Q: Ugliest Cigar Packaging?

[ssaka]

I know this is very subjective as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I wonder if there will be any consensus on this one.

Plus there are some pretty damn good cigars that come in some gawd awful packaging - so we are only talking about the presentation here - so do the Maker a favor and say you love the smoke, but damn is the band/box/branding butt ugly. Unless the smoke sucks too... then do whatever.

All I ask is for you to give a GENUINE HONEST CRITIC why you don't like the packaging with specifics, not just some mindless, slam fest nonsense.

And please, if you feel like it is one of DE's products that deserves an Ugly Duckling mention, do not hesitate to do so...

BR,

STS

 

[javajunkie]

the new roMEo from altadis. actually not really bad, but i just cannot STAND the band on it!

 

[mwlabel]

I think SOME of CAO's packaging is terrible. Things like the Vision are just trying too hard to be flashy. Some look good with flashy packaging, but these miss the mark.

 

[TravisC]

Gurkha has had some god-awfull packaging. Before I knew anything about cigars (brands, etc.) I would always pass up the Gurhka section at my local B&M.

 

[StogieNinja]

AB Black Market. The big complaint here is that the band covers half the stick, and if it were made of a fine paper, it would be better, but it seems to be made of cheap, thin cardstock. The cigars with the thicker flat bands made of thick paper instead of something nice just give an air of cheapness.

 

[DStan]

Honestly any cigar with more than 2 bands on it and the ribbons and all the cedar wraps really annoy me, its a damn cigar that I am going to light up and smoke it isn't some big tittied stripper down at Sammy's that needs all the make-up and bows just to make it a good time!

 

[ssaka]

Honestly any cigar with more than 2 bands on it and the ribbons and all the cedar wraps really annoy me, its a damn cigar that I am going to light up and smoke it isn't some big tittied stripper down at Sammy's that needs all the make-up and bows just to make it a good time!

LOL - damn tell us how you really feel Stan!

 

[mwlabel]

some big tittied stripper down at Sammy's that needs all the make-up and bows just to make it a good time!

Sounds like some firsthand experience there LOL

 

[CigarGavin]

IMHO most of the Nestor Miranda SS boxes are pretty ugly with the stripe of fabric over the top; also for me some of the zino stuff gets to be a little much. But this is coming from a guy that is in love with a simple branded slide top containing a great cigar

 

[Hoshneer]

To be honest there isn't any packaging that I mind much. If I had to pick it would probably be the MUWAT paper packaging. I like the design but for some reason if I smoke them right out of the bundle I feel like I can taste the paper. This may be completely in my head, trust me it is entirely possible. Once I let them rest in my humi a few weeks they become magnificent though. The secret is using meth crystals to regulate humidity.

I can tell you what I like. I like the band to have as much information on it as possible, brand, size and maybe even the date or month it was made. That would be awesome. The only thing I don't like is no packaging. I can't stand not having bands and not being able to keep track of my smokes.

 

[njstone]

In general I don't like boxes that are oddly shaped. It makes the Tetris of my bins harder. Some unique boxes are cool enough that I don't mind, though (Tat Monsters, the original Oliva Master Blends, Cuban Jars--none of which I own, sadly).

I for one don't mind a "gaudy" band ... provided the cigar warrants it! Bands like those on My Father, San Cristobal, Man o War Ruination, Opus X, etc., are a bit much, but they're all great cigars and the bands are cool imvho. Lousy cigars that try to compensate with insane bands are just sad.

 

[pbibby]

I don't like the Acid packaging. I'm not sure if it is the cigars I just don't like, but it is something about the colors that I just am not fond of.

 

[sean]

This may be completely in my head...

Rexy, there is a lot of stuff in your head, and I think most of us are thankful that you keep it in there...

For me, the packaging that bums me out the most is the packaging that tries to look edgy/rustic, etc... a la the Cubaos, Vudus... I haven't seen a Warlock box, but I can only imagine... and then the stuff like the new roMEo packaging or even the ACID packaging... Cigars aren't really about flash and bling, so why are they being dollled up like it? But then again, I am a classicist.

edit (after thought): Some may lump the MUWAT packaging in here^ but, with the "humble" paper and simple (yet assertive typology), I am okay with it despite it's lack of "classic" appeal. And I can assure you I am not just throwing that out there to kiss anyone's back-side... (back to my original post -------->)


On a side note, I think the artwork is nice, but the shear size of the La Sirena bands is goofy-stupid-big. Love the smokes, but could stand a smaller band...

 

[Tobacco Giant]

CAO Brazilia - that green just doesn't look good on a cigar, IMO.

The normal Fuente band - while I'm not particularly well versed in AF, but I do know they have approximately 6 million different blends, vitolas, etc., and the uniformity of the bands make it difficult to distinguish. Plus, while they do have a classic look, I don't think there is anything that sets it apart and it comes across as pretty plain, IMO. The Opus and Casa Fuente bands are a whole different ballgame, though. I think they look pretty awesome.

Obsidian - one long all black band that covers nearly the entire cigar, need I say more?

MUWAT - not that the packaging is altogether ugly, it's just misleading. With a name like that I expect a full bodied, full flavored cigar.

Packaging I do like - AB black market - I do agree the materials seem kind of low quality, but I like the concept. I think it was well thought out and well done.

LP - the boxes could use some work as they are fairly plain, but these are my favorite bands. I like the "handwriting" style and the off-white coloring.

My Father - Just look classy.

Sorry for the lengthy post.

 

[AussieMitch]

La Sirena bands for me. They're just too much. Not that I've ever smoked one though...

 

[JLB]

the new roMEo from altadis. actually not really bad, but i just cannot STAND the band on it!

Haha. I love that band!

 

[MICSTOGIE]

...its a damn cigar that I am going to light up and smoke it isn't some big tittied stripper down at Sammy's that needs all the make-up and bows just to make it a good time!

Now that is funny!

 

[Shaunylw]

Gotta be the gurka evil for me. I think it's a neat looking band but the practical aspect of it just is not there. I have only had two as I am not really a fan but the bands are so long they almost need to come off pre light.

 

[Diplomatico]

Tatuaje Little Monsters. Garish halloween orange box is f-ugly.

 

[jimmypa]

Just to name a few:

Dislikes:
Quesada - band and logo design in general doesn't do it for me. Looks more like a budget cigar design.
El triunfador and La requeza - could be better
Graycliff - don't like
Chateau Real - could use a make over/face lift
Perdomo - just doesn't do it for me

Likes:
Liga Privada - one of my favorite bands with the writing, that's why I was a little disappointed when I saw the papas fritas bands in a typing font instead of the freehand :disappoin
Undercrown - something about the band against that dark wrapper...
Fuentes - Even though they are intricate they are still sweet looking
Most Tatuajes - These also benefit from the simple but classy look
Illusione - Just like them
Ashtons - Just look classy
Both BOTL sticks - couldn't forget about them! :thumbsup:

Some bands/packaging grew on me as i started becoming more familiar with the brand/cigars if i liked them, while other I just liked at first glance. Guess the goal is to design a band/packaging that will attract the consumer right off the bat rather than after they have become familiar with that brand.