Your latest CC Purchase?

[encephalization]

Sorry mate, CbC - Cuba being Cuba

Translates to: No all weird looking stuff needs to be a sign of fake/fraud/counterfeit, as it can be a mere issue of poor QC.

The stamp one (box code) might qualify for that category, but it is fishy.

More bothering is the iron brand (the HSA stamping). That, to me, is looking entirely wrong, and there are several marks being off. Perhaps also a QC-thingy, who knows, and someone lost the original one and had to do some handicrafts for a makeshift one....lol. Or that particular factory had been using an odd "replacement" brand-template. At least, I have never seen such before.

I appreciate the input, I really do. I've attached another photo of the iron brand, from less of an angle. What exactly is off? (for future reference)

I have no doubts about authenticity, partly because of the source but mainly because of how the first one smoked (even with only three days rest). Pepper on the back, leather and cocoa (especially in the first and second third). Very complex with nuances changes throughout. Granted, all cigars could be the target of fakes but a figurado must be lower on the list.

Nonetheless, I am glad for your expertise because it will definitely be in the back of my mind when I visit older shops in the future.

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[MahDooRow]

45 minutes ago, encephalization said:

I appreciate the input, I really do. I've attached another photo of the iron brand, from less of an angle. What exactly is off? (for future reference)



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I am by no means an expert regarding iron brand variations over the years.  However, the font looks odd... especially "Habanos s.a.".  It could be nothing more than poor quality control. 

[Fugu]

2 hours ago, encephalization said:

I appreciate the input, I really do. I've attached another photo of the iron brand, from less of an angle. What exactly is off? (for future reference)

I have no doubts about authenticity, partly because of the source but mainly because of how the first one smoked (even with only three days rest). Pepper on the back, leather and cocoa (especially in the first and second third). Very complex with nuances changes throughout. Granted, all cigars could be the target of fakes but a figurado must be lower on the list.

Nonetheless, I am glad for your expertise because it will definitely be in the back of my mind when I visit older shops in the future.

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Mate, first of all let me say that this is in no way meant to rain on your parade. And I am not at all sure whether this may indeed be an indication of fake or else.

But, the iron branding is completely different to what a Habanos-brand should look like. Take a look at the many other pictures in this thread or the info given on CCW.

Font of 'Habanos' is wrong, as MahDooRow sais, spacing is off (too wide), the semi-circles of the rounded frame of 'Hecho en Cuba' look as if somehow pieced on (thickness). The "C" in 'Hecho' and in 'Cuba' appears smeared, as if taken from a different font or not 'mounted' correctly. Same holding for 'Habanos' - boldness of the 'H' and the 'b', H is in wrong font, etc. And finally it looks like just being stamped on and not imprinted with an iron punching. I've only seen such in recent years. All older production usually showing a more or less pronounced indentation.

I haven't checked much of my stash, just tooked up some '05 boxes and all appear to bear the normal brand. Perhaps other members may be able to add info as to whether they do find a similar one to yours. One cannot rule out at this moment that this may be a different (diff. to standard) brand-pattern that had indeed been used in legit boxes for some time.

Regarding the box code - just for the record, but this really could be CbC: Usually, the code is starting with the factory code and then follows the mmm and yy. Should read OCT of course and usually all in capital lettering.

[MahDooRow]

3 hours ago, Fugu said:

Regarding the box code - just for the record, but this really could be CbC: Usually, the code is starting with the factory code and then follows the mmm and yy. Should read OCT of course and usually all in capital lettering.

I also thought the box code was backwards (date code first followed by factory code), but an online search revealed this was common in 2005 for Partagas Aristocrats and Presidentes.  The "t" in "oct" sure looks odd (more like an f than a t).  On balance there are definitely some inconsistencies that raise suspicion.  However, at the end of the day the proof will be in the smoking experience.  If these sticks are counterfeit (and hopefully they are not) the OP should know as soon as he lights one up.  Keep us posted.

[Stormin691]

[WoadyCypress]

Slightly aged Hoyo de Monterey
Le Hoyo du prince
RAE MAR 15

Not many video reviews of these but since they're being discontinued and HDM is one of my favorite marque, I had to jump on them. Plus I've been on the petit corona kick lately!

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[Sprouthog]

CORO 2424


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[SirVantes]

I see driftwood and espresso in my future...

[Guest Nekhyludov]

5er of custom Monsdales from Jorge at Club Habana, courtesy of a great FoHer. 

[jerrybrowne]

5er of custom Monsdales from Jorge at Club Habana, courtesy of a great FoHer. 

Love these- could smoke them all day long.


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[TheLiquidGator]

Perfect morning cigar. These are smoking great. I have noticed the smoke out of these is "bluer" then most cigars. Anyone else notice that?

[jerrybrowne]

Perfect morning cigar. These are smoking great. I have noticed the smoke out of these is "bluer" then most cigars. Anyone else notice that?

I haven't noticed the blue smoke, but agree that these are great morning cigars!


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[mwaller]

From our host... PRA DIC 10.  

I think I've done enough damage for quite some time!  The scent is wonderful, even before you lift the lid. 

[Wertman]

5 hours ago, mwaller said:

From our host... PRA DIC 10.  

I think I've done enough damage for quite some time!  The scent is wonderful, even before you lift the lid. 

Wow.. I'm bowing to you.!!  I'm not worthy I'm not worthy.  Great pick up have fun with those.

[D-Mind]

Finally i decided to try something new & bought these nice sticks here in Moscow. Take a look at bloody cracking RyJ! Can't wait to smoke it 

 

 

[mwaller]

1 hour ago, D-Mind said:

Finally i decided to try something new & bought these nice sticks here in Moscow. Take a look at bloody cracking RyJ! Can't wait to smoke it 

 

 

Superb selection!  Enjoy!

[El Hoze]

Came home to some great boxes today, but this one I am the most pumped about: 50 Cab of 2003 Des Dieux. They smell great. Definitely won't be waiting long to smoke the crooked one under the ribbon. About 15 min. 

[havanaclub]

Came home to some great boxes today, but this one I am the most pumped about: 50 Cab of 2003 Des Dieux. They smell great. Definitely won't be waiting long to smoke the crooked one under the ribbon. About 15 min. 

Very nice sir!! Where are the other boxes?


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[El Hoze]

14 minutes ago, havanaclub said:

 

Very nice sir!! Where are the other boxes?


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OK. One more good one, box of 2014 Siglo V that also showed up. 

[JohnS]

In regards to other more significant acquisitions above, these aren't a big deal, but boy these are handy to acquire for your home humidor in a split!

[luvdunhill]

OK. One more good one, box of 2014 Siglo V that also showed up. 

Want!

[M82]

When I heard the FOH ashtrays were still available, I struck like lightning - and it's here. Along with a few random sticks  

[TBird55]

[Dmpotocek]

Although they were still pricey, the deal was too good to pass up on some recent 24:24's
I'll probably try one or 2 Dante's in the next 6 months, but don't really plan on cracking into the first box until next summer.

The second box will probably go down until sometime north of 2020.

I'd also like to get a few years on these Genios before diving in.



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[Isaac]

From our host!!