Since I've never ordered CC's online, I am just wondering where I can find information on box codes, that is, what are the best box codes to request. Common sense would tell me to request the earlier date codes but would it make any difference which letter code you received (as I am assuming the quality should be the same from factory to factory)?? Am I totally off here? Any guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

There are some sites, SHEEP knows, that list the most recent box codes for each band and size.

There are factories that are better than others. I myself like the POS, ROA and TBS.

You can always ask the vendor what they have.

But who knows which will be better next year.

CM

quote:

Originally posted by cigar-monkey:
There are some sites, SHEEP knows, that list the most recent box codes for each band and size.

There are factories that are better than others. I myself like the POS, ROA and TBS.

You can always ask the vendor what they have.

But who knows which will be better next year.

CM

are there some date codes that are better than others, aside from the assumption that earlier date codes will be better due to aging?

The year maybe. I stick to 2003 and up. It gets a bit risky getting older than that since you don't know what the storage was like for them.

CM

quote:

Originally posted by cigar-monkey:
The year maybe. I stick to 2003 and up. It gets a bit risky getting older than that since you don't know what the storage was like for them.

CM

True, but the storage could be bad from cigars from 2003-2008 as well. All it takes is bad storage for even a month or so to make a cigar go south. There are some absolutely excellent cigars still out there from 2001-2002 that are in perfect shape. Choosing a good, cigar-knowledgeable vendor rather than a "volume, volume, volume" vendor will usually alleviate this worry, anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by nasa25:

quote:

Originally posted by cigar-monkey:
There are some sites, SHEEP knows, that list the most recent box codes for each band and size.

There are factories that are better than others. I myself like the POS, ROA and TBS.

You can always ask the vendor what they have.

But who knows which will be better next year.

CM

are there some date codes that are better than others, aside from the assumption that earlier date codes will be better due to aging?

Sure, sometimes, but most times not worth fretting too much over. Best thing to do is ask the vendor what box codes they have in stock for the specific box you're looking for and then run those dates past folks who might have experience with those codes. Also, if it's a good vendor, you can ask their opinion on what would be your best option. Also, as you gain experience, keep notes of the box/date codes of cigars you enjoyed and ones you didn't, in order to help you decide what to get with future purchases.

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those dates past folks who might have experience with those codes. Also, if it's a good vendor, you can ask their opinion on what would be your best option. Also, as you gain

wow....thanks for everyones help....it is much appreciated.

Don't get too bogged down with box codes. In my view date is most important.

The Peacemaker gave some good advice as always. Listen to him.

Personally, I want the latest date possible simply because I want to age my own cigars and don't trust the older dates. There is a reason why they're still around.

quote:

Personally, I want the latest date possible simply because I want to age my own cigars and don't trust the older dates. There is a reason why they're still around.

Sorry Bo i disagree i have had nothing but good luck with the older boxes. Try some you will agree its only one box that won't break the bank i am sure. Do not get taken into the hype of its old and no good.There are some great buys out there because the majority think as you have spoken.

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are there some date codes that are better than others, aside from the assumption that earlier date codes will be better due to aging?

Yes and no you i assume are buying cigars and receiving them un banded in different boxes. I personally do not approve of this method for obvious reasons. I think it is most probably the reason the old boxes get such bad press.

quote:

Originally posted by SHEEPSHEAD BAY:

quote:

are there some date codes that are better than others, aside from the assumption that earlier date codes will be better due to aging?

Yes and no you i assume are buying cigars and receiving them un banded in different boxes. I personally do not approve of this metho
d for obvious reasons. I think it is most probably the reason the old boxes get such bad
press.

Actually I'm in Canada so those methods aren't needed. I have yet to order any cc's online and was just wondering about what box codes I should request when ordering. I'm thankful I dont have to go through all the trouble our brothers down south do.

i dont think a single smoker can go through enough cc's to say with any accuracy that one factory is better than another. a few bad boxes could be from a variety of reasons other than poor factory quality control.

for most cases, vintage box codes have given me cigars which were wonderfully aged.

follow the box dates. good luck!

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Actually I'm in Canada so those methods aren't needed. I have yet to order any cc's online and was just wondering about what box codes I should request when ordering. I'm thankful I dont have to go through all the trouble our brothers down south do.

If you're planning on trying to smuggle the cigars into Canada your risk is probably similar to the U.S. If you get caught, you'll get charged the duties which are probably more than the cost of the box.

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Originally posted by suzukig:

quote:

Actually I'm in Canada so those methods aren't needed. I have yet to order any cc's online and was just wondering about what box codes I should request when ordering. I'm thankful I dont have to go through all the trouble our brothers down south do.

If you're planning on trying to smuggle the cigars into Canada your risk is probably similar to the U.S. If you get caught, you'll get charged the duties which are probably more than the cost of the box.

No smuggling....obviously I wouldn't wanna get hit with crazy amounts of duty but its always a roll of the dice isn't it. Most people I've spoken to say most times they get their stuff without having to pay any duty.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nasa25,

quote:

Actually I'm in Canada so those methods aren't needed. I have yet to order any cc's online and was just wondering about what box codes I should request when ordering. I'm thankful I dont have to go through all the trouble our brothers down south do.

Wish i could be of more help but quite frankly i do not purchase online. For me i like to stand in a Humidor pick the color wrappers i like on the box of cigars i am going to purchase.I like to smell them and finally feel them.I never really concern myself with box codes . Cigars are a personal choice I wouldn't buy my shoes or clothes without trying them on.

I gotta say that mostly it is only Americans that actually worry about box codes.You want quality, not what someone else says is good with the same date.

Unless you are buying very vintage cigars, there is no reason you really need to know.....that is if you trust you r vendor.

I would ask for a certain box by wrapper or quality. Not by box code , cause you could end up with plugged crap