The Factory Code Factor!

[TJCoro]

Does anyone on this fine forum assign any weight to the factory code stamped on the bottom of CC boxes?

I asked a vendor recently if he/she could provide the "box dates" before I placed an order. The answer was "no," but they would be more than happy to provide the factory codes in advance.
So, naturally I thougtt...WTF!

Now, I realize there's been tons of research by so-called aficionados trying to figure out and keep up with the ever-changing factory codes, but to be honest, I don't pay much attention to 'em; the box date is what I find important.
Thoughts? Comments?


Perro, el Perro

[JoeyGunz]

Never paid attention to the factory either! I doubt we'll ever crack the code.

[searsa1]

If the cigars are post 2003 I don't pay any attention to the factory codes. It is my understanding that they are rotated every so often by Habanos so that people won't cherry pick certain factories as in the past. I have yet to see any definitive information as to what the factory codes have changed to after 2003. The quality control imno is leaps and bounds above what it used to be. I do think they have some ground to cover when it comes to the standards of some of the NC producers. If I was looking for some vintage sticks I would absolutely go back and check out the codes for the factory.

[sheppsea]

I like to know the factory code, but I'm well aware they are basically just three random letters for most of us and collecting them is basically a pointless exercise

[ss88]

Agreed with all of the above- from what I understand, they change randomly and perhaps even on a month to month basis for some. They are only really relevant if you have or have heard good things about a particular box date plus factory code and want to nab the same box; but without the box date, the factory code on its own is almost useless.

[monkey66]

There is a lot of discussion regarding codes. I know a lot of aficionados who swear by them and will only buy certain maracas from certain factories (for example only buy Cohibas from El Lagiuto etc). The thinking is there is a big difference in the blend and often the quality between the main factories and the smaller provincial ones.I know people who have complied lists to identify factory codes across many years but they tend to keep these secret. Cuba do not publish them To make matters worse the factory code is where the cigars are boxed, this is not always where they are rolled. An example is that all Behikes are boxed in El Laguito (the Cohiba Factory) but they are not all rolled there. Of course this does mean if you want to know El Laguito factory codes look on the bottom of a box of BHK's.

I am a fan of Monte Especials (Lanceros) and for these I would always look for an El Laguito factory code as I believe they have the better rollers for one of the more challenging vitolas.

As to Date codes there is/was a long held belief that due to several factors (some agricultural and some commercial) that March/April/May are the best months to buy. I suspect this is less relevant on post 2011 sticks as QC has improved and tobacco stock ageing is back upto 1-2 years so less seasonal.

[TJCoro]

Box Dates Rule?

There is a lot of discussion regarding codes. I know a lot of aficionados who swear by them and will only buy certain maracas from certain factories...As to Date codes there is/was a long held belief that due to several factors (some agricultural and some commercial) that March/April/May are the best months to buy. I suspect this is less relevant on post 2011 sticks as QC has improved and tobacco stock ageing is back upto 1-2 years so less seasonal.

Some good info there, senor monkeyboy!
Never head that about the particular box-date months, but will certainly store that nugget of information away for a later time.
Gracias, amigo.



Perro, el Perro


Hey el P! What's a "maraca?"


Haha! Hey Juggler Boy! What's a "blu-ball."


Dats easy mon. You see, When a boy and a girl kiss, but nuting else....well, you know, mon!

[nicwing]

I am always keen to know that my aged gold band Trinidad Fundadores come from El Laguito because I am told that the blend changed when they moved out. I gather that there is now a new Trinidad factory in Pinar del Rio which I hope to visit one day but my experience of visiting a few factories and seeing the QC says that it is likely that which factory the cigars are rolled in makes little difference.

People move (with all their kit) What was once the R&J factory is now called H. Upmann so keeping track takes up time I could be spending smoking a cigar.

Pip pip

[JoeyGunz]

The band changed with the move didn't it Nic?

Picked up a single from '02 from Laurence at Sautters and think that's what he mentioned, in fact I'm sure the info may have been a carry over from something you had written!

[nicwing]

Yup, El Laguito stock has the old gold band and the original blend, wonderful cigar, like smoking six cigars in one. New band & blend I am told, when production moved out to make room for more Cohibas.
N

[Simon Bolivar]

Hi Nic, I saw the Fundadores being rolled in Pinar del Rio factory, the chap said he's been rolling just that cigar for 10yrs! Everyone was being draw tested & it not good enoiugh the tester broke the cigar open & returned it to the roller to re-do. Don't know about the blend changing but I am sure the quality control has improved.

[RobustoClubHavana]

C-SU-SS-I

What year is this ? 98 ?


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[rascal]

C-SU-SS-I

What year is this ? 98 ?


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July 98

[RobustoClubHavana]

July 98

Thanks


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[RobustoClubHavana]

Anyone confirm this box code for me UGCC DDE



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