Holt's / Padilla Drama?

[codemachine]

So I just got the Royal Flush Sampler from Holt's in the mail (Looks awesome, thanks!) and there was a catalog and a small insert. The insert contained a letter apologizing to Padilla for something printed in it's Father's Day 2008 Catalog. So I look at the catalog included and it happens to be the Father's Day 2008 Catalog. I flip through it trying to figure what they would be apologizing for and on the last page I see it. WOW! I don't know who thought it would be a good idea to say something like that about a cigar maker who's product they were selling, but I would hope they no longer work there. Jeez man, if that little diatribe was about me, I would be livid and on the phone with my lawyers in about 30 seconds flat. Anyone else seen this?

 

[bballbaby]

yeah. i saw it too and discovered the whole showdown exactly the same way you did. ONly difference is that i was sitting on the pot with both magazines when i discovered the insert and the catalog.

I'm guessing ernesto must have said some pretty bad stuff to them for them to have said what they did.


Buh-bye.


It was indeed a bad idea

 

[Volusianator]

Very old news.

 

[Altercall]

If I'm not mistaken the Holt's letter says that they believe it to be the beginning of the end for the Padilla family since Pepin left. It was written by one of the Levin sons w/o the old man knowing. He was pissed at him. The old man insisted on the apology.

 

[Brazilla]

It was written by one of the Levin sons w/o the old man knowing. He was pissed at him. The old man insisted on the apology.

As he should have. No matter the circumstances, it was disrespectful and highly unprofessional.

 

[diesel]

Padilla handled his business like a gentleman. Very respectable. I will be looking forward to his new stuff. Also,like Wade said, this is very old news.

 

[Altercall]

Ya, but I don't think it was really talked about. Remember all news is new news when you haven't heard it before.

 

[Angry Bill]

Padilla will still make good cigars. Ernesto knows what's up. Time will tell if they will be as good without Pepin making them though. And Pepin has never come out and said anything else other than he is honoring other commitments within this manufacturing. He made priorities to those that have been with him for a long time and placed those he kept and those he let go in that order.

Pepin is a true gentleman, so if there had been any other reason, no one would know about it. JMHO.

 

[Altercall]

they did alright with the first blend w/o him, but most of the blend was still the same. We'll see in a couple of seasons. I do have a Habanos that I'm interested in trying. Also a 1968 Corojo. I'll eventually get to them and tell you what I think. Neither were Pepin blends.

 

[Angry Bill]

The habanos are good, but could use some age on them. The 68's are good too. THe 32's, the 48's and the 811 are the bomb though!

 

[Altercall]

It's a different blend of the 68, with a Corojo wrapper.

 

[Angry Bill]

Really, I gotta find one then.. hehe. Thanks Jay for making me want another cigar. hehe.

 

[Mitch]

Pepin may have been a nobody when he started with Padilla, but he was clearly destined for more than making cigars for someone else. I can't blame him for putting his own label where he makes full mark up, before a label he has to share margins on. I think all the talk about who split with who, or why is silly, they just outgrew each other.

Ernesto at Padilla knows this is what happens when you hire Rembrandt as a painter, he moves on once he no longer needs the gallery to show his work. He had to know that with Pepins success Pepin would be wanting to make fewer and fewer cigars for him, and want to keep the best blends and tobacco for himself. He's protecting himself by making the move while the Padilla brand is strong. And as far as the drama, I think Holts just said what many were thinking. From what I've heard the new blends don't match up, but as Bill pointed out, time will tell. I personally have no high moral horse, I buy from who has the best prices and service.

 

[CWS]

I do love the 1932's.

 

[diesel]

Does anyone know what blends he will continue?

 

[Angry Bill]

I heard he actually is going to continue with all the blends. As I understand, he blended the cigars with Pepins help. Having the knowledge of the blends is half the battle. Rumor has it he is doing his own factory. No idea if that is correct or not. Maybe one of the guys that went to IPCPRA can give us more insight. Tyler, Jeff, Anyone, Bueller????