Cigar Bands

[CitizenZero]

In the big, wide world of cigars, it can often be a daunting task to try to expand your horizons and venture into new and uncharted territory. I don’t know about you but walking into a B&M is a lot like when I’m with a group of friends and someone starts telling jokes, I know a million of them but in that moment my mind goes blank. I have a million cigars on my wishlist, ones I’ve seen here or there, ones I’ve read about, ones recommended by friends and bums alike but in that moment when the humidor doors open, my mind freezes and my eyes wander... and I’m reduced to my most basic instinct, “hmmm... that band looks cool.” I want this thread to be an open brainstorm, it doesn’t have to have a “specific” goal, I like to delve into the psychology behind why the band holds so much sway but we can talk about anything. Tell me about your favorite bands, or tell me about the time reaching for the new, cool cigar band bit you in the rear, heck we can even talk about your favorite cigars that never even get a band. It’s just always been a weird little thing that I think about... that little scrap of paper that, objectively, is the least important part of a good cigar yet like every other piece of powerful advertising has muscled its way to the front of my purchasing consciousness.


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[CitizenZero]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201114/18b9a287b3eb6f48a7c7669fa6af5ecd.jpg
This stick always comes to mind when I think about cigar bands. I got these YEARS ago in a CI sampler, this was towards the beginning of my cigar odyssey and I had never heard of Plasencia before so I took them at face value and stuffed em in the humi for a rainy day. Fast forward like 7 or 8 years and that rainy day came and I got tired of looking at these ridiculous things, I mean... they look like an advertisement for a Sandals resort or some such nonsense. One of the best, most balanced smokes I’ve ever had. These sticks are still around but they’ve been rebranded as the Reserva Original and have forsaken the Floridian tourist trap color scheme in favor of a more traditional band (probably for the best) but this was when I learned that some of the best experiences are going to require equal parts “f it” and time.


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[chain_gang]

Great topic.

This made me think of a band I remember seeing on a picture here or elsewhere, and it slips my mind unless I throw on some Wu-Tang, or as of lately, some loud ODB.

Search results bring up zero on any Wu-Tang cigars, but the money will be dropped immediately on any stick with The W. I'm not sure if the pic is a legit stick or some custom band.

The Killer Bees cigar, while probably not officially recognized or blessed by the Wu crew, was great and a cool homage to them (if that's the reasoning behind the cigar's name).7706

[Old Smokey]

If a cigar doesn't have at least 2 bands and a colored ribbon on the foot, is it even worthy of smoking? :)

I will admit I am a sucker for a pretty band and turned off when a band takes up nearly all of the cigar. BAND SIZE MATTERS! :)

[josh lucky 13]

If your buying a cigar based on the band then know that your buying a gimmick. Tombstone will admit to buying cigars for that reason. I may have a couple for that as well. But I believe the more you know about cigars the more the name on that fancy band matters more. There are brands I trust much more than others (padron over a gurkha). Established brands have built a trust. Now if your a new cigar and your trying to distinguish yourself your band may be over done to help get your name out there but most of us are only gonna buy a stick or two to see if the tobacco matches up. In the long run your burning the tobacco not the band (unless your smoking in the dark and notice the draw is a bit tighter).

[Brimy]

If your buying a cigar based on the band then know that your buying a gimmick. Tombstone will admit to buying cigars for that reason. I may have a couple for that as well. But I believe the more you know about cigars the more the name on that fancy band matters more. There are brands I trust much more than others (padron over a gurkha). Established brands have built a trust. Now if your a new cigar and your trying to distinguish yourself your band may be over done to help get your name out there but most of us are only gonna buy a stick or two to see if the tobacco matches up. In the long run your burning the tobacco not the band (unless your smoking in the dark and notice the draw is a bit tighter).

I'm not 100% in agreement here Josh. There are quite a few very good cigars with large, even obnoxious bands. La Serena, Chilling Moose, Obsidian and I'm sure if I went thru my humis I could probably come up with a few more.
I don't agree that a large obnoxious band = bad cigar.

[Tombstone]

Josh is spot on with my love of a good band. I have on a few rare occasions purchased a box of cigars just for the box. First cigar I ever bought was because I liked the band. Had if for several weeks before I was asked if I was going to smoke it. Up until that point the thought had no crossed my mind. It turned out to be one of my go to and with out a doubt most smoked cigars till this day.

