Casa Magna 2nd release.

[DoctaJ]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

And that's it, in a nutshell. My first CM was absolutely ruined by all the JdN comparison hype and that *so obviously paid for* review in CA. I simply expected something spectacular and it simply wasn't. When I eventually revisited the band, some months later, my expectations were in the basement. On this occasion, I really got it... I was able to enjoy the cigar for what it was.

I can see the point made above, about trying to over-produce a second release, based on the OR reception. It makes me wonder if this isn't going to be Drew Estates' albatros. They have a good cigar at a reasonable price point. They haven't reinvented the wheel.

I always wonder about this myself. Having a great 90+ rating is such an eye opening thing for a cigar producer that I wouldn't be surprised if they at least want to try to do everything possible to get it. In all honesty, I don't think they pay for it, but I do wonder how CA gets the cigars. Do they get them from straight from the producer themselves? Is there anything keeping them from having an extra special blended cigar sent? For whats its worth, I use the cigar reviews here in the Puff forum in a lot higher regard than what grades CA has to put out. I trust the judgment of someone who actually paid for it and took the time to give their 2 cents about it

[darkninja67]

Originally Posted by MrRogers

Are the Joya de nic antanos being discontinued???????????

MrR

I thought I read that the Celebracion line was going the way of the dodo.

I have not had the CM 2nd release yet. My experience with the Casas has been close to what Aces stated. Always a good smoke for the price. Cigar of the Year? Not in a long shot.

[defcon3]

I tried a Casa Magna last week, the "pikito" the smallest one in the line, and I really enjoyed the first half... Had some good kick and flavors but was also smooth, very unique and strange, I liked it!!! Once I was half way through it however, became quite flat to me...

I'll try a Churchill next time for a double-take, but they are pretty cheap at local shop I go to... The pikito was $3.50...

[Herf N Turf]

Originally Posted by DoctaJ

I don't think they pay for it, but I do wonder how CA gets the cigars. Do they get them from straight from the producer themselves? Is there anything keeping them from having an extra special blended cigar sent? For whats its worth, I use the cigar reviews here in the Puff forum in a lot higher regard than what grades CA has to put out. I trust the judgment of someone who actually paid for it and took the time to give their 2 cents about it

I didn't mean to imply that DE sent Clarence Beeks, in the middle of the night, to the CA office with an attache' full of small, unmarked bills... there are a lot of ways to "pay" for things, not all require cash.

To the best of my knowledge, reviewed cigars are sent from the manufacturer. That leaves the door open to send anything (blend) they want, with any age they want. Basically, the "perfect" example of a band.

Sorry for the aside. I'd really like to hear what people are finding with the second releases. It's not like CM's are a cornerstone for me, but it's nice to have a few in the humi.

[uvacom]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

And that's it, in a nutshell. My first CM was absolutely ruined by all the JdN comparison hype and that *so obviously paid for* review in CA. I simply expected something spectacular and it simply wasn't. When I eventually revisited the band, some months later, my expectations were in the basement. On this occasion, I really got it... I was able to enjoy the cigar for what it was.

Ironically though, JdNs are available online for much less then the Casa Magnas.

[jedipastor]

I've only had one CM, but thought it was an excellent cigar. It's well worth a 90+ rating, even if it not your cup of tea personally, I think most people will admit is a good stick. There are plenty of sticks that I don't love personally but agree are good cigar.

[MrRogers]

Originally Posted by bdw1984

when did they start the 2nd release? its still no jdn antano replacement i know u feel the same way... the last few casa maganas i smoked burned pretty well no major issues... bought 5 from an open box at my local 2 weeks ago smoked 2... im gonna go there today and ask how old the box is that he has... for $5 its a good smoke

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

I didn't mean to imply that DE sent Clarence Beeks, in the middle of the night, to the CA office with an attache' full of small, unmarked bills... there are a lot of ways to "pay" for things, not all require cash.

To the best of my knowledge, reviewed cigars are sent from the manufacturer. That leaves the door open to send anything (blend) they want, with any age they want. Basically, the "perfect" example of a band.

Sorry for the aside. I'd really like to hear what people are finding with the second releases. It's not like CM's are a cornerstone for me, but it's nice to have a few in the humi.

Check out the video section of cigaraficionado.com "how we taste: part 1" They explain how a staff member buys them from local shops.

MrR

[dubels]

Sad I never got to try the first release as they seem hard to come by in cali. O well from what i have been hearing there are better smokes out there.

[drake.c.w.]

It's interesting to me to see all this talk about Casa Magna's advertisement with CA, when honestly, I can't remember more than 1 ad in CA for Casa Magna before December 2008.

They advertise more now, but by no means is it any heavier than any other company out there. I would imagine to 'buy' a rating, you'd have to be beyond average. And that this 'beyond average' would be very obvious to us.

I think a lot of people are buying in to an "anti-hype" mode here. Ya know, when suddenly it becomes 'cool' to disagree for no apparent reason. Just because a cheap cigar got a good rating doesn't mean anyone was necessarily bought out. Rating is subjective, why is anyone surprise that they don't agree with a rating? And secondly, how is a 5 dollar cigar overpriced? Let's use our brains here. It's cheap and it's pretty good. Whether or not its a #1, that's not really up to us because it's not our list lol. Personally, I think scoring or rating a cigar is an effort in futility. Just tell me how you think it tastes-- and even that is painfully subjective. People need to move on from this.

How about how Padron's and VSG's are all of a sudden bombarding the pages of CA with 90+ ratings again?... That's clearly an attempt to boost product support by consumers. Casa Magna hasn't been on blast in CA for awhile.

Much love, BOTL.

[Herf N Turf]

Darn me! I apologize for leading this thread down the slippery slope of discussing CA and their practices.

Sorry Andy.