetta, the dark criollo was added to the head of the cigar to give a better mouthfeel to the cigar and spicy flavor and tingle on the lips because the (Ecuadorian) Connecticut has a slimy, soapy texture and soapy flax seed taste on your lips. Pick one up and before you cut it or light it, wet your lips and put it in your mouth backwards, hold it there for a moment, then flip it around so that the criollo is in your mouth, go back and forth a few times, and you should pick up on the icky conneticut capa mouthfeel that Cuenca wanted to avoid and used the criollio to give a better feel and enhance the cigar.

The Padilla, no comment.