Pepin Cracking Issue

[MithShrike]

So today I checked out the Tinderbox for deals. They have a small cabinet humidor that they keep discounted cigars in for 30-40% off. Usually last stick in a box, discontinued blends, slightly damaged sticks, or stuff they just couldn't move. I saw three Cabaiguan robustos at 30% discount. The only problem was the wrappers were cracked. I asked Scotty what happened and he said they came that way. They'll still smoke so I'm happy.

Tim has been curious about Don Pepin for a little while now. He hears a lot of rave reviews and when I told him they're good sticks he started to ask about Pepin. Anyway, I took the Cabaiguans to Tim.

The cracking is a problem with the torcedor leaving the bunches in the press too long. Then the torcedor applies the wrapper too quickly after the bunches are removed from the press and then put into boxes. The tobacco expands after being pressed. They need to sit away from the press for a short amount of time to avoid cracking.

Just an FYI from one master to the Club Stogie community.

[nosaj02]

Thats some good info! I had recently had a Guapo blow-up on me so maybe that explains why.

[Opusfxd]

Thanks for the learnin'!

[BillyCigars]

Great info!

[wshan]

I had a tatauje today and about 1/2 way down it suddenly split. Not sure the correct descriptive term but it seemed like a hot dog after it was microwaved. A slit about 2/3 inches appeared from the tip down. Is this from the cigar being too humid or something to do with what the first poster said?

[MithShrike]

wshan, welcome to CS. Please, introduce yourself in the New Gorilla Forum. As to what happened I think it is most likely a combination of being in the press too long and the torcedor using too much material. Once the cigar heated up, BOOM!

[wshan]

Thanks for the welcome and quick answer

Already posted intro: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=129638

It was a tasty cigar up until it cracked on me. I'm going to try to buy a few more of those.

I have a few more pepins, this shouldn't be a very common issue would it? I checked the humidity and it's at around 68ish I believe. I have the analog hygrometer that I checked/calibrated before but it might not be 100% accurate. I should probably spring for a digital one eh? Any $20 hygrometer will work or is there a specific one I should look for?

[montecristo#2]

I have actually had a couple of Cabaiguans crack, I think it probably has more to do with the wrapper leaf. The wrappers on the Cabaiguans and on the DPG black labels (or at least when they first came out) are really thin.

I have not had nearly as bad of a problem with the Tatuajes or the DPG Blue Labels or the Series JJ. I have had several with a cracked foot, but I think this was due to the packaging, I can only assume that is why they started using cello.

[MithShrike]

All three of mine cracked about a half inch down below the head of the cigar. The wrapper leaf would certainly play a part as well, more durable wrappers wouldn't crack as easily.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by MithShrike

So today I checked out the Tinderbox for deals. They have a small cabinet humidor that they keep discounted cigars in for 30-40% off. Usually last stick in a box, discontinued blends, slightly damaged sticks, or stuff they just couldn't move. I saw three Cabaiguan robustos at 30% discount. The only problem was the wrappers were cracked. I asked Scotty what happened and he said they came that way. They'll still smoke so I'm happy.

Earlier this year, Pepin had a problem with cigars cracking and wrapper damage occuring during shipment. So much so, I had thoughts of maybe a pizzed off emplyoee. To help correct the problem, they started to use cello on the cigars. It has nothing to do with the torcedor.

[mustang1]

Whenever I go the b&m, the first couple pepins I pick up usually have some foot damage, sometimes major other times not so much. I always associated this with them having a cello.

I had a Tat white label that would not draw, ran a thin draw tool about 2" down and the entire wrapper cracked down the middle.

[beamish]

Originally Posted by wshan

Thanks for the welcome and quick answer

Already posted intro: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=129638

It was a tasty cigar up until it cracked on me. I'm going to try to buy a few more of those.

I have a few more pepins, this shouldn't be a very common issue would it? I checked the humidity and it's at around 68ish I believe. I have the analog hygrometer that I checked/calibrated before but it might not be 100% accurate. I should probably spring for a digital one eh? Any $20 hygrometer will work or is there a specific one I should look for?

from what I hear the pepin sticks most likely to crack are the jj series because the wrappers are thin

[OtterAKL4987]

Originally Posted by wshan

Thanks for the welcome and quick answer

Already posted intro: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=129638

It was a tasty cigar up until it cracked on me. I'm going to try to buy a few more of those.

I have a few more pepins, this shouldn't be a very common issue would it? I checked the humidity and it's at around 68ish I believe. I have the analog hygrometer that I checked/calibrated before but it might not be 100% accurate. I should probably spring for a digital one eh? Any $20 hygrometer will work or is there a specific one I should look for?

I would recommend the adujustable hyrgometer from Heartfelt. It is the second one down on that link. It lets you adjust the reading after you calibrate.

[floydpink]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

I have actually had a couple of Cabaiguans crack, I think it probably has more to do with the wrapper leaf. The wrappers on the Cabaiguans and on the DPG black labels (or at least when they first came out) are really thin.

I have not had nearly as bad of a problem with the Tatuajes or the DPG Blue Labels or the Series JJ. I have had several with a cracked foot, but I think this was due to the packaging, I can only assume that is why they started using cello.

I couldn't agree more. I have more problems with these two cigars than any others. just so happens they are my favorite of the bunch besides that Tat Noellas, which I get a lot of plugging with.