Fwiw, we have been securing more No. 1 Darks and as a result also grabbing a lot of great Mediums... the Mediums won't help the No. 9 situation as we are not going to change the blend - even though very, very few people would have a clue as the Mediums are excellent leaf, we'd rather sell less No. 9 than jeopardize the integrity of the blend.
Fwiw, while Mediums sound like a boring name, they are the leaves just beneath the No. 1 Darks so it is still very thick (viso-ligero) and extremely flavorful. Even #1 Long Seconds have real body....
That being said we are working on some new stuff utilizing this capa, but it is unlikely there will be anything ready for release until next year. You might see a few of the pre-release stuff floating out there later this year. Right now the bulk of the leaf is still in the pilones...
I am a Broadleaf whore so rest assured there is no desire on our part to not create more cigars using this variety. It just takes a lot longer to ferment and work the right way than any other leaf...
BR,
STS
Still Prez, DE