Pete Johnson goes Vampire!

Originally Posted by shilala

I, personally, am not a fan of Pete's cigars. He and I just share a different taste. I've tried pretty much everything and haven't found a keeper yet.
So far as the hype goes, I think it's fun.
It brings a special excitement to the hobby and the industry that's much lacking. The kidsy, "Furbee" atmosphere surrounding the Dracs is supposed to be fun. I'm looking forward to trying the cigar just to see if they suck.
Then I can say they suck, and that'll be fun, too.
Plus if I can get a few boxes, it'll be fun sharing them here.
I suppose it's easier to be objective whenit really doesn't matter to me whether I get them or not.
I do think that despite the fact that the "manufactured scarcity" is real, it's intent is to make fun, not to make guys angry. If you'll take time to watch some of Pete's interviews and get a feel for the kind of guy he is, I'm sure anyone would come away with the same impression.

Originally Posted by pfm721

I don't get all the animosity over the limited nature of this product. It's not a regular line and to lump all his lines together as being subject to manufactured scarcity is unfair. I find that his regular lines are readily accessible. Ultimately I think it falls on the consumer when this much hype is generated, Pete can't generate this hype all on his own. Plenty of other manufacturers release seasonal, limited edition, etc. smokes and rarely do you see this sort of reaction. I think its unfair to lay all the blame on a manufacturer who chooses to release a limited production smoke.

I have to agree with these two posts...

How come no one *****es about the Liberty series, or the Master Blends? With every hobby you have a group of people that not only enjoy the activity but also enjoy collecting things that few others have.

Not to mention it's not really that hard to score a box. Come on if a newb like me can score a box it can't be that hard.

[Brooks W]

Originally Posted by pfm721

I don't get all the animosity over the limited nature of this product. It's not a regular line and to lump all his lines together as being subject to manufactured scarcity is unfair. I find that his regular lines are readily accessible. Ultimately I think it falls on the consumer when this much hype is generated, Pete can't generate this hype all on his own. Plenty of other manufacturers release seasonal, limited edition, etc. smokes and rarely do you see this sort of reaction. I think its unfair to lay all the blame on a manufacturer who chooses to release a limited production smoke.

Yep.

~brooks

[duckmanco]

Originally Posted by pfm721

I don't get all the animosity over the limited nature of this product. It's not a regular line and to lump all his lines together as being subject to manufactured scarcity is unfair. I find that his regular lines are readily accessible. Ultimately I think it falls on the consumer when this much hype is generated, Pete can't generate this hype all on his own. Plenty of other manufacturers release seasonal, limited edition, etc. smokes and rarely do you see this sort of reaction. I think its unfair to lay all the blame on a manufacturer who chooses to release a limited production smoke.

I don't know, I don't think its animosity at all, just a civil disagreement with how "limited" these are marketed. I share the same feeling toward most anything "limited" in the cigar world, especially Opus X. More for you guys for sure, and as always smoke what you like and like what you smoke.

Originally Posted by pfm721

I don't get all the animosity over the limited nature of this product. It's not a regular line and to lump all his lines together as being subject to manufactured scarcity is unfair. I find that his regular lines are readily accessible. Ultimately I think it falls on the consumer when this much hype is generated, Pete can't generate this hype all on his own. Plenty of other manufacturers release seasonal, limited edition, etc. smokes and rarely do you see this sort of reaction. I think its unfair to lay all the blame on a manufacturer who chooses to release a limited production smoke.

I'm with you 100% Patrick!

Good post my brother!

[lakeside toker]

I saw grown men on another site act like the world was coming to an end because they could not get a box of "Dracs". Most probably never smoked one and were willings to buy them site or scent unseen. To me that is a hype that was genius on the part of Pete. I myself think that his products are over priced for the hit or miss quality.

[doctorcue]

Used to be the same way with Opus, Anejo's, etc. Amazes me how people go crazy for these cigars. Go outside, light up a stick, and relax.

[Dukeuni]

Just a note: Call around to many o the "other listed" retailers. I think most know what they will be getting now, and some of these places are really small, mall stop type of places, and have not been bombarded by phone calls yet. I called a smaller mall store tobacco shop that was listed, they said they are getting two boxes, and put one box aside for me. They actually called me back and were excited that I wanted to purchase a full box.

