The box of Partagas P2 I got last night were markedly richer-looking than what I've gotten in the past. Darker and oilier. Spooked me a little, had to do all the checks for counterfeit. Everything checks out, though. And word is these have improved lately.
I've had the same thing happen with Monte #2's
Yeah, and obviously Havanas are simply not going to be rigidly consistent over time, given how they're made. No cigar really is - nor should it be, actually. But there's that mindset that's hard to break out of, and outside Cuba manufacturers try harder to adapt to it. And let's face it, when you're dealing with contraband you're always suspicious.
But I'll tell ya, those are some really nice-looking cigars, and they smell amazing. It was real hard not to light one up, harder still knowing these are going to be in the humidor a long time before any get smoked.
