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Cigars/Cohiba Siglo III box

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Expert: - 12/2/2008


Question

Cohiba Insert
James,
I just bought a box of Cohiba Siglo III's from an Internet retailer who I did extensive research on prior to making any purchases.  I have ordered three prior orders of different cigars, Hoyo De Monterrey DC's, Ramon Allones Specially Selected, and Bolivar Belicoso Fino.  The prior three have been shipped and received in wonderful condition.  I am sure they are authentic, etc.  With the Cohiba's I'm just a bit more suspect because of the level of counterfeiting so i was hoping i could employ your help. Here are the things that differed from the previous three orders i received.

1. the box: it was varnished, but appears to be made of Spanish plywood (couldn't find any mention of that on line).  Box code RBS FEB 08

2. the insert that normally says Habanos SA and has the four different languages telling you these are the best cigars in the world is replaced with one that is specifically designed for the siglo line and has a gold cohiba label (woman's side profile) and says cohiba in gold right below it, see attached.

3. cigars measured about 4mm short of the 155mm described.  I'm guessing that's small potatoes though.

Other than that, everything else looks legit.  The govt seal has all the markings, micro print ect..  Color of cigars is very consistent, and labels look to be in good order.

I can only attach one pic per message, so i will send another that has a pic of the band on the cigar.

Thanks Tyler

Answer
Hi Tyler,

Normally, genuine Cuban seals, bands and labels can be stolen or recycled by counterfeiters so even though these look good, the fact that the cigars are shorter than normal and the box is made from plywood is really suspicious.  I know that many counterfeit Cohiba boxes are made from plywood and this is always a red flag.  Plywood Cohiba boxes are just as bad as "glass top" Cohiba boxes.

As for the cigar length, Cohiba (and premium Cuban cigars in general) never overlooks something as important as cigar length so it's very suspicious that your cigars are shorter than their factory specifications.  Also, being 4mm short is a big oversight so I think these cigars are most definitely questionable.

Hopes this helps.

Regards,
James.

James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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