Some info about cigars

zeebra

Just to point out, I am still new and trying to learn as much as I can about these cigars. I find them very interesting and keep wanting to learn a bit more about it. Now for my brain fart that I am having... I went to RP website and saw all the videos and how they make the cigars and everything, very cool. Then reading alot of different cigar brands, I see that for example I see that AJ Fernandez does cigars for RP, like his fusion, ITC 10th anniversary and others as well. The I see that RP really does not have his own farms, but he buys from others, like Oliva family.... I see alot of cigars are made by someone else but branded by them, is this normal and why?? So who really owns all the plantations and are there only a few major suppliers of this and everyone just says its their plantations?

xmacro

sightunseen

zeebra

Thanks for that info!! It makes sense to do it that way.

fla-gypsy

Some up and coming factories may take on blending or rolling cigars for other makers just to keep their folks employed. If they have good people it behooves them to keep them working and gainfully employed. I also agree that a "hot" blender also is contracted to make something for another maker just to increase sales and generate excitement. AJ Fernandez is the perfect example. The guy is in his early 30's and has gained immense prestige with some of his blends. Another factor to consider is all the different types of tobacco there is and trying to grow all the different types and the different methods needed to do that is not practical. We also recognize that identical tobacco grown in different regions invariably will taste different as well and therefore create a demand for it. It is a complex system of growers, curing processes and blending techniques that makes this industry so unique. It also seems that most cigar makers do not have a us vs them mentatlity to their products. There seems to be much more emphasis on coming up with the next blend or twist that propels them back to the forefront.

clearlysuspect

I think they do this for the same reason musical artists will remix other people's songs. When you keep the competition friendly and do some colaborations from time to time, it only benefits the whole industry!