little cuban present

[robjack]

My mate brought me back a gift from his holiday in Cuba. 25 box of Guantanamera Cristales. Only im not sure if they are real or fake. Not knowing much about telling the difference Id heard that if the ring label isnt embossed they are probably fake. These dont have an embossed ring label. Not had time to try one yet. What do you think?

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[robjack]

Also, How would be best to store these. Put them in the humi with tube sleeves on or off. Or leave in box as they are?

[cj121]

I'm not sure that these get faked often due to the relatively lower price. Might be wrong, and someone could have a differing view. Re storage, you'll probably find with box being cardboard, that it'll suck all the humidity out of your humi until returning to what it was previously, so if your not fussed about some topping up, keep the box for aesthetics. Also, it depends on how much room you've got to spare, in terms of the box going in. Keep 'em in the tubes I'd say. Top on/off? Up to you really. Perhaps loosen them for a few weeks to allow some humidity in.

[Zebedee]

They look legit, they should have a serial number or something on them somewhere that you can check up to see whether the box is a legit production or not. I can't remember where you find it or where you check it, but you can do that.

Somehow.

[butternutsquashpie]

I'm not sure that these get faked often due to the relatively lower price. Might be wrong, and someone could have a differing view.

Know what? They'll probably smoke better if they ARE faked!

However, I can tell you that the 3 packs, 10 packs, and smaller Guantanameras do NOT have the hologram and therefore do not have the serial number.
Keep in mind these are the ONLY cigars the resorts are allowed to sell so the bar code may be redundant.
Take a picture of 3 cigars and check that they are:
Consistent.
Maduro or Maduro Colorado
Pre-cut nicely
And are indeed REAL TOBACCO.

I can seee someone banana leafing them to sell that way but I can't seee them using real tobacco to pose as guantanameras. Cause like I said.. They might be a better smokke that way!!!

Sent from my BlackBerry 9100 using Tapatalk

[cj121]

Depending on the age of the box, and I think it was introduced in about 2011, there maybe the serial number on the green seal. It is very tiny, needing an eyeglass to spot it, and it will be on various parts of the design about five or so times.

[Puff Scotty]

I've never seen a fake Cristales..they are as cheap as chips in Cuba..
Short filler cigar, poor construction, if smoked within days of rolling you may get some flavour from them, otherwise very poor & bland..
You get what you pay for...

[robjack]

cheers guys. he brought them back for nowt so i wouldnt expect him to be buying something expensive. had a look and the cigars all seem pretty consistant with each other. the serial numbers on each cigar are all the same but the serial number on the box is different. the last 4 digits dont match up. they will do for santa pod next weekend with the lads

[Sligub]

The serial number they are talking about is on the government seal but only newar boxes of handrolled have them. Looks Good to me and if you enjoy them then great

[ValeTudoGuy]

You guys amaze me with your knowledge of intricate details.

And banana leaf fake cigars? Good lord what next, dry grass wrapped in brown paper bags?

[TJCoro]

However, I can tell you that the 3 packs, 10 packs, and smaller Guantanameras do NOT have the hologram and therefore do not have the serial number. .

Hmmm, you seem to know a lot about these particular sticks. What's that about?

Ray Jay

[robjack]

had a few over last weekend in santa pod whilst watching the racing. They were ok for a beginner like myself. Will work my way up the the expensive range to taste the difference

[cj121]

Nice one

[Ozcan]

I was given a pack of 5 of these as a gift. They were all pretty dry so i took the lids off the tubes and am leaving them in the humidor for a good rest til they're ready to wake up