Newcomer (Newbie) Q&A

[RD_26]

Are clearance 24:24 items at a PE quality minimum? 

[Derboesekoenig]

1 minute ago, RD_26 said:

Are clearance 24:24 items at a PE quality minimum? 

Everything you get here is minimum PE quality, which is to say, good quality. Clearance can be anything. PE, HQ, PSP, etc. Could just be too much stock in that cigar, held for longer than wanted, or no reason at all. 

[RD_26]

2 minutes ago, RD_26 said:

Are clearance 24:24 items at a PE quality minimum? 

Disregard I found the answer and for those reading who don't know.... The answer is yes lol

[El Presidente]

23 hours ago, RD_26 said:

Disregard I found the answer and for those reading who don't know.... The answer is yes lol

Unless specified as seconds clearance. if seconds i will state it clearly. 

[stevo]

Would there be a way of telling what the quality is? 

[El Presidente]

On 2/12/2019 at 11:29 AM, stevo said:

Would there be a way of telling what the quality is? 

It would be the same quality as you are purchasing from any online vendor in the world, except that the team filters out any rubbish. Cuban quality is variable but it is on the improve.

Below quality stock we sell into wholesale markets within the region or as seconds on 24:24. 

[Chef]

@El Presidente, so what exactly elevates a box from PE to PSP status?  I just bought a clearance box from a 24:24, which was pretty pricey b/c of the brand name.  Now I’m wondering if I should have held out for a PSP stash to roll around, or at least a HQ. 

[Fuzz]

 

[Chef]

1 hour ago, Fuzz said:

 

Thanks. I read over that last week when I initially joined the forums.  Still making sense of all the acronyms and quality markers, and also trying to manage my expectations.  I have yet to receive my first bundle of CCs, so I have this very romantic idea of what that whole experience will be like. 

On another note, that standard deviation graph brought me all the way back to high school.  Who knew our host was such a math nerd?  I like it. 

[aphexafx]

1 hour ago, Chef said:

Thanks. I read over that last week when I initially joined the forums.  Still making sense of all the acronyms and quality markers, and also trying to manage my expectations.  I have yet to receive my first bundle of CCs, so I have this very romantic idea of what that whole experience will be like. 

On another note, that standard deviation graph brought me all the way back to high school.  Who knew our host was such a math nerd?  I like it. 

Relax, Chef!  Don't manage your expectations.  ?  If it's your first big go at Cuban cigars, you don't need to worry one bit about HQ and PSP.  Your clearance box will be looked over by FOH and is guaranteed not to suck.  Put grading out of your mind and just enjoy them.  Once you know what you really like and want to put down some specific boxes, then you might chase after HQ and PSP examples, if you want.  Anyway, your clearance box could fall anywhere on the curve.  But don't worry about it.  ?

[Brian24]

Chef, I will send you my address via private message so you can relieve yourself of the low quality cigars. I will reimburse your shipping costs.

[Jal154]

All good Chef. You will never get seconds unless they say SECONDS. And you would surprised at what they call seconds. “Clearance” will be anything from PE to HQ to PSP. Just a luck of the draw as far as that. This forum is a great place to buy and learn. Never heard a negative comment anywhere online about FOH. I joined the forum a number of years ago but didn’t start using it until last year. 

[Nabil]

For the samplers offered in the store, are those cigars all ready to smoke now? Or do they need to age a bit? For example I've seen in the 24:24 the recommendation to age a box of Cohiba Robustos for 3-5 years, but the new to Cuban cigars sampler pack and the robusto sampler pack both have a Cohiba Robusto. Is that cigar ready to smoke or does it likewise need 3-5 years?

[Fuzz]

Some people enjoy Cohibas young, others prefer to age them. It really depends on the person. The samplers are designed for you to try different marcas to get a feel for what you may like. I personally prefer my CoRos aged. That doesn't mean that you can't smoke it young. Get the sampler and leave the CoRo for the last, as that should give it a little down time (depending on how fast you go through the sampler).

And remember, smoking one cigar will not give you the complete picture. Honestly, it may take you years and many cigars, before you find the flavour profile that best suits you.

[Cigar_83]

My question is how do we know the value $ wise of cigars when purchasing, and ensuring we are getting a deal/face value rather than being taken advantage of? 

[Jal154]

20 minutes ago, Cigar_83 said:

My question is how do we know the value $ wise of cigars when purchasing, and ensuring we are getting a deal/face value rather than being taken advantage of? 

First you will get them cheaper in Cuba. When you say face value I would consider that buying in Cuba.  BUT you will have to open boxes and check for quality and not all stores will let you open boxes, maybe one or two but not anywhere near to the extent our host at FOH does when grading boxes. Nobody sells at the same price if you compare to Cuba. Another thing is if buying in Cuba you would want to freeze the boxes to kill any chance of beetles. You can check prices on other sites but you will almost always pay a nice price for shipping and you will get what you get. I do not work for FOH and I can say I have never been let down. All shipping is done very discreetly. I have received every order with no problems. Will you pay a little more for a box of something with abit of age from 2016-2017, maybe. 

