Trinidad Topes EL fake or real?

[benfica_77]

I got these several years ago. Recently provenance has been brought into question and wanted to see what you gents thought? Real or Fake? 

These are my only EL so I don't have anything else to really compare the font etc. 

Thanks 

[JohnS]

It's always difficult to tell, just by going off pictures. If it helps you, here's an image of a real one that I smoked last weekend (to compare)...

[nKostyan]

The head looks suspicious, but it doesn't prove anything.
In such cases, only smoking will give the answer. It doesn't matter if you smoked a real one, it's not difficult to identify a fake.
Fake identification options:
- obvious bitterness and ammonia;
- weakness or lack of taste and strength;
- primitive flat taste, uncharacteristic of a professionally selected blend

At the end, you can disassemble the cigar and examine it for «tripa larga» - whole leaves

[NSXCIGAR]

Is the '2016' embossed? It looks like the font and spacing of the '2016' may be off as well. Also the tint of the gold on the EL band looks a little too yellow. EL bands are actually much closer to bronze than gold. 

From what I can see I'm leaning towards the EL band being fake. I also think the wrapper is a little too splotchy for any Topes EL I've seen although that is far from definitive. Coupled with the suspicious EL band however I would say again I'm leaning fake on this. 

It didn't come out well but here's a picture of my genuine Topes EL band: 

[gormag38]

7 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

s the '2016' embossed? It looks like the font and spacing of the '2016' may be off as well.

This was the first thing I noticed as well. The 6 in the 2016 doesn't line up under the start of the 'm' in Limitada. (that usually the first thing I look for in fake EL's, as I've been told it's common issue on fakes) 

Looking at yours and @JohnS EL bands the outlining golden circles are much more embossed and pronounced. Almost like everyone is its own separate circle. When looking at the OPs outlining circles they look a little too clustered, as if they bleed into each other. 

I'd tend to agree with the others that the EL band is indeed fake. The trini band looks to be a legit band (from what I can tell anyways). Could be they slipped a legit trini band and a fake EL band on a legit cuban or a farm roll to make a few extra bucks.

[Edicion]

I'm not an expert and also only basing it on the pictures but the spacing between the letters, in particular the a d a looks off. It's a pretty rough looking and spotty wrapper too. The Trini band looks like it's made of plastic.

I guess you'll find out when you smoke. Hope it's legit and you get a great experience but chances are it's going to be the opposite.

[ha_banos]

I concur. The LE band drew my eye too. Is bad. Sorry

[jfestrelabr]

EL band is fake, if it started wrong, the cigar must be fake.

[benfica_77]

Appreciate the info gents. 

I smoked one and it was very bland and with no trini flavours. Oh well.