I had a hunch I wasn't alone Justin
..and yes, I've noticed your sig line, so had a feeling you had been headed down a similar path as well. I'm with you on the waking up w/ ashtray mouth, as that's one of things that is the most offputting for me about this hobby. I don't like waking up and having to brush my teeth three or four times to get that layer of ashy film off my tongue that a lot of the heavier NCs always seem to leave me w/ the next day. Mind you, I don't smoke as often as many...and am mainly a weekend only smoker...unless on vacay or something. I can smoke three or four cubans back to back, and have less ash-mouth than when I smoke one full-bodied NC. Which for the most part, is the driving force behind what's lead me to smoking pretty much cc's exclusively. Again, not better, just better for my palate. Regarding construction....i'm with you there as well. Construction has been consistently good i'd say from the inventory i've purchased (08-11). I've had a couple tight draws, yet still smokeable. My 09 Party 898Vs being one, which I haven't revisited in quite a while. And also an 08 Juan Lopez 1 that was much firmer than I'd prefer. I can't recall a completely plugged stick i've smoked that's been recent production. Last one I had that was unsmokeable was an 01 Punch DC, and that was just plain awful. Pitched it an inch in, but that was one I got in trade, and I suspect from the "sale stock" a certain vendor offered back in the day.
That said, I can't argue w/ the fact the NCs are considerably better w/ the QC and minimal to no construction issues vs. Cubans. However, I don't think twice these days when I make a cc order..where i'm worried if i'll get a box of tight smoking cigars. If a few in a box are firm, that's a risk I'm willing to take, because again, cubans are what i've found to suit my palate the best.
