Well, there is a lot of great info in this thread. Personally, it is all about the cigar. The cigar should stand on its own. Its either good or its crap. I don't need to defend Pete. My brother more than adequately defends himself. What I will say is, the cigar starts with great quality tobacco. If you look at so many great manufacturers, it starts with the tedious task of watching or careful tending of the tobacco grow from start to finish. Then how the leafs are fermented. Growers like Pepin, Aj Fernandez, Litto Gomez, The Fuentes and a few others have this down to a science. They know the exact moment the leaf has matured. Remember, so many manufacturers buy there leaves from growers.
To make a great cigar, it takes patience. Just as blending a cigar requires skill. I know Pete has a "family" relationship with the Pepins, which aides in making a great product. Do I like all his blends. Hell no, take the Ambos Mundos. I personally don't like this blend. But there are so many people that do.
As for marketing, it requires the ability of knowing how to sell a product. I personally can't stand all of Rocky Patel's cigars. Not in my flavor profile, but the man markets the crap out of his lines. Pete does a great job, so does Dion and the Fuentes. But, some folks seem to feel that copying a marketing strategy is cool. As soon as I saw "Nucelar" as the name of a cigar by Viaje (Farkas) it instantly turned me off. Some say that imitiation is the most sincere way of flattery. It's poor taste in my opinion. But, if I don't like a particular brand, I just don't buy it (Yep, no ROcky stuff for me.) Hell, look at the Olivas and the Nub/Cain. Some laughed at them for this idea, but the Olivas are laughing all the way to the bank.
Pete had the forsight to acquire old Cuban brands to make lines. It is funny when people criticize him for copying the cubans, they don't even realize he owns them. I can't wait for the embargo to be lifted to see all the fighting over brand names. I figure many people are irriatated they didn't acquire the brand names themselves. The Fluer D'Lys is a symbol that is older than many other logos. Many companies, including cigars, clothing, sports teams, have this as their logo. In fact, the French and Canadian GOvernments also have this logo incorporated as their symbols. So I guess everyone copies everyone then.
As for the continued LE releases by Viaje, or for that manner other manufacturers, be careful. You will turn people off. There is a point of enough is enough. I have seen many cigar companies come and go. Take the first cigar boom. Bahia was a hot brand. Where are they now. Sold in the pages/website of Cigars International as cheap cigars.
Simply put, as I said before. Buy what you like, Smoke what you like, but it's all about the cigar itself. If the blend, quality, price and taste can't stand up, then that cigar should disappear. If you don't like a brand, don't buy it.
okemyeye
