Beetles !!

[snooper800]

I just received my second purchase from Best Cigar Prices, the on-line vendor based in New York. I have to admit they have great pricing on some of the everyday sticks I like to smoke around the shop and while working in the yard.

A favorite brand for me is the Bravo line, either the Sosegado or the Gold. Unfortunately it is getting harder to find Bravo products, especially from on-line retailers and no one in my area stocks them. My first purchase was a bundle of the Sosegado, they arrived in fair shape, but very dry.

The second purchase was a bundle of the Gold Toros. They also were very dry, with some showing signs of the wrappers unraveling and the caps split. Once I cut the bundle open and began inspecting, I found beetle signs throughout the entire lot.

I've attached a few photos, I apologize for the quality, better ones to follow once I have time to use a camera other than my phone.

Luckily I keep my everyday stuff seperate from my after dinner stash so no worries of cross-contamination.

 

[blooz4u]

Yikes man.. I'd contact them right away. I don't care what kind of cigar is it, I HATE to see that happen.

 

[njstone]

Eeeeeeeww! Yea, call their CS right away, that's nasty!

 

[TreeFrog Frank]

Remember, as Seuss said, "A Beetle's a beetle, no matter how small!"


Uhm... wait, oh, nevermind!

 

[Penzip]

Thats not good at all. No matter what the price is.

 

[BesstR]

That is bad news they should replace them for you.

 

[snooper800]

I carefully inspected the bundle wrapper, could not find any holes. It looks to me as though they were infested before the vendor put them in their inventory. Luckilly I still have the Sosegos isolated in a tupperware container in my shop. When I get home today I will give them a good look-over to see if there are any signs of infestation.

I've reached out to their CS department.

 

[DeeDubya]

Dry cigars with beetles? Makes one wonder about their storage facility. Notice I didn't say humidor!

 

[snooper800]

I have to add I also bought a box of La Vieja Habana 6 by 60 Braz. Maduros which were in the same shipment with the infested cigars. They come 16 to the box, they were a bit dry but otherwise in good shape. They are currently in the freezer, I hope with a few weeks of rest in one of my higher setting humidors they will end up being good every day sticks.

 

[Alwayslit]

Sounds like they're being stored in a warehouse not a humidor.....not good.

 

[ciggy]

the freezer is where I put stuff for about an hour durring the hot and humid summer months. It's a safeguard for sure unless in your case the damage has been done. That's very upsetting for sure!!:cursing:

 

[strife]

That sucks, I just received a sealed box of five clear Havanas with a 1917 tax stamp hoping to find some treats inside. Five little mummies with major beetle infestation. In my case there was no guarantee of the condition of the contents, gambled and lost. Oh well.

Hopefully they'll make good on them for you.

 

[dpricenator]

That sucks, I just received a sealed box of five clear Havanas with a 1917 tax stamp hoping to find some treats inside. Five little mummies with major beetle infestation. In my case there was no guarantee of the condition of the contents, gambled and lost. Oh well.

Hopefully they'll make good on them for you.

ouch, thast sucks

 

[snooper800]

Received word, they are sending out a mailing label so I can send the bundle back. Unfortunately, I cut up the one stick that was heavily infested - hey, I was curious..........:blush:

Anyway, I am going to send back the sticks I have and have them send me a another package.

They also offered me free shipping on my next order, so I see this as a good (and positive) exercise of customer service.

Not quite sure they store their inventory as well as some others out there, but there is no denying they have some of the best prices out there.

 

[rick12string]

Glad to see they're taking care of you.

 

[rick12string]

the freezer is where I put stuff for about an hour durring the hot and humid summer months. It's a safeguard for sure unless in your case the damage has been done. That's very upsetting for sure!!:cursing:

If you're freezing to avoid potential beatle problems, I think it takes a few days in the freezer at a very low temp, starting with one day in the frig then moved to the freezer then back to the frig for another day. Stepping up and down avoids the sudden temp shock to the cigars.
This is what I've been told. Maybe someone with experience doing this can give more details.

 

[snooper800]

I'm not sure myself on the best way to freeze. I usually double wrap a good-sized bundle (or boxes) in foil then into the frig for a few hours then into our deep freezer in the garage for three days. Then back into the frig for two days, then I unwrap and put them to bed.

 

[rick12string]

I'm not sure myself on the best way to freeze. I usually double wrap a good-sized bundle (or boxes) in foil then into the frig for a few hours then into our deep freezer in the garage for three days. Then back into the frig for two days, then I unwrap and put them to bed.

Sounds good. I forgot to mention wrapping air tight is essential.
Thanks.

 

[snooper800]

Just thought I would update you all on my dealings with this vendor.

As of today, no label and no follow-up from them at all. They told me they mailed the label out on 5/27/2010.

From my perspective, it is not worth pursuing any further. The cost of this lesson is minimal, my stash was not contaminated since I kept the new stuff in a different container until I could inspect them.

In their original email they stated "cigars are an agricultural product and as such infestations are to be expected from time to time."

I think I will cross them off my list of sources and move on. :music:

 

[Greyghost]

Just thought I would update you all on my dealings with this vendor.

As of today, no label and no follow-up from them at all. They told me they mailed the label out on 5/27/2010.

From my perspective, it is not worth pursuing any further. The cost of this lesson is minimal, my stash was not contaminated since I kept the new stuff in a different container until I could inspect them.

In their original email they stated "cigars are an agricultural product and as such infestations are to be expected from time to time."

I think I will cross them off my list of sources and move on. :music:

Sorry to hear that. I get cigars from anyone I wrap them and put in frig for a day, freezer 2 and then back into frig for a day, then to the humi. Have yet to have a beetle problem, of course now with that said.

Hope your situation with them is soon resolved.