JR Cigars....HELP

[CigarGavin]

Im in a tough spot, I found out today that I REALLY like a cigar that is exclusive to JR and im ready to buy a box, but ive heard nothing but bad things about them. Has anyone had bad experiences with JR? Should I just go for it? How are they with returns? Im not sure if we can even discuss shops outright, I apologize if that is the case just looking for a little insight from you guys. Thanks in advance.

 

[CO Smokes]

I worked at JR for a few months (hard for me to admit lol). Their cigars can be good when you get a good one but they have terrible consistency issues IMO. In the retail shops they'd take back anything (even if you smoke half the box they'll take it back and just charge you for what you smoked) I couldn't tell you about the mail order though. Someone else may have better info on ordering

 

[StocktonJohn]

I've had no customer service issues. Bought 2 or three boxes a few years back.

 

[Marcm15]

I buy from the JR Cigar in Paramus NJ on a fairly regular basis. The only consistency issues I have experienced is with their "Alternative Knock Off" smokes. It is truly hit or miss with them. As far as anything else I have purchased from them I have not had any issues at all. I have never purchased from them online

 

[zama80]

A couple years ago, when I first started buying cigars for myself, I ordered from JR almost exclusively. I never had any problems at all. They shipped quickly and I never got unwanted pressure sales. I didn't buy any of their exclusive stuff, so I can't speak to the consistency. I also never had to return any thing so I can't speak to that either. If they carried the brands I now smoke and the prices were good I would try them again.

 

[Señor Maduro]

I've purchased from their website with no issues.

 

[CigarGavin]

Thanks guys, I had heard they had issues with humidity and quality, appreciate it

 

[Rupe]

I've bought online from JR in the past and have not had any problems with quality or customer service.

As far as humidity issues go, I let pretty much everything that I buy online rest for at least 6 weeks before I smoke it. In the summertime it sits on a truck for three days at 95* and 80% humidity before it gets to me. In the wintertime it is 15* and 20% RH so either way they need to reacclimate to proper temp and RH before I can enjoy them.

 

[Cigary43]

I like their Ultimates....very good cigars but their shipping costs stink...some months they only charge $1.00 and that is when I order...otherwise it's $6 for shipping even if it's a $4 cigar...ridiculous.

 

[Monsterdg]

I've used JRs a couple of times, no issues. What stick are you getting Gavin?

 

[Chemforever]

I'd like to know too, I hear their Monte reds are good.

 

[StocktonJohn]

I'd like to know too, I hear their Monte reds are good.

I've wondered about these too. Anybody tried them?

 

[CigarGavin]

I've used JRs a couple of times, no issues. What stick are you getting Gavin?

I was looking into getting the H. Upmann Connoisseur 96-50. I was at my local B&M and they had a stick they said was an H.Upmann from 1996 around $10; I bought a fiver and they where extremely tasty. As I was smoking I wondered how long Altadis has been around and if that story could even be true, quick Wiki search showed they where not a company until 1999, so I just kinda let it off as lies. Couple days later I was able to get in touch with Altadis head of marketing Kim, and she told me it was tobacco from 1996 and....IT WAS A JR EXCLUSIVE! I was floored, quick check online showed that A cabinet of 25 was just over 100$, or 4$ a stick! THanks for all your guys help on the matter, I ordered a fiver last night just to test the waters before jumping on a box.

 

[KH63]

I've ordered via the website without issue a few times. The shipping is a flat $5. They are owned by Altadis fwiw.

 

[xFreebirdx]

I'd like to know too, I hear their Monte reds are good.

I'd like to know too, I hear their Monte reds are good.

I've wondered about these too. Anybody tried them?

I picked up some Montecristo Red No. 2 Belicoso's from Mikes a few months ago. I have really enjoyed them and will keep them in stock in the wineador.

 

[ghe]

I've used JRs a couple of times, no issues. What stick are you getting Gavin?

I was looking into getting the H. Upmann Connoisseur 96-50. I was at my local B&M and they had a stick they said was an H.Upmann from 1996 around $10; I bought a fiver and they where extremely tasty. As I was smoking I wondered how long Altadis has been around and if that story could even be true, quick Wiki search showed they where not a company until 1999, so I just kinda let it off as lies. Couple days later I was able to get in touch with Altadis head of marketing Kim, and she told me it was tobacco from 1996 and....IT WAS A JR EXCLUSIVE! I was floored, quick check online showed that A cabinet of 25 was just over 100$, or 4$ a stick! THanks for all your guys help on the matter, I ordered a fiver last night just to test the waters before jumping on a box.

I think you're a little confused about the non-Cuban H. Upmann's lineage. True, the Altadis company name doesn't go back very far, but that's because it was created after by mergers of much older European companies. The non-Cuban H. Upmann has been manufactured since shortly after the embargo 50 years ago and came under the Altadis umbrella when it acquired Consolidated Cigar. By the way, Altadis also owns JR.

 

[CigarGavin]

I've used JRs a couple of times, no issues. What stick are you getting Gavin?

I was looking into getting the H. Upmann Connoisseur 96-50. I was at my local B&M and they had a stick they said was an H.Upmann from 1996 around $10; I bought a fiver and they where extremely tasty. As I was smoking I wondered how long Altadis has been around and if that story could even be true, quick Wiki search showed they where not a company until 1999, so I just kinda let it off as lies. Couple days later I was able to get in touch with Altadis head of marketing Kim, and she told me it was tobacco from 1996 and....IT WAS A JR EXCLUSIVE! I was floored, quick check online showed that A cabinet of 25 was just over 100$, or 4$ a stick! THanks for all your guys help on the matter, I ordered a fiver last night just to test the waters before jumping on a box.

I think you're a little confused about the non-Cuban H. Upmann's lineage. True, the Altadis company name doesn't go back very far, but that's because it was created after by mergers of much older European companies. The non-Cuban H. Upmann has been manufactured since shortly after the embargo 50 years ago and came under the Altadis umbrella when it acquired Consolidated Cigar. By the way, Altadis also owns JR.

Very true, but the reason I mention altadis is because the cigar has the altadis logo on it, so that's why I was confused.

 

[JimmyC]

I ordered from their websit as well as visiting their B&M store in NJ.

Never had a bad experience with JR's.

 

[Killswitch]

I would not be concerned with customer service or quality (Name brand goods) I cannot speak for there control brand or private label stuff, but I pantry load give away cigars, buddy cigars, cigars I smoke while fishing... in 6-7 orders over the past few years I have been extremely happy.

 

[ssaka]

Full Disclosure: Before joining Drew Estate in 2005, I worked for JR Cigar and Lew Rothman for four plus years.

IMO, JR Cigar is a great online company and their customer service is excellent - they have great prices, low shipping and a generous return policy.

When it comes to cigar condition, they have a state of the art storage facility - I have no clue how many cigars are in it these days, but when I left the company they were storing in excess of 100 million cigars. Trust me, keeping them in optimum condition is critical to them given their standing investment.

As to the cigars themselves, the name brands are identical. The house brands vary widely in quality but they do so relative to cost. I still think JR Ultimates & El Rey del Mundos are some of the best tasting handmades on the market. When it comes to their less expensive knock-offs and value brands, their worth can only be judged by you yourself - but there are some real gems in there to be found and some dog rockets too, so you gotta do some sampling to find what suits you. Closeouts of name brands are always a good deal if you happen to like the brand.

So in short, I would not hesitate doing business as a consumer with JR.

BR,

Steve Saka
CEO, DE