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Discussion: Limited Edition Cigars

Discussion: Limited Edition Cigars

Happy Monday amigos!   

I just received my Sampler of Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection, and it really has me wondering:

What are your feelings towards limited edition cigars? 

To be fair, this isn’t the first time that I’ve had mixed feelings about a limited-edition cigar. Ezra Zion’s All My Exes was the first to hit me in the feels, with this Aganorsa Leaf beauty being the second. 

On the one hand, I love the concept of utilizing the best tobaccos for a blend, regardless of availability or longevity of the SKU.  And, I'm almost always willing to pony up the extra cash required for a short run if it's from a brand that I usually jive with.  Most of the time I am content telling myself that it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. 

On the other hand, upon feeling the sting of such a wonderful creation being depleted from the world, I see the age-old cliché in different light.  Maybe that was horrible advice and I would have been happier in ignorant bliss?  

This is truly a first-world problem and one that I admittedly feel kind of petty about.  But I can’t deny the warring emotions that swirled around in my head once I held these in my hand.  I mean... Look at them! 

Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection Limited Edition 2018

Sometimes, though, it’s better to let a thing live on in memory rather than try and bring it back. As much as it hurts to say as a Firefly fan, I think we all can remember a cigar or two that were brought back only to be a disappointment in our eyes.  And, as the FDA decision still looms over the industry, it’s likely that we’re going to see it more and more in coming years.   

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I’ll be randomly selecting a comment below this Sunday before sending out the Weekly Newsletter. The winner can expect a comment with his or her name in it, a congratulations email, and an email with the $25 gift card information.  The actual gift card email takes some time to generate from the system and may lag behind by a couple hours. 

Only available to U.S. customers. 

 

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Comments

1/28/2019 6:07 AM
I’ve come around on many limited editions, but not all of them. I like limited editions when they give me more choices of what to smoke, and when they bring something different to the table. I don’t like limited editions that feel like money grabs or that have inflated prices just to be inflated.

It sort of comes down to this for me: if you don’t have great core lines, you have no business making limited editions.

There will definitely be lots more LEs coming, so I’d try to make peace with that fact :-)
1/28/2019 8:59 AM
Sometimes chasing Limited Editions can be a pain. If I manage to get a stick or two then I have to come to peace with the fact that when I smoke this I am killing a unicorn. Lol. Like it said above 1st world problems. Another frustrating thing is paying a premium to get it and finding out later it’s not so limited and seeing it discounted after that.
1/28/2019 9:46 AM
I love LE blends/releases. They can definitely be hit or miss, but when they hit, I have found they tend to blow me away.

As much as I hate to see them go, I am more happy that I had a chance to taste something that otherwise wouldn't have existed otherwise.
1/28/2019 10:00 AM
I have no problem with them existing. I don't see them any differently than a limited edition whiskey or beer. If you feel like it shows off the best that you can do, so much the better. The only issue is that often they're difficult for a regular Joe like me to obtain.
1/28/2019 12:00 PM
All for doing/making whatever you want, and enjoying anything you choose. They have their place, and it keeps things interesting at least. Reputation, quality, and demand etc. will likely show what’s successful for next releases.... never had a bad Tatuaje TAA
1/28/2019 1:12 PM
Very rarely have I smoked a LE that was worth the hype. Chances are that if you're making already great regular production stuff, your LE stuff won't be that much better.
1/28/2019 2:25 PM
First, define limited. If it’s limited in quantity, what’s the reason? If it’s for lack of resources (these leaves are limited in quantity and cannot be replicated), I can understand a price premium. However, if the limitation does not have the oomph that others have, then it’s a waste of time, money and energy.

Then the question begs itself what to do with the LE. If it’s truly limited, will you go ahead and smoke them or save them? If all you’re doing is saving them, save them at the seller’s place of business and your money in the bank. On the other hand, if you’re going to smoke the LE, will you remember them tomorrow? Further on the other hand… Forget it. I ran out of hands.

Bottom line is I would spend more for a proven LE and enjoy life as long as I have it.
1/28/2019 4:16 PM
I'm a sucker for limited edition cigars and bourbon. I like to have boxes in my humidor or bottles on my shelf that are only made for a limited time. So a couple years down the road when I crack the box open I know that most of them that was produced are already smoked by then. It makes it that much more special to me. Maybe I'm weird...who knows. Lol
1/28/2019 4:33 PM
I love the thought of Limited Edition cigars and fall for them every time. The thought of having a limited production/edition gives you the feeling of only "a chosen few" have had these cigars.
1/28/2019 6:37 PM
I am torn on the topic. As someone who is huge into spirits, I hate the secondary market that comes from LE anything. Additional inflation because you could get your hand on more of X item vs other people is bothersome.

On the other hand, with a LE item you are more likely to feel a deeper connection and enjoy it more when you finally light it up, crack it open or whatever.

Finally I am big believer in that any time you are with family, friends or loved one is a special occasion. So even when I get a special bottle or cigar, I won't sit on it for years. I'm happy to share with others. So, I guess.....bring on some LE cigars as long as they bring something new or exciting to the table, I'm all for it
1/28/2019 10:58 PM
It's a careful juxtaposition between wanting to have enough in case it's something amazing that I'll want another of, and another. But it's also the painful limited supply that prevents just that.

