These indicate the place of manufacturer and the date of manufacturer. As I research I found a huge list of codes for "provincial factories" scattered across the island. Are each of the provincial factories usually associated with one particular brand manufacturer (Montecristo, Partagas, Robana, Cohiba, etc.) or do they roll for various brands? Is a particular cigar better from one provincial factory over another? I realize that is a subjective question, and also a matter of pride for the many provincial factories vying for major rolling contracts with the parent manufacturers. Obviously there must be some difference in construction, but the tobacco blend, or receipe, provided by the parent company manufacturer, should be the same from roller to roller, for consistant taste.

So in my case, would an EOG JUN 03 (Miquel Fernandez Roig) been a better cigar if rolled by another provincial factory roller, or is he the best for this brand? I'm sure if you ask one of them they would say it does matter, that's the pride in their work. But does it? Does anyone actually have enough experience with ISOM's to know?

Actually, I guess I realize this is more a quality question than a code question. So I should have titled the post as an ISOM quality question. Sorry for the confusion.

Also, anyone care to talk a bit about what are the vintage years for ISOM's? I've read that the late 70's were primo years for cuban quality, not equaled since. Or the years to avoid?

Just starting to study the box world of the darkside. I recognize that with any cigar, but especially isoms, age really makes a difference in the flavor development. So I'm looking to try setting aside some quantity of some of the sampled brands I've found to my liking, to develope that unique treat, the aged isom. (Now if I can just keep my hands off of them....lol.)

mrkmitch ,

bwilliams

at

excite

dot

com

Barry

as they used to say on Laugh In

verrrrrrryyyyy interesting!!!

really I love this place. any info I would love to read it also thanks Rob

gorob23 at yahoo

dot com

No stabs at this one? Any opinions appreciated.

mrkmitch,

Of course I have no knowledge of ISOMs, but if I did, I would say in my opinion there is definetly a difference in the same brand from factory to factory. (Quality control, variation in blend or what, I don't know??)

It also appears that there is considerable differences even within one brand and factory depending on dates.

I would love to find a chart, similar to wine charts, that list the various date codes, factory codes, etc. that "experts" have agreed are superior and recommendations for needed aging for those various codes. (IE. smoke now, age 5 years, etc.) I have seen some books that list some of this data.

Until then we all must do our own research. (For the sake of expanding knowledge only of course.)

Many reports I have seen say many ISOM brands blends have evolved to a milder profile since ~1995 maybe to match the tastes of the target markets.

There are still some who produce what appears to be the "old style" blend of 10 years ago. IE. certain Bolivar, etc.

Would be interested in what your research is finding.

lgiffin999 at aol dot com

DED

It was my understanding that no one had figured out the most recent factory section of the code.

Hypothetically I'd love to know where JMZ DIC 03 was made, but I haven't had luck finding that factory code in any of the lists I've seen.

I don't know what the JMZ is but DIC 03 means they were boxed in December of 03. By the way, please educate me, what the hell is an ISOM?

If you're serious it's "Island South of Miami"

djheater,

Not sure what facory the JMZ code indicates, unless it's related to the older JM code. So far, most of my research has come from the web, cigarnexus.com offers alot of useful info, but certainly the definitive "final word". I'm looking for a copy of the Min Rin Nee book "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post Revolution Havana Cigars". I've been told, though a pointed and opinionated view, it does have alot of useful information about the Cuban cigar world. As far as finding out which factories roll for which brands, and which ones roll a better product than another, I'm finding little or no helpful information there, except it is very subjective. Most rollers roll for several brands. It was noted in one chat I had that the parent brands have become much more involved in the small rolling shops, insuring that the receipe of the blended tobacco is consistant from factory to factory, assuring consistant flavor of the rolled blends. It is a battle between all these small family "provencial" factories to get the name brand rolling contracts, and as some go away, others pop up, adopting the lost factory name. Seems like a confusing game of one up-manship in the Cuban rolling community.

While the Min Ron Nee book has much helpful info, it says little about codes and was published before most of the newer codes were even used.

DED

I was serious DJ. I had no clue what it meant. It is a shame we have to use acronyms though. The embargo has LONG outlived its usefulness. It has become a game of spite now. Our government hates Castro so it will be in place at least until he dies or loses power there... A shame for most of us. Luckily for me I travel a lot and I can get Cuban cigars. Just can't legally import them. I'm okay with a misdemeanor violation...

mrkmitch

Email me. My handle at AOL.com

Appreciate all the info offered here. I realize most of this is opinion and experience. And, since my experience is limited to the most recent box dates, experienced opinions about what are good, and less good, box dates is appreciated. I guess I'm looking for the experienced opinions and info so I can develope my own opinion.

Are there any vintages of cubans to avoid, because there was a bad batch of leaf? And then conversely, are there vintages to search out and sell my dog for? I know more recent box dated smokes are generally more affordable, but an affordable bad vintage isn't a value purchase either.