Do I own any genuine cubans?

[manicdvln]

x2, this is a bible, all the info you need is on there to determine the authenticity of you cigars. If you got had Manic, its sucks because it cost you money, but hey we all learn from our mistakes. Stick around, contribute to the forums, and you'll gain a wealth of information. And please, no need to comment on the czar's pricing, he has a business to run, and prices his cigars in a way to keep his business running. No need to bash him on his pricing. Its called DUTY FREE for a reason.

I did not bash Rob I was just pointing out the reason for purchasing from there. I will said it again, I have no complaints against FOH, they have good service,

[riazp]

ok sorry, I misunderstood, hopefully things turn out for the better for you.

[manicdvln]

From left to right.

Siglo ? / Monte Cristo Edicion Limitada 2006 Maduro Robusto / Cohiba Genios / Cohiba Gran Reserva 2003

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[riazp]

the fact that there was no gran reserva in 2003 but just a regular reserva, and the band on the 2003 just said reserva and did not hava havana printed on it and third rows of squares on the cohiba is cut off is not a good sign...the wraper on the maduro 5 looks a bit light to be a maduro...but then again could just be the camera...cant really tell for the mc le and the cohiba siglo whatever..

here are some links to help :

cohiba 2003 reserva

mc le

[Ginseng]

Just for curiosity's sake, I'd like to see a shot that includes the entire head/cap and a shot looking into the feet.

...a family relative since he forced me to buy it from this guy.

Generally not a good sign.

And do check Trevor's site. There is none better insofar as reference materials.

Wilkey

[Ginseng]

the fact that the third rows of squares on the cohiba cgr is cut off is not a good sign...the wraper on the maduro 5 looks a bit light to be a maduro...but then again could just be the camera...cant really tell for the mc le and the cohiba siglo whatever..

Well, that and the fact that across those three Cohibas, there are three different dot patterns...

Wilkey

[ZAZ]

Well, that and the fact that across those three Cohibas, there are three different dot patterns...

Wilkey

I noticed the dot patterns as well.

[Colt45]

If I may, I'd just like to add.......

This is Friends of Habanos - we don't rip members for mistakes. We are not other forums, and it's up to all of us to uphold the tradition of friendship,

laughter, loyalty, fraternity. It's up to long time members to show the way, and it's incumbent upon newer members to take the time to look around

see what we're about.

[Ginseng]

Hear, hear.

Wilkey

[CanuckSARTech]

If I may, I'd just like to add.......

This is Friends of Habanos - we don't rip members for mistakes. We are not other forums, and it's up to all of us to uphold the tradition of friendship,

laughter, loyalty, fraternity. It's up to long time members to show the way, and it's incumbent upon newer members to take the time to look around

see what we're about.

Kudos and seconded.

We all had to start somewhere....

[riazp]

If I may, I'd just like to add.......

This is Friends of Habanos - we don't rip members for mistakes. We are not other forums, and it's up to all of us to uphold the tradition of friendship,

laughter, loyalty, fraternity. It's up to long time members to show the way, and it's incumbent upon newer members to take the time to look around

see what we're about.

Agreed. At worst you got had, you live you learn, I got had, i'm sure there are many many many more stories of members being had by fakes. Hopefully the links I provided to you for trevors site helps for this current situation and future purchases!

[manicdvln]

Just for curiosity's sake, I'd like to see a shot that include

[laficion]

ManicDVLN,

First I would like to welcome you to FOH & 2nd I hope you received my

first post as it was meant to be,( just kidding around).

I'm sorry to see that , at that price, I'm afraid that you got HAD.

On your pics., they look odd but what struck me the most are the caps on the head

of those cigars mainly that siglo on the left, which is truly bad looking and poorly made ,

is REALLY NOT what you get from a real Cohiba.

Some great advice above from members, yes, for great info Trevor's site is the best place .

[Guest rob]

Sorry mate, but as the others have already stated - Im afraid you have fakes there.

[Ginseng]

ManicDVLN,

Thank you for taking the time to post those images. When considering whether any given cigar is authentic or counterfeit, in most cases, it is not usually reliable to evaluate only a single feature. That said, there are probably enough indications here to suggest that it's more likely than not you have counterfeits. Sorry. If it's any consolation, I've known people who have spent much more than you on cigars they were led to believe were authentic. Cold comfort, I know.

If you can, chalk it up to life lesson learned. Don't "kill" your friend. Learn what you can here, then educate him. And if he's not receptive, smoke with him, drink with him, talk with him, but just don't ever buy cigars based on his advice.

Wilkey

[Ghabanos]

ManicDVLN,

Thank you for taking the time to post those images. When considering whether any given cigar is authentic or counterfeit, in most cases, it is not usually reliable to evaluate only a single feature. That said, there are probably enough indications here to suggest that it's more likely than not you have counterfeits. Sorry. If it's any consolation, I've known people who have spent much more than you on cigars they were led to believe were authentic. Cold comfort, I know.

If you can, chalk it up to life lesson learned. Don't "kill" your friend. Learn what you can here, then educate him. And if he's not receptive, smoke with him, drink with him, talk with him, but just don't ever buy cigars based on his advice.

Wilkey

Nicely put... no need to kill... maybe punish a little, but he is still family right...?

[Colt45]

Thank you for taking the time to post those images.

Yes. Though Manic may not feel this way right now, these kind of photos (including the original) and the associated discussions benefit us all.

[ZAZ]

Yes. Though Manic may not feel this way right now, these kind of photos (including the original) and the associated discussions benefit us all.

Well said.

[manicdvln]

Ok so I just went to the cigar shop next to the Monte Carlo casino and I bought a Cohiba Secretos and a Hoyo Robusto just for kicks. And guess what?

Cohiba Secretos tasted exactly the same as the fake Cohiba Genios, the same smell, taste but the difference between the two was that the real thing was more refined (less harsh) and burned slower.

Seriously, I can't believe they are making this good quality fakes. I dunno if it's cuban tobbacco inside or if this is a top notch nic, but now I feel a bit better since it's not a complete loss.

What would be really funny is if the ones I just bought are fakes as well

I seriously doubt it because there is no way this cigar shop being in such a prestigious location would be selling fakes.

Anyways here some shots of the real thing.