Branding Evolution in Old World Cigars

[jakebarnes]

A comment I made in the "Daily Smoke" thread made me wonder if others also had strong feelings about branding within the Habanos portfolio (or other New World portfolios for that matter--cigars as a whole may be better). The main question is: are there marcas where you have enjoyed the branding changes/presentation changes for? Are there some that you just don't get? 

I can start: 

Get it: Trinidad. The old band was...fine. However, I do love that the new bands really add a level of elegance that better suits the branding and how the cigar presents itself. The thin gold band with "Trinidad" felt a little 80s campy to me. Like something that you'd see on a truck stop cigar or with the words "itsaboy" on them.

Don't get it: RyJ churchills. I realize the similarities between the Churchill branding and the Trinidad band. That said, something about the silver tubo with the gold band around that just said "churchill" was a "if you know you know" moment. It was elegant in its simplicity.

Neutral? I somehow both like and dislike the "Serie" bands for Partagas. I think they do look elegant although a little redundant. To be honest, the main reason I am conflicted is because I REALLY like the standard Partagas band. It's understated but still regal. That said, I understand the move to the "Serie" bands for distinguishing the vitolas in those lines. 

[El Presidente]

I think they have done an excellent job with both Trinidad and Quai d"Orsay. 

I like where they are going with Rafael Gonzalez. 

Romeo y Julieta is a dropped ball.  The latest 1935 line however is stunning. I don't know who came up with that but kudos. 

The new EL packaging?   You either love it or hate it. I think people are split.. I will put a poll up to see where people sit now that they have had a chance to see them in the flesh. 

[Fugu]

Don’t get me started... 

 

https://www.habanos.com/es/news/nueva-anilla-de-la-marca-rafael-gonzalez/

[Thirds]

I received a couple new boxes of VR Unicos with the box getting a facelift (can’t take credit for the picture…pirated off the net).  They now have yellow on the packaging.  It’s given me hope that the brand may survive and hopefully expand once again.  Give me a regional VR Don Alejandro and I’ll max the card out to go deep. 

[jakebarnes]

7 hours ago, Thirds said:

I received a couple new boxes of VR Unicos with the box getting a facelift (can’t take credit for the picture…pirated off the net).  They now have yellow on the packaging.  It’s given me hope that the brand may survive and hopefully expand once again.  Give me a regional VR Don Alejandro and I’ll max the card out to go deep.

Perhaps ironically, one of the few brands I don't think needs a face-lift 

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