Cigars at Tennants Whisky Sale

[marklittler]

Now I hope you guys don't think I am spamming, because I'm not. Let me know if this isn't appropriate, but I didn't realise the site was so diverse! And I am sure the this will be of interest.

Like I said about the malt....and the cognac....and now the cigars, I run the Whisky sales at Tennants auctioneers, and alongside the Malt and Cognac, there are plenty of nice cigars.

Here is the link to the section in the catalogue. Please let me know if I can help:

http://www.tennants.co.uk/Catalogue/Lots/126202.aspx

[CK_]

A couple of things that would be helpful... you should disclose the box codes. These codes are stamped on the bottom of each box and detail which factory produced the cigar and which month and year they were boxed. A picture of the cigars is preferred and a description of how they have been stored would be very useful. Good luck with you sale.

[marklittler]

Hi, Thanks for your advice.

I will add the details you suggest into the condition report area on the website. They have all come from one collector who has far too many for his wife's liking! Therefore they have been stored in a humidor when 'he' has had them, but i cannot vouch for before this period of time.

[The Third Dram]

...you should disclose the box codes. These codes are stamped on the bottom of each box and detail which factory produced the cigar and which month and year they were boxed.

I agree. This constitutes essential information, especially for Cuban cigars issued through to the 1999 to 2004/5 (If I recall correctly... it could have been a little earlier) era. After this period, Habanos SA elected to routinely 'juggle' the factory codifications, thereby effectively rendering discernment of the specific factories producing the various cigars much more difficult, if not altogether impossible (this was done intentionally). Nevertheless, the dates of issue still remain invaluable information for any serious collector.

Another factor to be aware of is that Cuban cigars marketed following the early to mid 2000/2010 decade have, by many serious aficionados, been 'accused' of being stylistically homogenized as well as the tobacco(s) used in their production having undergone a different fermentation/pre-marketing maturation process. There are some collectors who believe that these contemporary issues display more 'ready to smoke out of the box' characteristics, and may not possess the ability to improve over the long haul (when stored under proper conditions, of course).

Classic Cuban cigars from before this era were often extremely tannic and 'closed' in aromatic as well as flavour terms, and required many years, if not decades, to reach a point of optimum balance and delivery of fragrance and taste. It is precisely these cigars that are the most valued by collectors.

As for the condition of the cigars, any further information concerning the specific humidor storage conditions of the previous owner's cigars (i.e. temperature and relative humidity within the humidor) would also be helpful.

[CK_]

marklittler, when will the auction site be updated?

[marklittler]

Hi,

All of our administrators are very busy with the Antique sale we have on this week (day one took £1,000,000), we are on day two today and Saturday is the final day. The site will be updated on Monday, but here is the information:

287-All sealed, 10's 7813kq, B218D9, 9117K3,
50's, 160502
288-Box has been opened, stamped JM(maybeH?)-OASN, some cigars flaking at ignition end, slight rustle noise when squeezed
289-Box has been opened, stamped , some cigars flaking at ignition end, slight rustle noise when squeezed, barcode on side of box reads BF 7200, and 0205036, stamped Hecho en Cuba
290-Box has been opened, stamped FPG OASN to the base as well as Hecho en Cuba , strong bouquet when opened, some flaking, seem dry/crisp whem squezed
291-Box has been opened, stamped Hecho en Cuba, Claro Made by Hand, strong bouquet when bozx is opened, cigars seem a little dry, crisp sound when squeezed
292-Box is sealed, no box code, stamped "Hecho en Cuba" & "Claro made by Hand"
293-Box has been opened, strong bouquet when box was opened, stamped Hecho En Cuba and Claro to base, cigars are squared off and not round, they make a slight crisp noise when they are squeezed, some flaking. The date 1969 is written on the side of the box by hand
294-Box is sealed, stamped Hencho en Cuba and and Col Claro to base
295-Box is sealed, stamped Hecho en Cuba, Claro, and 571, hand written date 1971 to side of box
296-Macanudo, stamped made in Jamica, hand dated 30/6/92 to seal, they feel very dry.
Alarez . stamped Claro, box sealed,
Larranaga, box is sealed. stamped made in Havana Cuba

I hope this helps. As for the storage condition I do not know exactly. They are the property of a collector, but I am unaware of the previous storage conditions.

[CK_]

Add a picture of the bottom of the box to each lot. It will help a lot. Good luck.