certainly has happened, thanks much Emmo. Way above the call.
However a very, very unfortunate thing happened last night.
When I opened one of the packages of cigars from the vendor I talked about, I saw a curious little insect on the page where I was writing the number and corresponding cigars. Further examination revealed 4 cigars with beetle holes and on two of them the critter(s) had eaaten clear through the cello.
The vendor was D&S cigars.
Luckily I had just left the package on the floor, and never did the cigars come close to the rest of my stash. I don't anticipate ever dealing with D&S again. It may be bad luck, it may be bad QC, but I've never ever had even one cigar exhibit beetle holes, much less ever received a live beetle along with my cigars, and there are plenty of other brands.
The good news is, the blind taste test will still go on. I've reached a little deeper into my own stash. Obviously it won't be as big as I had hoped but I think I can still accomodate over 20 participants.
I have encountered a conundrum, however: I had always planned to mail the sticks First Class, cos 2 sticks would be well under the weight limit for FC. But I need to find appropriate packaging. The white boxes that PCI cards come in are perfect, but I've only two. Any suggestions on commonly found, cheap containers that will hold two cigars?
Of course buying packaging is an option and I will do that if I don't figure something else out within a few days.
Anyways this was an illuminating experience. My first experience with beetles.