Who are the Knock-offs made by?

ShawnOL

I've seen several different knock-offs on on-line sites, usually called "Alternatives", "Clones" or "Knock-offs".  They all seem to be made from clippings left over from making long-filler cigars.

Is it likely that these machine-made scrap cigars are from the same manufacturers of the cigars they are "clones" of?  Judging by the prices, which are usually about $2.50 per stick, I'm inclined to believe so.  

It seems like an economical way to try the premium flavor of the big brands, without the premium quality construction, of course.

Rhamlin

Knock offs are just that. They are somebody's cheaper version of a name brand. But seconds are the real deal that just didn't make the cut to be boxed. They usually try to point out that it was probably because of discoloration but usually it's because they were rolled to lose or to tight and couldn't pass the draw test. But seconds are a good way to go for the budget minded. And more and more companies are keeping their scraps instead of selling them like they used to in order tomake their own short filler cigars but they are still hand rolled using top grade binders and wrappers. 

genareddog

c.com has some pretty good samplers at good prices. I would try those find what you like and go from there. Also hop over to the newbie welcome thread and tell us about yourself. Welcome

ShawnOL

Good to know, on both counts, thanks Rhamlin.  Will have to look into the factory seconds for a regular cigar, will also let me find my Friday Night cigar for less money spent.  Still new to cigars and have many more brands to try out. 

ShawnOL

Will do, thanks genareddog.

peter4jc

The Nicaraguan 90+ 2nds are very tasty.  The bundle I'm working on now has a few sticks with soft spots or slightly loose draw, but nothing that would impede one's smoking pleasure.

jgibv

Ricky @Rhamlin ; is spot on with his information there. 

I've had good luck with seconds/overruns in the past. 
One of my favorites are the "Nicaraguan Boutique Overruns" - http://www.cigar.com/cigars/84718/nicaraguan-boutique-overruns/
These all come from AJ Fernandez, so if you like his blends these are a great choice. 

ShawnOL

Thanks for the replies folks.  Will definitely put them on my shopping list.

onestrangeone

jgibv said:

Ricky @Rhamlin ; is spot on with his information there. 

I've had good luck with seconds/overruns in the past. 
One of my favorites are the "Nicaraguan Boutique Overruns" - http://www.cigar.com/cigars/84718/nicaraguan-boutique-overruns/
These all come from AJ Fernandez, so if you like his blends these are a great choice. 

Yep, these may be my favorite budget stick, I try to keep a few on hand always.

Rhamlin

peter4jc said:

The Nicaraguan 90+ 2nds are very tasty.  The bundle I'm working on now has a few sticks with soft spots or slightly loose draw, but nothing that would impede one's smoking pleasure.

Yep I've gotten a couple bundles myself.