Do you buy boxes that have been previously opened ( not including ones from Rob) ?

[SCgarman]

I bought a box of Monte#4's from a Swiss vendor and when I cracked open the sealed box, a good bit of the cigars were slightly covered in white mold. Never had a box like this before. I simply took all 25 cigars from the box and used a soft towel and the mold brushed completely off of the cigars that were moldy. Smoked one out of the box and it was absolutely fantastic burnwise and wonderful full-flavored Monte profile. So, a little white mold is not really a big deal. Hopefully the other 24 sticks are as good as the first.

[The Privateer]

I used to be a believer in buying only sealed boxes -- same reason why I don't feel comfortable in vintage clothes.

During my recent purchase in Havana, I opened 5-6 boxes of Lusitanias only to find that the best box by far was one that had already been opened prior (and was sitting there for 2 weeks).

Needless to say that was the one I picked. If I had gone with the sealed box mentality, I'd have been sorely disappointed....

[sw15825]

Since I am mostly stuck with online purchases for obvious reasons, I don't really have much choice in the matter. Even when you ask them to inspect, some vendors will still sell you moldy ("but it's the green kind of plume" ) or bad sticks. I no longer use those vendors but had to find out the hard way.

Yeah, I think I know who your talking about. This issue is well documented in their reviews now too. I bought CCE there in 5x5 s and were covered in white and green spots of mold. Very large spots and the cigars smelled musty. When I tried to return them they gave me a real hard time telling me to wipe them off. I said I dont want them and they reluctantly refunded me once I sent them back. Last time I ever made that mistake. All of my stuff is opened and inspected now from the trusted merchants I use. Like *****int being one of the best here. I dont like surprises unless its the good kind!

[Mr Cholmondley Warner]

If I have to use my fallback vendor.....I'm happy with the service of even digging me out a truly outstanding tubos...or good quality stick from a decent box. No complaints about taking an inspected box!

[liuzzi]

I try not to buy sealed boxes in Cuba (especially the older stock). I had done quite a lot of shopping when in one of the stores in Havana this winter I found a 01 box of RG Corona Extra and 05 Punch Churchills. I had reached my shopping limit (twice) already so had a coffee and was chatting with the sales girl while trying to talk myself out of buying these. I guess the sales girl saw me hesitating so she offered to open the boxes. The RG box was completely destroyed by beetles. There wasn't anything resembling a cigar any more and i'm not talking about a hole or two, the cigars were completely gone. The Punch box was amazing though.