[josh lucky 13]

I'm not 100% in agreement here Josh. There are quite a few very good cigars with large, even obnoxious bands. La Serena, Chilling Moose, Obsidian and I'm sure if I went thru my humis I could probably come up with a few more.
I don't agree that a large obnoxious band = bad cigar.

not say large equals bad but when la Serena came out I think they made those bands large to draw attention to them. La serena is a good point the band may have got your initial buy but if the cigar is bad you probably wouldnt be buying a box. I think for each option you mentioned there are couple others that had elaborate or fancy bands trying to polish a turd.

[CitizenZero]

I'm not 100% in agreement here Josh. There are quite a few very good cigars with large, even obnoxious bands. La Serena, Chilling Moose, Obsidian and I'm sure if I went thru my humis I could probably come up with a few more.
I don't agree that a large obnoxious band = bad cigar.

I understand Josh’s point, or at least I hope I do, and I agree with the meat and potatoes of his thesis. Slap a fancy band on a turd and people will buy it and unfortunately end up smoking [emoji90] but I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the visual aesthetic and what an important role it plays in our decision making. Sight is the very first sense that is introduced to a new cigar, before we ever hold it or smell it, let alone taste it, we take it in through our eyes. I’m certainly not here to defend or condemn ornate banding, just to highlight that for better or worse, it plays a part to varying degrees in the decision making process. If you were to present me with identical cigars without knowing anything about the brand, blend, or origin, the only difference being how visually appealing I found the band, I’ll probably take the “prettier” one every time. I just find the psychology behind it fascinating...


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[CitizenZero]

not say large equals bad but when la Serena came out I think they made those bands large to draw attention to them. La serena is a good point the band may have got your initial buy but if the cigar is bad you probably wouldnt be buying a box. I think for each option you mentioned there are couple others that had elaborate or fancy bands trying to polish a turd.

The Ava Maria line was like this for me. Gorgeous banding but the actual cigar never hit home. Funny enough one of the coolest bands I’ve seen recently is the Amazon Basin by CAO. Arguably the most simple you could possible wrap a cigar with and still very cool.


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[josh lucky 13]

The Ava Maria line was like this for me. Gorgeous banding but the actual cigar never hit home. Funny enough one of the coolest bands I’ve seen recently is the Amazon Basin by CAO. Arguably the most simple you could possible wrap a cigar with and still very cool.


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Good band and same point with tatuaje face. I just dont put too much into the band itself

[chain_gang]

I love bands - it's kinda a souvenir, something worth collecting, and a cool way to have proof or rememberance of smoking the cigar. I cannot think of any sticks I bought because of the band alone. However, there are some, like Ezra Zions, where the band is awesome artwork, which I think is both very cool and respectable. I've seen some cool CAO Xmas LEs that I'd buy in a heartbeat, but I'm not a huge CAO fan. If there were more monster or creature related bands, I'd definitely buy to both out of curiosity and to collect the band, since I'm a big horror fan - that's part of my interest with the Monster series, especially the Krueger (shout-out to Josh). I do not like tough-guy or manly bands like with skulls, but have been humbled by the actual cigar (Asylum). So I guess the marketing goes both ways with me - most of the time I'm not buying for the band, amd sometimes the band intrigues me to want to try the cigar and to have a cool new collectable.

[Emperor Zurg]

The band is a nice thing to hold a cigar by when you are smoking with wet or oily fingers. It also tastes like schyt when it starts burning along with the wrapper. All bands go in the trash or fire while still on the butt. If a cigar is really good, I might tear the band off and throw it away a little early so I can smoke the nub without tasting burning band. They're like a candy wrapper to me.

[Tombstone]

The Ava Maria line was like this for me. Gorgeous banding but the actual cigar never hit home. Funny enough one of the coolest bands I’ve seen recently is the Amazon Basin by CAO. Arguably the most simple you could possible wrap a cigar with and still very cool.


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We cannot be friends.

[CitizenZero]

We cannot be friends.

It was only a matter of time before my terrible opinions landed me hot water.... lol


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[Tombstone]

It was only a matter of time before my terrible opinions landed me hot water.... lol


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I love me some Ave Maria. Smoked two today. I will joke with you and welcome every ones opinions. The band drew me to the line but AJs skills keep bringing me back.

[CitizenZero]

I love me some Ave Maria. Smoked two today. I will joke with you and welcome every ones opinions. The band drew me to the line but AJs skills keep bringing me back.