[BDSpiritual1]

33 minutes ago, Cigar_83 said:

My question is how do we know the value $ wise of cigars when purchasing, and ensuring we are getting a deal/face value rather than being taken advantage of? 

As someone who was extremely skeptical and  started making purchases from FOH back in September, I'd agree with @Jal154.  In truth, it took me about 4+ months just to make my first trial purchase. Value wise, I'd say they have us covered. 

FOH has never let me down and you have a good idea of what exactly you will get as they inspect all boxes which is not always the common norm. Though, I assume you can probably request that it not be opened but you'd assume the risk.

Anyhow, I recently got a box from the store with a date of 2015 which was a lovely surprise!!!  

There are many benefits dealing with FOH from 24:24, pop up deals, on-demand store and even this forum! I have not come across any other sites where you can make purchases and have discussion with other customers and community members all in the same place.

Just my 2 cents.

[Shazam]

Quick newbie question on 24:24.  Apologies if it's already been answered.  When a box is labeled as clearance, what does that mean in terms of grade? Is it safe to assume it's PE or higher?  Every box I have gotten from FOH has been amazing, just curious what that meant in terms of quality.  Thanks!

[Cigar_83]

On 3/13/2019 at 2:09 PM, Jal154 said:

First you will get them cheaper in Cuba. When you say face value I would consider that buying in Cuba.  BUT you will have to open boxes and check for quality and not all stores will let you open boxes, maybe one or two but not anywhere near to the extent our host at FOH does when grading boxes. Nobody sells at the same price if you compare to Cuba. Another thing is if buying in Cuba you would want to freeze the boxes to kill any chance of beetles. You can check prices on other sites but you will almost always pay a nice price for shipping and you will get what you get. I do not work for FOH and I can say I have never been let down. All shipping is done very discreetly. I have received every order with no problems. Will you pay a little more for a box of something with abit of age from 2016-2017, maybe. 

Great information, thanks for sharing.  seems like I'll have to try and find a mule since I'm not heading out for vacation for some time. 

On 3/13/2019 at 2:30 PM, Jequan_sparxxx said:

As someone who was extremely skeptical and  started making purchases from FOH back in September, I'd agree with @Jal154.  In truth, it took me about 4+ months just to make my first trial purchase. Value wise, I'd say they have us covered. 

FOH has never let me down and you have a good idea of what exactly you will get as they inspect all boxes which is not always the common norm. Though, I assume you can probably request that it not be opened but you'd assume the risk.

Anyhow, I recently got a box from the store with a date of 2015 which was a lovely surprise!!!  

There are many benefits dealing with FOH from 24:24, pop up deals, on-demand store and even this forum! I have not come across any other sites where you can make purchases and have discussion with other customers and community members all in the same place.

Just my 2 cents.

Also great information here, thanks.  I did read up on the 24/24 or 24/72 sticky post.  I am quite happy with open boxes as I prefer them to be inspected and graded so I at least have an idea what im receiving quality wise. 

[Jal154]

11 minutes ago, Cigar_83 said:

Also great information here, thanks.  I did read up on the 24/24 or 24/72 sticky post.  I am quite happy with open boxes as I prefer them to be inspected and graded so I at least have an idea what im receiving quality wise. 

That’s the idea! Well worth it! For me, I am in South Florida. Easy trip to Cuba. I’d rather buy here than going on a mission while in Cuba. I might pick up a box there if I see something exceptional. But that’s about it. ??

[Jal154]

12 hours ago, Shazam said:

Is it safe to assume it's PE or higher?

Exactly. Seconds are always ? “Seconds”

[Cigar_83]

4 hours ago, Jal154 said:

That’s the idea! Well worth it! For me, I am in South Florida. Easy trip to Cuba. I’d rather buy here than going on a mission while in Cuba. I might pick up a box there if I see something exceptional. But that’s about it. ??

Oh really, that says a lot about the FOH system considering how close to Cuba you are.  Thanks for the heads up and info it is greatly appreciated.  

[Chef]

17 hours ago, Shazam said:

Quick newbie question on 24:24.  Apologies if it's already been answered.  When a box is labeled as clearance, what does that mean in terms of grade? Is it safe to assume it's PE or higher?  Every box I have gotten from FOH has been amazing, just curious what that meant in terms of quality.  Thanks!

Your assumption is correct.

[Shazam]

Thank you gentlemen.  Appreciate the clarification!
 

[HumidorJuan]

Hey hopefully this is the right place to post this. As far as dry boxing is concerned. Is there a reccomended humidity % and temp as well as an amount of time recdomended for the dry box??