[stearns]

they trying to sell the other box and ship?

stearns

[LockOut]

just got naother call, "we arent getting enough dracs to sel lboxes so we are doing smaplers no sellnig individuals, to get dracs you have to buy 150 dollars worth of other tat sticks in a smapler". ****ing bull****. just one more list i was on trying to bend me over a barrel to make money.

[Ahbroody]

Lockout I may be able to get some. If I do they will run about 20 ish due to california 40% tobacco tax and 9% sales tax. taxes!!!!!!!! I will see if I can get some then hit you up. No guarentees because at this point I am officially over this stick and am not waiting in line to get any.

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by LockOut

just got naother call, "we arent getting enough dracs to sel lboxes so we are doing smaplers no sellnig individuals, to get dracs you have to buy 150 dollars worth of other tat sticks in a smapler". ****ing bull****. just one more list i was on trying to bend me over a barrel to make money.

That also means "We are opening all of our boxes to check for the golden ticket, because the boss would love a new Ducati, and we can then bend you fanboys over for an even higher margin. Have a nice day."

[chenvt]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

That also means "We are opening all of our boxes to check for the golden ticket, because the boss would love a new Ducati, and we can then bend you fanboys over for an even higher margin. Have a nice day."

LOL Pete.. If a B&M gets it (which wouldn't surprise me), that'll be hilarious

Originally Posted by chenvt

LOL Pete.. If a B&M gets it (which wouldn't surprise me), that'll be hilarious

Pete has always said that he's fine with a B&M winning a ticket ... it's unavoidable, as many are opening all their boxes to sell as singles or (ggggggrrr.....) put them in over-priced samplers@!

I'm suprised at how many B&Ms are getting away with charging so much MORE than MSRP for these. My buddy just got a box of Dracs at $19.95/stick and Boris at $18.50/stick. Tax was added AFTER that! That's just wrong, and I hope Pete doesn't ship those guys Monsters in the future!

[chenvt]

Originally Posted by njstone

Pete has always said that he's fine with a B&M winning a ticket ... it's unavoidable, as many are opening all their boxes to sell as singles or (ggggggrrr.....) put them in over-priced samplers@!

I'm suprised at how many B&Ms are getting away with charging so much MORE than MSRP for these. My buddy just got a box of Dracs at $19.95/stick and Boris at $18.50/stick. Tax was added AFTER that! That's just wrong, and I hope Pete doesn't ship those guys Monsters in the future!

Yeah I got a call on a box of dracs from the one place I gave my info on a wait list.. it was $198 for the box shipped.. booooo

[s15driftking]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

that also means "we are opening all of our boxes to check for the golden ticket, because the boss would love a new ducati, and we can then bend you fanboys over for an even higher margin. Have a nice day."

quoted for truth!!!

[Ahbroody]

Yeah I like Larry, but I cant follow that logic.
I know most Botls here know who is an authorized HSA distributor and they use them. These same vendors are used by botls in europe that I know. Now maybe if they are buying them from a local guy then they are geting hosed, but thats not who were are talking about I dont think.

A 13 CC is a rare stick. Most are less then that, many good standards are half that price and you are not paying taxes on them. For me these are 20.00 sticks and at that price we are talking RA Estupendos and other rare items.

Dont know I cant give much help here

[Hudaddy]

Originally Posted by Ahbroody

Yeah I like Larry, but I cant follow that logic.
I know most Botls here know who is an authorized HSA distributor and they use them. These same vendors are used by botls in europe that I know. Now maybe if they are buying them from a local guy then they are geting hosed, but thats not who were are talking about I dont think.

A 13 CC is a rare stick. Most are less then that, many good standards are half that price and you are not paying taxes on them. For me these are 20.00 sticks and at that price we are talking RA Estupendos and other rare items.

Dont know I cant give much help here

Tats are my favorites, but these days, I smoke CCs more often. Tat browns are like higher end CCs, expensive and a treat.

[Beagleone]

I got my box today! Pictures coming after lunch.

[chenvt]

Good stick + excellent marketing and working on supply vs. demand.. That bout sums it up.. I've had the blacks and the franks, and given the amount of effort required to get dracs, it's a stick I'd like to try, but I basically called half the 13 retailers and either got:

-gotta buy X amount to buy dracs
-lottery
-scavenger hunt (my second favorite)
-personal fav: "Become a fan" on facebook and there will be a lottery after our top customers get first dibs.. SWEET!


So yeah, after that I went and bought something else

nice....I'm waiting to get my email notification that one of the local B&M's is selling 'em...I'm on the list...wonder what'll happen.