All in good fun. Admittedly I haven’t had an Ava in a long time and the last one I had came from a sampler so I’m sure it wasn’t their top tier smoke. I’m sure it won’t be long before I give ol’ Ava another go.


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[SoCal gunner]

The most beautiful/elegant bands are the NC San Cristobal line - The colors in the Macaw, the embossing, the gold... just a work of (imo) . The sombremesa I had this AM is sweet and I've always liked the similar La Imperiosa band as well. Love some of the artwork on the EZ/CFed stuff too.
Tombstone is the king of finding badass bands - from Valkyrie to Machine-gun toting chicks!

[WNYTONY]

Well I can't recall ever specifically buying a cigar just because the band or box looked pretty - I don't save or do anything fancy with either of those after the cigars are burned. (Other than toss the bands into the nice shadow box that my Secret Santa cheaphumidors sent me last Xmas) I have heard interviews and podcasts where they discuss what goes in to designing and making the bands and it's actually something they give quite a bit of thought to. Right down to color, which to include and which to avoid.

That said I have to agree with SoCal gunner that the San Cristobal are among the most elegant looking cigar bands out there, and that Tombstone is a band whore :poke: with SoCal gunner a close second (all those Ezra Zion with the machetes and hand grenades on them, come on man) :poke::poke: Oh and while I'm at it.... that while Ave Maria bands are very beautiful the cigars don't do it for me. Not Gurkha level bad, but just not for me. Tried them because AJ but nope. Sorry Ryan

But the name on the band means a great deal and I've listened to and done for myself the blind smokes and that band does make a great difference. Without the band there is no reluctance to say a stick is not that good. But when you can see the Opus band on it you tend to give it more of a chance because they are supposed to be good. If you've never done this I encourage you to give it a try. We tested it at the Orgy and it worked to perfection, slapped an Opus band on a Bahia and Colin wouldn't put it down even though it was bad !

It's that name on the band that means everything. Tatuaje bands are small, dull and boring yet their sticks fly off the shelves. The Padron bands are nothing exciting but the Padron name itself that carries the reputation. It's almost as if you see a pretty band what are they trying to hide with it. I'm sure there are guys that go into cigar shops and see a cool band and just buy it, but at our level we're asking about the brand, who makes it, what county of origin, etc... I'd be willing to bet that even Tombstone doesn't just grab cigars based solely on the band alone, that he looks a little deeper and then says "I'll put anything in my mouth once" LOL.

The top spot in my stash goes to Crowned Heads - love pretty much everything they have put out. And they have earned my trust so much that I've automatically bought two boxes, usually robusto and corona, of all the new releases without having tried one first. I think everyone probably has a brand or maker that they trust and can say "never had a bad stick from them".

There are also guys (and even one Southern Belle) I tend to follow and trust that if they liked a particular cigar chances are that I will too. Every once in a while they can get off track, cough, gurkha, cough, but for the most part you'll find your tastes will align with someone else out there. And the same with the shop. Typically the workers smoke cigars too, so they are a wealth of knowledge to find out what is actually good and help find the hidden gems out there.

Trades and things like the MAW here on the Bum help out as well - you don't just have to judge based on the band alone

[WNYTONY]

Edit: I hit submit and realized it's a damn novel. Apologies for the long-windedness

[CitizenZero]

I appreciate a well thought out response. And if nothing else... now I’m looking into Crowned Heads.

[Tombstone]

Well I can't recall ever specifically buying a cigar just because the band or box looked pretty - I don't save or do anything fancy with either of those after the cigars are burned. (Other than toss the bands into the nice shadow box that my Secret Santa cheaphumidors sent me last Xmas) I have heard interviews and podcasts where they discuss what goes in to designing and making the bands and it's actually something they give quite a bit of thought to. Right down to color, which to include and which to avoid.

That said I have to agree with SoCal gunner that the San Cristobal are among the most elegant looking cigar bands out there, and that Tombstone is a band whore :poke: with SoCal gunner a close second (all those Ezra Zion with the machetes and hand grenades on them, come on man) :poke::poke: Oh and while I'm at it.... that while Ave Maria bands are very beautiful the cigars don't do it for me. Not Gurkha level bad, but just not for me. Tried them because AJ but nope. Sorry Ryan

But the name on the band means a great deal and I've listened to and done for myself the blind smokes and that band does make a great difference. Without the band there is no reluctance to say a stick is not that good. But when you can see the Opus band on it you tend to give it more of a chance because they are supposed to be good. If you've never done this I encourage you to give it a try. We tested it at the Orgy and it worked to perfection, slapped an Opus band on a Bahia and Colin wouldn't put it down even though it was bad !

