I've smoked 7 or 8 boxes of V Vegas A's "Artisans" over the past two years or so and they've been great. Around May of this year, I got four boxes from CBID. I ended up sending three boxes back as only one boxes worth of unplugged cigars. I'm talking broom handle plugged. These were stored at 67 degrees and 65% humidity just like all my other cigars have been for years.

I ordered three boxes for replacements. So far, 7 out of 25 have been plugged to where they are unsmokable, a 28% rejection rate.

Is anyone else having problems with the construction of V Vegas "A's" lately, especially the "Artisan's"?

Any suggestions on a cigar that has the same taste profile as the Artisan's?

WyoBob
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So far I have had good luck with the 5 vegas,sorry to hear about your situation.
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I haven't experienced this problem with the 5 Vegas 'A's, but the ones I'm burnnig now have been sitting for quite a while. I may have to pull out a newer one & see if I get the same pluggage.

If you want a very similar-tasting cigar, though, try the Arganese Presidente Maduro Robusto. Keep your eye on the Famous Smoke website, as they have these on sale every so often for as low as $40/box of 25. Their current price is $66/box with a free 3-pack & free shipping thrown in, which still isn't too bad.

If you want to try a couple, PM me. But be patient, as I'm leaving Saturday morning for a week trip.
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Famous is clearing the remaining Diablo inventory right now. I think you'd like them if you like the Artisans.
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:-) I agree! I actually prefer the Arganese over the "A"s!
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Yeah, I'm bummed. I really like the Artisan's and, when bought on CBID, they're a very good smoke for $2.00. I'm concerned that theyve changed manufacturers or rollers. They sure aren't the cigar they used to be. I've smoked hundreds of "A" cigars over the last few years and, up until now, I don't think I've ever had a plugged "A". It seems like I've been running into more plugged Padillia "Obsidian's" this year, as well. Kind of increases the cost of my cigar hobby if you have to toss a bunch of plugged cigars.

BTW, dry boxing does nothing for these plugged cigars. I generally try to salvage them by running a long drill bit up through the center but it seldom turns out well.:-) I'm saving a few for tent stakes.

WyoBob
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I have smoked about 15 5 Vegas Series "A" Artisans. They were all purchased at the end of May and not one was plugged. They all smoked very well.
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I ran into the plugged Artisan's after I went through all of the ones I'd had in the cooler for several months.

CBID has a 15 day return policy. As I find CBID/C.I. cigars to be kind of wet when received, I like to let them set for a few months. When I got to the plugged cigars, I was well past their return period but they graciously sent me a UPS return postage tag and allowed me to return them.

Thanks for the offer on the cigars but I think I'll just order a box when the price is right. It's not like I'm running out of smokes quite yet:-) Still have 300 or so laying around in the coolers. But, it's frustrating when you find something you like and they change it or drop it.

WyoBob
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Thanks for the tip but I don't buy "limited run" or close-out cigars. If I find something I like, I want to be able buy them year after year. I'd really be bummed if the Diablo's turned out to be something I like and then could no longer obtain them. Kind of like the Camacho Negro's JR used to sell. They quite producing them just when I'd developed a fondness for them.

Thanks, WyoBob
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Every Obsidian I have tried to smoke has been pretty plugged up, no problem with the A's. I haven't smoked many of either enough to really add much weight to the conversation.

Chris
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I have had both and I very much enjoyed the Arg. President Mad over the 5V A. The Arganese had a year of age on it though, but to me it just had a better flavor profile. :-)
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Bob, all things must pass. Even your favorite brands and blends change slightly from year-to-year. Crops are a finite resource.
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Not true, not true. Lots of things have stayed the same for me for 40 years. "Oreo" cookies are the same, politicians are the same, the compass still swings to the north----just the way us old timer's expect:-) You know, when you get to a certain age, you don't like change. That's why they call us curmudgeon's:-)

But, you're right. I looked back on my cigar history and I don't smoke any of the cigars I used to smoke 5, 10,15 years ago. Some of that is just "movin' on" because you've found cigars you like better and some is just quitting cigars because you "fell out of love."

In the case of the Artisan's, I think it's a quality control problem. I talked with CBID today and they OK'd my plan to let them set for 2-3 months and see if they "settle down" and start drawing OK. If they still have problems, I can send them back.

WyoBob
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