Is this a box of fakes?

[ACMCC]

there are ways to check the old seal (micro text/uv etc) and ways to check the new - you can allso tell by the roll (looking at the foot)... the best way is to spark one up.

[TJCoro]

Been there, done that!

Ahhhh!
This thread brings back long forgotten memories. We've all been there, haven't we mates? The concerns, nay, suspicion that arose when buying our first box from an unknown internet vendor. My very first post to the CA Forum many, many years ago concerned this very issue....why is the date "misspelled," why are there two warranty seals, the puros are a pale green.

But senor Larry, what I finally learned from all this was that you have to trust your vendors, as they must trust you. Most of those used on this forum deal in the genuine article, but sometimes the packaging appears a little suspect. I recently saw a box of Cohiba pyramid ELs with a box date OTC. WTF!!!

The puros were the real deal however, and tasted oh sooooo fine, but sometimes shit ain't perfect....even in Cuba.

So senor Larry, relax and learn to trust your vendor, but if they every send you some Cohibas in a Glass Top Box....LEAVE THE SHOP AND REPORT TO THIS FORUM.


Names TJ, TJCoro, and I remember the days when I was suspicious of everything, too.

[larrysputnik]

Ahhhh!
This thread brings back long forgotten memories. We've all been there, haven't we mates? The concerns, nay, suspicion that arose when buying our first box from an unknown internet vendor. My very first post to the CA Forum many, many years ago concerned this very issue....why is the date "misspelled," why are there two warranty seals, the puros are a pale green.

But senor Larry, what I finally learned from all this was that you have to trust your vendors, as they must trust you. Most of those used on this forum deal in the genuine article, but sometimes the packaging appears a little suspect. I recently saw a box of Cohiba pyramid ELs with a box date OTC. WTF!!!

The puros were the real deal however, and tasted oh sooooo fine, but sometimes shit ain't perfect....even in Cuba.

So senor Larry, relax and learn to trust your vendor, but if they every send you some Cohibas in a Glass Top Box....LEAVE THE SHOP AND REPORT TO THIS FORUM.


Names TJ, TJCoro, and I remember the days when I was suspicious of everything, too.

Thanks TJ. And everyone else who has offered their insight for that matter. I asked the vendor to not break the seals before sending them. Just thought I'd try that for a change. They did break the seals and then resealed them with a second seal. The serial number on the outside seal is IR 918095. I don't know how that can be checked though so please enlighten me.

And as always TJ: F**k off. (Thanks for sharing your wisdom brother)

[Stevieboy]

Larry - when a 2nd seal is applied that's usually a good sign meaning that the box has been re-opened by quality control. This means your box has been inspected twice and your smokes should be perfect

The seal beginning with 'I' seems correct as the last year or so has begun with 'I'....the following does mention that a 2nd seal should have XX as a prefix though....I had a box of 2002 Monte #2s with a 2nd seal and it did begin with XX

The serial number consists of two letters and six numbers, and the first letter of the Serial Number "should" correspond with the following box date code. The second letter appears to be somewhat random. Any serial number on the warranty seal commencing with XX or XY has been opened and inspected at the Habanos SA facility as part of their quality control and these boxes may have a "REVISADO" (reviewed) stamp on the base of the box. Box Date Serial Number Prefix October 1999 on A 2000 A 2001 A, B, D 2002 A, B, D 2003 B, D, E 2004 F, G 2005 G, H 2006 H, I 2007 I, EZ 2008 I 2009 NB. There is no known serial prefix "C"

[TJCoro]

When Steven Speaks, Puro Aficionados Listen!

Senor Larry - Listen to senor Stevenman, he's an expert on counterfeit puros. In fact, he is about to receive a lesson on "fake" cuban puros. Hopefully, he will share this new knowledge with all of us here at this once super fine forum.

[larrysputnik]

So Stevie, are you saying that the seal could be a sign of counterfeits because it has last year's code? Or could they be using I on the code this year as well?

I contacted the vendor and they responded quickly, though I think there is a hint of having been offended. Here is what they wrote (and I'm still keeping the vendor's name a secret for now):

Green spots- not unusual at all.
Wrong stamping for dates, how about a number 6 when the letter G isnt around, or a date wit three digits, or two colors but to name a few of the things that happen on a regular basis.
Etching and stamping, normal as well.
Please keep in mind that this is communism. They do not produce even runs of products. Or they wouldn?t produce plugged cigars at all. Yet they do.
Boxes and bands are the only thing counterfeiters, can do nicely every time.

[TJCoro]

Say it ain't so, Communist Joe!

I contacted the vendor and they responded quickly...Please keep in mind that this is communism. They do not produce even runs of products. Or they wouldn?t produce plugged cigars at all. Yet they do.

Senor Larry,

I recognize the vendor from the tone and the quote above - very anti-cuba/communism. Did he mention that he is an economist ?

Anyway, as I said before, me amigos had the same issues in the past as you're currently experiencing and received similar responses regarding inconsistencies in format, quality, and packaging.

Now, that being said, after some initial concerns, me amigos fully trust this vendor and continue to use him as a reliable source.

Names TJ, TJCoro, and I repeat...you must trust in your sources and leave the stress to others, like the young stevenman

[larrysputnik]

I don't know why, but for some reason I never second guess your vouchers for online CC vendors TJ. I know you joke a lot, but I don't think you joke when it comes to Cuban puros so I am taking your advice and keeping the sticks. After all, they look and smell like they will be an excellent smoke.

So I guess you can say I trust in TJ.

I must be out of my mind! But then again, I've been trusting your advice for the better part of a year now, so maybe I was never of sound mind in the first place.

[TJCoro]

TRUST IN TJ!

So I guess you can say I trust in TJ.

I must be out of my mind! But then again, I've been trusting your advice for the better part of a year now, so maybe I was never of sound mind in the first place.

That IS something, senor Larry!!! Expecially since I've been around these parts for only 4 1/2 months!!!

Anyway, thanks for you trust, and you are correct sir, me and me amigos do take our puros very seriously! Turst me .

Names TJ, TJCoro, and senor larry must be on PURO TIME!!!

[larrysputnik]

That IS something, senor Larry!!! Expecially since I've been around these parts for only 4 1/2 months!!!
[/B][/I]

LOL (Asshole)

[TJCoro]

LOL (Asshole)