It's that name on the band that means everything. Tatuaje bands are small, dull and boring yet their sticks fly off the shelves. The Padron bands are nothing exciting but the Padron name itself that carries the reputation. It's almost as if you see a pretty band what are they trying to hide with it. I'm sure there are guys that go into cigar shops and see a cool band and just buy it, but at our level we're asking about the brand, who makes it, what county of origin, etc... I'd be willing to bet that even Tombstone doesn't just grab cigars based solely on the band alone, that he looks a little deeper and then says "I'll put anything in my mouth once" LOL.

The top spot in my stash goes to Crowned Heads - love pretty much everything they have put out. And they have earned my trust so much that I've automatically bought two boxes, usually robusto and corona, of all the new releases without having tried one first. I think everyone probably has a brand or maker that they trust and can say "never had a bad stick from them".

There are also guys (and even one Southern Belle) I tend to follow and trust that if they liked a particular cigar chances are that I will too. Every once in a while they can get off track, cough, gurkha, cough, but for the most part you'll find your tastes will align with someone else out there. And the same with the shop. Typically the workers smoke cigars too, so they are a wealth of knowledge to find out what is actually good and help find the hidden gems out there.

Trades and things like the MAW here on the Bum help out as well - you don't just have to judge based on the band alone

I will totally buy a cigar no questions asked if the band is cool enough but I have said after smoking several that the band was the best part. Its a risk I am willing to take.

[Drez]

There's only one cigar I can say I have bought solely for the "band" design, and that was Nomad's Throne of Games. That aside, I will sometimes use bands to determine picking a cigar in a B&M if I am not particularly looking for one brand and just grabbing a few random to try sticks.

I don't always look at the big bold designed bands, but I've noticed a similarity between the cigar quality and the quality of the band design. You can see some big, flashy and pretty if not examined up close bands that may catch the eye, but are just shiny printed flat bands. Versus more detailed designs with embossing, texturing and a high quality printing on more. Some may not be as flashy, some may be just as flashy.. But willingness to put that effort and money into brand packaging will most of the time translate to a better product. Might not always be true, but seems to be a good way to have a fairly accurate gauge when reaching for random sticks.

[chain_gang]

Edit: I hit submit and realized it's a damn novel. Apologies for the long-windednessI like a nice long response with details and stories. Please post more! Too many "it was good" responses, but I know the Bums have lives and don't always want to click-clack the phone. It's one reason I put the reviews up and try to give details.

[chain_gang]

I love me some Ave Maria. Smoked two today. I will joke with you and welcome every ones opinions. The band drew me to the line but AJs skills keep bringing me back.2 of em yesterday? Gurkha only knows what else you're hiding from me and the Bums.

Get your ass over to the "what'dya smoke today". I'll find ways "encourage" your participation ... which is mandatory when I'm around. With all due respect of course.

[WNYTONY]

I will totally buy a cigar no questions asked if the band is cool enough but I have said after smoking several that the band was the best part. Its a risk I am willing to take.I was thinking that you also see the box on display so you have other information from the box, like country if origin. But I forgot you live near those huge barrels at CI and now I see it's not only possible but probable that you would come across a cigar in the bin with a shiny label and know nothing else. Safe to assume you'd assume the same risk with booze ? Lol - no need to answer that !

[Tombstone]

This thread feels naked without more bands.
https://i.imgur.com/xNOxvVN.jpg

My game table.

https://i.imgur.com/5Q5oDUt.jpg

On this we have the mentioned La Sirena, Merlion (by La Sirena), and the Judge 2 by Jose Fuego SoCal gunner

https://i.imgur.com/Aggffyo.jpg

Cult, and Ron Mexico (not great but not as bad as people say)

https://i.imgur.com/gmpjUf0.jpg

Not mentioned but CAO has put out plenty of Holiday blends with eye catching cigar bands. I always pick some up.

https://i.imgur.com/M5jau3G.jpg

Another CAO, The Fat Bottom Betty, Battlefield Cigar (Great band and never disappointed by any of their lines. Smoked maybe 8-10 blends). Opus Forbidden X talk about a band to sell a cigar that would have no legs without it.