From production side, I'm interested in seeing the rates of LEs being limitied supply in fact or artificially limited supply.
1/29/2019 9:24 AM
I love limited editions , nothing like having a cigar that will not be made again . As long as it is a limited edition. Cause some are not like Ezra Zion claims them to be . And you see them months later in there cigar of the month club after they sold out in 1-2 days total crap 💩. But as long as the company is honest about it ya there great.👊🏻
1/29/2019 10:13 AM
Limited editions are a tough one and not all are created equal. I enjoy it when they are used to create something that we normally may not see due to limited tobacco or when a brand uses it to test new ideas that they otherwise wouldn't use as a standard line. What I don't like is when companies use the label of "limited edition" as a reason to jack up the price. Overall I enjoy them even if I can't get a hold of one. My view is that if you can't get it doesn't mean they shouldn't make it, because either way you didn't smoke it, so might as well let someone enjoy it.
1/29/2019 1:56 PM
I’m a huge proponent of “Limited Production” which is pretty common in boutique brands. This method of manufacturing ensures the best quality product for the money. There’s no skimping on quality or adjusting something in the cigar to be able to produce.

I think “Limited Editions” have a place in the market. And consequently give me me mixed emotions. I think the biggest issue with a L.E. is if this cigar is marketed to the max, and priced at aN L.E. price and the company pressure consumers to buy them because they may mis out, but then, after seeing the success, they bring them back as a normal production.
1/30/2019 11:25 AM
I view it the same way as bourbon, it adds a little excitement to my hobby to enjoy with friends.  It's almost as fun raking a bad LE over the coals at a herf as it is to enjoy something special.
1/30/2019 2:27 PM
Limited editions bring something fun in my opinion. I think it allows blenders to try new, potentially risky things that they could have previously shied away from. The stories behind the cigars are usually very interesting and I hope they are here to stay!
1/30/2019 2:48 PM
I like the concept of limited editions, but I hate what the market has become. I'd rather have a regular production cigar that is well executed and I know what I'm going to get rather than with a limited edition one where I don't know.

I'll take a regular production davidoff, padron, bespok, any day over a limited edition
1/31/2019 7:55 AM
I don't mind having limited edition cigars in the market, in fact I have enjoyed quite a few of them. The only problem I have with them is the fact that I feel like I have to jump on them asap. I just wish I had time to see some reviews on them first and see if it is actually worth the $50-$100/5pk.
1/31/2019 11:14 AM
I enjoy them from time to time from brands I like. If I like them then I enjoy while they last. If I don’t, no big deal since they won’t last. I don’t don’t bother chasing them if I do like them though.
2/1/2019 10:33 AM
Some of the best art is fleeting. I like them both to try something different, and to have some in my stash for swaps -- anyone who has done forum cigar math knows LEs make for a nice bonus.
2/1/2019 11:06 AM
There are a few limited editions that I have bought and I usually enjoy them however I will typically lean towards a staple cigar that I know I will enjoy.  I will grab one to smoke if I plan on hanging out in a lounge but won't stock them at home.
2/1/2019 4:36 PM
I used to think of LE's as manna from Heaven. Now, I see them for what they really are; cigars. Sure, life is too short to smoke crappy cigars but, to me, it also no longer makes sense to chase a mythical unicorn when I am standing amidst a herd of thoroughbred horses.
2/2/2019 5:05 PM
If it is a brand I really like, ill spend the extra money.  I stopped chasing LEs from companies like Ezra Zion who overcharge for mostly mediocre cigars that the company purposely limits to drive up demand.
2/2/2019 6:37 PM
I found when I first got into the hobby I was gobbling up Limited Editions. I quickly realized there were too many to keep up with. While something in me is more willing to pull the trigger for a limited edition no matter the brand, I have developed some restraint when it comes to the plethora of LEs around the cigar world
2/2/2019 9:17 PM
I enjoy Limited Edition cigars, but not always the price tag that comes with them. Ezra Zion comes to mind when talking about LE's. I know their blends are usually great but I just can't see spending $70+ after shipping for a fiver of something I've never tried before. On the other hand when larger companies do LE's I get a little more excited. The price tag and blend are usually great, but finding more can be a pain after you finally try the one you have. For me it was the Roma Sabertooth. It has become my new favorite cigar but I can't find any in stock to get more. I guess I'll have to wait until more get released and tuck some away. Another great limited edition is the Angel's Anvil from 2016. Excellent smoke, but very hard to find more of them.
2/2/2019 10:56 PM
I like the idea.  Just with regular production I jump on a cigar that really clicks because you never know how tobacco will change from year to year.
2/2/2019 11:51 PM
Congrats to Joshua for winning this week's gift card!  And many thanks to everyone for joining the discussion 👊
2/3/2019 10:52 AM
Limited edition blends add variety to the hobby.  In 2016 and 2017 it seemed like manufacturers were very hesitant to release new blends. Mostly they just introduced new vitolas. Thanks to the FDA no doubt. 2018 was a great year for new blends and limited editions. 2019 seems to be as promising, if not more promising.