Duty Free Cigars

[traveller]

I get the impression that many of the cigars commonly or only found in duty free shops are looked at derisively, particularly comes to mind the RyJ No. 1, 2,  and 3. What's the reasoning behind this? Or am I just reading into this too much?

[El Presidente]

You need to understand the distribution channel that is Duty Free Retail. 

Primarily it is tubes and carton packs. 

There are store exceptions but tubes and CP make up the majority of DF  sales. 

It is a long time ago now but DF retail accounted for approx 23% of global Habanos sales by quantity. Even pre pandemic that number was waning. 

2 hours ago, traveller said:

I get the impression that many of the cigars commonly or only found in duty free shops are looked at derisively, particularly comes to mind the RyJ No. 1, 2,  and 3. What's the reasoning behind this? Or am I just reading into this too much?

In relation to your question, cigars such as R&J 1/2/3/ and Punch Coronation, Upmann Corona Major etc are there to meet a specific retail buyers needs. They are crafted to a purpose/pricepoint.  They are not meant to rock your world (although you can get an occasional rogue!).  Decent smokes that are highly portable. 

[Fuzz]

7 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Decent smokes that are highly portable. 

A good to slip a few into your trouser pocket to impress the stewardess on your flight....

[benfica_77]

13 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

A good to slip a few into your trouser pocket to impress the stewardess on your flight....

Get the RYJ Churchill for this purpose 🤣

[Digi]

13 minutes ago, benfica_77 said:

Get the RYJ Churchill for this purpose 🤣

Hey man, just trying to keep things believable.  😅

[Edicion]

Recall seeing premium Davidoff (NC) pre-covid everywhere in Asia and their display stands were well-designed and appealing (humidors, black shiny displays). 3/5-pack tubos in cardboard boxes were perfect for a weekend away. Price point obviously targeting a different crowd and customer segment. 

[BrightonCorgi]

Comes down to the airport.  Beirut, Tel Aviv, Paris, and Dubai have pretty much the whole production line up and solid prices.  Beirut you can order ahead of time with your flight schedule to save time.  Best looking box of Cohiba Lanceros I have ever seen were bought at CDG duty free.

[99call]

17 hours ago, Fuzz said:

A good to slip a few into your trouser pocket to impress the stewardess on your flight....

The real impressive part,  is were you pull it in half, then put it back to together again

[NSXCIGAR]

On 11/15/2021 at 8:38 AM, traveller said:

I get the impression that many of the cigars commonly or only found in duty free shops are looked at derisively, particularly comes to mind the RyJ No. 1, 2,  and 3.

Just to clarify a bit, this class of cigars (Romeo 1-3, HU CJ/CM, Party CS/CJ/DL, Hoyo Coronations, Punch Coronations) aren't specifically made for Duty Frees but have become extremely popular in Duty Frees based on the market. Most people buying in duty frees are simply picking up singles as gifts and don't want to pay a lot. As Rob points out, these cigars fit the bill as far as reasonable price and mediocre quality. 

Interestingly, the dedicated special "Travel Retail" and Duty Free releases tend to be much higher-end (Mag 56 jar, Trini Robustos Extra, Monte DE).

Obviously, not all tubed CCs are in this class. There are plenty of premium CCs in tubes. 

[BrightonCorgi]

Beirut Duty free is pretty well stocked all considered.  Ton of Regionals.