https://i.imgur.com/WNQvqCX.jpg

Lots of eye candy here. Assylum straight jacket, great smoke but the band caught my eye an the box is wicked cool. Island Jim and his Leaf by Oscar, the band or leaf covering are the best part of the cigar. Black Ops , again purchased because of the band and have smoked through probably 15-20 bundles. Inexpensive but good. The Relic by AJ sweet band but a great blend that never took off.

https://i.imgur.com/o0KwOzI.jpg

La Auroma de Cuba similar in design to the San Christibol line. Then there is the Log. Who doesn't want to put a massive dark log in their mouth with a manly man on the band.

https://i.imgur.com/aTTAXQf.jpg?1

The best (Ave Maria) and the Worst CAO Headless Horseman. Who ever thought that a pumpkin spice cigar was a good idea and why did I buy more than one. I love me some Halloween but shit this cigar was one of the few regrets that even a cool band could not make better.


https://i.imgur.com/RBGNnsh.jpg

Another Ave, the Chillin Moose, and LFD ( they always have sharp, classical designed bands)

https://i.imgur.com/LC9gMH6.jpg

Archtype Dragon thing. I can never remember the line names restomod I bet can ID the line with his eyes closed. Kevin is the man like that. Pantheon is another line I purchased every blend in jars mostly based on the band/jar design and AJ making them was just a bonus.


https://i.imgur.com/J6iu5BS.jpg?1

The Tatuaje that breaks the mold Uncle Tony WNYTONY but you are right they are normally not flashy. Imagine if the monster line had their bands designed by Gurkha.

https://i.imgur.com/GZhM0Zb.jpg?1

Another Ave, did I mention I smoked a "few" of these. But there is also The Spectre, that is a band even I had trouble getting on board with but they were an interesting smoke. A flashy Assylum. Some classic Tatuaje.

https://i.imgur.com/HX5GAi6.jpg

How about the 2020 La Bomba. Now that is a nice band and an awesome cigar. Smoke 10, you will thank me.

https://i.imgur.com/ivBiRnQ.jpg

Some Pantheon Jars and the very nice Viva La Vida, nice band and worth a smoke.

https://i.imgur.com/NzGiGeE.jpg

My #1 fan. Its like the van with candy, only they lure you in with cigars.

[Tombstone]

2 of em yesterday? Gurkha only knows what else you're hiding from me and the Bums.

Get your ass over to the "what'dya smoke today". I'll find ways "encourage" your participation ... which is mandatory when I'm around. With all due respect of course.

I will have to make a point one week to post up my full lineup of smokes.

[CitizenZero]

This thread feels naked without more bands.
https://i.imgur.com/xNOxvVN.jpg

My game table.

https://i.imgur.com/5Q5oDUt.jpg

On this we have the mentioned La Sirena, Merlion (by La Sirena), and the Judge 2 by Jose Fuego SoCal gunner

https://i.imgur.com/Aggffyo.jpg

Cult, and Ron Mexico (not great but not as bad as people say)

https://i.imgur.com/gmpjUf0.jpg

Not mentioned but CAO has put out plenty of Holiday blends with eye catching cigar bands. I always pick some up.

https://i.imgur.com/M5jau3G.jpg

Another CAO, The Fat Bottom Betty, Battlefield Cigar (Great band and never disappointed by any of their lines. Smoked maybe 8-10 blends). Opus Forbidden X talk about a band to sell a cigar that would have no legs without it.

https://i.imgur.com/WNQvqCX.jpg

Lots of eye candy here. Assylum straight jacket, great smoke but the band caught my eye an the box is wicked cool. Island Jim and his Leaf by Oscar, the band or leaf covering are the best part of the cigar. Black Ops , again purchased because of the band and have smoked through probably 15-20 bundles. Inexpensive but good. The Relic by AJ sweet band but a great blend that never took off.

https://i.imgur.com/o0KwOzI.jpg

La Auroma de Cuba similar in design to the San Christibol line. Then there is the Log. Who doesn't want to put a massive dark log in their mouth with a manly man on the band.

https://i.imgur.com/aTTAXQf.jpg?1

The best (Ave Maria) and the Worst CAO Headless Horseman. Who ever thought that a pumpkin spice cigar was a good idea and why did I buy more than one. I love me some Halloween but shit this cigar was one of the few regrets that even a cool band could not make better.


