This I've read. Most of the cigar makers are Cubans, and they took Cuban tobacco seeds when they fled their country. That is why when we read the description of a cigar, it states that it has Cuban Tobacco Seed, or it comes from Cuban seed, etc, etc. Now, the quality control of let's say a Nicaraguan Padron, Drew State cigars, is much stricter than let's say a Cuban Cohiba. I remember years ago smoking Cohiba cigar that were plugged because they were rolled so tight. The quality controlled of Cuban cigars was not existent, and they were more focused on quantity vs. quality. Something the big names like Padron, Partagas, Dominican Cohiba, Drew State, etc, etc would never jeopardize their quality vs. quantity.
Also remember that a lot of the master rollers that lived in Cuba fled and followed these cigar families. Master rollers take years to get to where they are, and the only way to get there is with time behind the table rolling cigars. Why do you think that you will never find a flawed torpedo cigar? Because only master rollers will roll torpedoes, it requires experience. A lot of these master rollers have joined their bosses in the green fields of heaven, and I believe they did a fabulous job training the next generation of cigar rollers.
I am with you guys, and I'll smoke a Cuban cigar because it is the forbidden fruit. But, having a choice, like I've said earlier. I would rather smoke a Padron Aniversario (your pick which), vs. any Cuban cigar. IMHO.
BTW, years ago (about 20 or so) I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jose Padron Sr. His wife would go into an allergy center where my girlfriend at the time worked. She told me when she was scheduled again, and I just happen to be sitting in the lobby when they walked in. She introduced me to them, and while Mrs. Padron was being treated, Mr. Padron and I sat in the lobby and talked about Nicaragua, and cigars like two old friends. After that, Mrs. Padron would bring 5 packs of cigars to my girlfriend to give to me. Beautiful couple. Mr. Padron is no longer with us, but his son is doing a fine job with the company.
www.topcubans.com
That was not the case last night, since I was sitting alone while the wife watered the plants. After smoking about half of it, and lighting it about three times by now. I decided to use my cigar poker to see if it would fix the problem and boy what a difference it made. The cigar remained lid for the other half, and the flavor remained good throughout. It's a Mild-Med body cigar. For a $3.00 stick, and free, I guess I shouldn't complain. 
