Quote Originally Posted by droy1958 View Post
I just didn't understand why they were bringing out a new blend seemingly every 5-6 months (it seemed) if they were having so many problems. I loved the Presnado, then they just ruined them with lousy combustion and sloppy construction. I was fixin' to get a Prensado tattoo on my caboose before they went to hell.....
I agree 100%. I had a Family Blend early in my smoking career and loved it, same with a Prensado. Then yep, they start trying to roll out a million lines all while their core ones are in bad shape. Didn't make sense.

Quote Originally Posted by jhedrick83 View Post
This is exactly what I was going to post about! I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. Honestly, for me, I know it was supposed to be an outlet for a giant mea culpa but I got done reading it and was glad I gave up on AB after a series of Tempus that were horrid construction. I wouldn't exactly say the interview won me back over.

I worry that FDA regulation will kill the market by generating a lot of acquisitions like this. Can the big boys make great cigars? Yes then can. Do they do so as frequently as the little guys do? IMO, not even close. I'm not even talking about LEs and shop exclusives and all that jazz. Just smaller brands like Illusione, Tat, Crowned Heads, etc. FDA regulation is more leverage for the big dogs to squeeze out the competition because they have the capital. I don't really like the idea of less competition in any arena and it kills innovation.

For example, look at Tesla Motors. To me, what I like best about them isn't necessarily the cars it's the innovation they are driving. Before the initial Tesla Roadsters and the Model S several years later electric cars were a joke. GM built some prior and couldn't even make them popular in California of all places. So they literally crushed the whole fleet. Hybrids were ok but all electric was "too far off" technology wise. Now all the major car companies are scrambling to catch up or pass Tesla. I highly doubt any of that happens without the ability of a small time player with a big idea and the kahones to go for it. I'll get off my soapbox now...
I was actually half-tempted to try a 5er of Prensado again before I read this thread about a potential sale looming. I figured better late than never on the apology, and something like that interview is pretty rare, so...now I don't know.

I'm pretty much with you on all the other stuff though. At least if Fuente, Oliva, and My Father hold out for a while I'll be ok.