https://i.imgur.com/RBGNnsh.jpg

Another Ave, the Chillin Moose, and LFD ( they always have sharp, classical designed bands)

https://i.imgur.com/LC9gMH6.jpg

Archtype Dragon thing. I can never remember the line names restomod I bet can ID the line with his eyes closed. Kevin is the man like that. Pantheon is another line I purchased every blend in jars mostly based on the band/jar design and AJ making them was just a bonus.


https://i.imgur.com/J6iu5BS.jpg?1

The Tatuaje that breaks the mold Uncle Tony WNYTONY but you are right they are normally not flashy. Imagine if the monster line had their bands designed by Gurkha.

https://i.imgur.com/GZhM0Zb.jpg?1

Another Ave, did I mention I smoked a "few" of these. But there is also The Spectre, that is a band even I had trouble getting on board with but they were an interesting smoke. A flashy Assylum. Some classic Tatuaje.

https://i.imgur.com/HX5GAi6.jpg

How about the 2020 La Bomba. Now that is a nice band and an awesome cigar. Smoke 10, you will thank me.

https://i.imgur.com/ivBiRnQ.jpg

Some Pantheon Jars and the very nice Viva La Vida, nice band and worth a smoke.

https://i.imgur.com/NzGiGeE.jpg

My #1 fan. Its like the van with candy, only they lure you in with cigars.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201115/b60d684fedb02ceb8c795e9fd7411471.jpg


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[CitizenZero]

I lied. Ava Maria is the best. Best cigar ever. Please be my friend.


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[Tombstone]

I was thinking that you also see the box on display so you have other information from the box, like country if origin. But I forgot you live near those huge barrels at CI and now I see it's not only possible but probable that you would come across a cigar in the bin with a shiny label and know nothing else. Safe to assume you'd assume the same risk with booze ? Lol - no need to answer that !

I live life on the edge my friend. I have a few bottle of what I like to call basement liquor. I found them in the basement of a house that my mom and dad live in before their divorce in 1994. The labels have fallen off most of them, there is one or two with a little grit in in and one that smells and taste like turpentine. I also have a jar of Rock & Rye from my great granddads basement that I have to open with pliers since its rusted shut. I have some tales of drinking those. One ended with my waking up to my dad hitting me with a door a few times. I am like what the fuck Dad I am sleeping, leave me be. At that point he pointed out I was sleeping in the bathroom and he was just trying to get in and did not know what was blocking the door. I used the open toilet seat as a pillow and my beard was soaking in the grilled cheese that came back up and toilet water. Basement liquor is always a good time.

[Tombstone]

I lied. Ava Maria is the best. Best cigar ever. Please be my friend.


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I will respect your opinion on Ave Maria not being your cup of tea. That means more for me. We can be friends as long as you can put up with me. Even I have my limits. I will not get drunk and ask the B&M employees if they smoke weed. I will not wonder off and have people searching for me while in the middle of an orgy. I will not orchestrate an elaborate scheme to order you a transvestite hooker. I will bide my time and when you least expect it say something really inappropriate or do something that in the work place may constitute sexual harassment just the the laughs.

[CitizenZero]

I will respect your opinion on Ave Maria not being your cup of tea. That means more for me. We can be friends as long as you can put up with me. Even I have my limits. I will not get drunk and ask the B&M employees if they smoke weed. I will not wonder off and have people searching for me while in the middle of an orgy. I will not orchestrate an elaborate scheme to order you a transvestite hooker. I will bide my time and when you least expect it say something really inappropriate or do something that in the work place may constitute sexual harassment just the the laughs.

Your terms are agreeable.


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[restomod]

Tombstone thanks for your trust in me but that name of that archetype is printed on the label lol.

I really almost posted the other day that my favorite band right now is this one:

https://i.imgur.com/mFescjvl.jpg

But to be honest I really love the Roma lines, those bands are simple but very distinguished when you see them.

[WNYTONY]

I will respect your opinion on Ave Maria not being your cup of tea. That means more for me. We can be friends as long as you can put up with me. Even I have my limits. I will not get drunk and ask the B&M employees if they smoke weed. I will not wonder off and have people searching for me while in the middle of an orgy. I will not orchestrate an elaborate scheme to order you a transvestite hooker. I will bide my time and when you least expect it say something really inappropriate or do something that in the work place may constitute sexual harassment just the the laughs.All true - especially that last one [emoji1787]

[Tombstone]

Tombstone thanks for your trust in me but that name of that archetype is printed on the label lol.

I really almost posted the other day that my favorite band right now is this one:

https://i.imgur.com/mFescjvl.jpg

But to be honest I really love the Roma lines, those bands are simple but very distinguished when you see them.

That and that wolf one are pretty great. I am going to be honest the idea to read the band did not cross my mind. This is why sir you are the man.

[CitizenZero]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201115/812398eea4639417c614af24be638946.jpg
There’s a certain elegance here despite the use of earthtones as opposed to more vibrant colors. Great example of a band subconsciously setting expectations.


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[SoCal gunner]

Wow, this thread got deep!

I really thought we were all just going to toss out a band we thought looked nice and maybe some that didn't.

I'm with Tombstone in that if a band is badass and catches my eye, I'm buying one just for the F of it.
WNYTONY 's lengthy speech :poke was right on about brand name and reputation meaning more than any band. I too am a fan of Crowned Heads as well as just about anything Steve Saka makes and Padron, is well, Padron. My faith in those makers didn't come from the bands, but rather positive experiences. If I could walk in to house Padron and buy a mazo of their cigars, unbanded, I'd do in a second. Yet if I goto a local lounge and they're touting their house stick is made by a "big name maker", maybe I'd try one, but I'm surely not buying a bundle untested.

The Tatuaje example is curious in that while the bands are pretty plain, Pete's marketing can be at the top tier of gimmicky. Damn right I buy those monsters though!
josh lucky 13 brings up a great point about the perceived premium of that big X. I think the Opus is akin to having a designer name - not sure if a Louis Vitton handbag is any better than one made by ACME, but then again I think the point of a bag covered in a logo print is to be seen with it. I do have and smoke some Opus cigars, but I think Fuente has better sticks in their line up.

An ugly band (which is in the eye of the beholder) is an absolute turn off to me. I dislike most giant bands with billboard like names on them as the aforementioned Camachos. Always thought Fratellos were ugly too. Really low quality bands like on the Bahias (thin paper, bleeding printing) signal low quality to me as well.

In the end, each of us should smoke what they like.

(Did I go on longer than Tony?)

[SoCal gunner]

I had to dig one of these out just for this thread - EZ Brass Knuckles.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201115/a5ab13b62bb18a3261a821db83a18b50.jpg

[CitizenZero]

I had to dig one of these out just for this thread - EZ Brass Knuckles.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201115/a5ab13b62bb18a3261a821db83a18b50.jpg

Close the thread. We have a winner.


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[Tombstone]

Close the thread. We have a winner.


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There is a cleaver and a shotgun one if I remember correctly as well.

[restomod]

Just had one the other day, haven't been posting here

https://i.imgur.com/f1LmcB9l.jpg

Also have this Ezra Lucille as well I need to burn up

https://i.imgur.com/Qywb6Epl.jpg

[Sir Lancerolot]

For me the cheesiest band award has to go to Pirates Gold. And if you've ever made the mistake of trying to smoke ROTT, you'd probably think burning the band would taste better. And you might be right. But let them rest for a year and they turn into downright serviceable smokes.

[allusred]

The thread title does read cigar bands, so maybe this is not far off topic.
Like the artwork and how the band with the cigar's name and the ribbon band at the foot use the same colours in opposite ways.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/7Adv0W.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm7Adv0Wj)

[TCBSmokes]

There are so many good looking bands out there.. a realization I made when, after a couple of so-called industrious years of smoking, and saving one band of each new cigar I tried, I pasted them all into a cigar log. About 125 at last count.
None of the bands stand out as overly unusual so I guess I just don't smoke those kinds of cigars, but for quality of execution (paper, clarity of color, embossing, etc.) and artistry of design (especially those that convey the particular brand's intended feeling or theme really well). I'll be sure to add a few pis of examples... as soon as I locate the darn book!

[Tombstone]

Ciro Finally found some photos of the table I was telling you and Hollywood about. See page 3

[Ciro]

Ciro Finally found some photos of the table I was telling you and Hollywood about.Post them up!!!

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[Tombstone]

Post them up!!!

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on page 3

[SoCal gunner]

on page 3https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220322/507d6bedb9df02943f8bc089ec31e8ac.jpg
(Preview)


https://www.cigarbum.com/forum/general-non-habanos-cigar-discussion/cigar-bands-10887-post210562.html