Cigars/Counterfeit cigars
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Question
I recently purchased a 'top five guy movie sampler' from "Mike's Cigars". Two of the cigars I cannot find ANYWHERE other than this business. One is a Romeo y Julieta Limited Edition Churchill (7x54) with a BROWN with black print, (vs the standard red and gold) and the other is a Trinidad "limited edition" Toro (again with a BROWN w/black letter)Band. Also this band has a center 'T' flanked on both sides with upside-down T's. Are these cigars for real, or are they a 'licensed' alteration? Please advise. Thanks!
Gerald,
First, Mike's is a reputable dealer, and I seriously doubt they'd ever do anything that was not totally above board and legal. They are one of our competitors, but are an honest company, so I think what you have is real.
Many large mail order business have "limited" cigars made for them with national brand names on them. Both of the brands you mentioned are made by Altadis USA, so I'm willing to bet that Altadis is making these limited Romeo Y Julieta and Trinidad cigars for Mike's. They may not be the same cigar as any other Romeo or Trinidad - but they are very likely legitimate.
Hope this helps.
Bill
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for such a fast and clear response! I appreciate your input. I'm fairly new to the cigar aficionado world, and just wanted to ensure that I don't waste my money on substandard products. Thanks again! | ||
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Bill Finck Jr.
Expertise
I'm a fourth generation cigar maker and have spent 25+ years operating our factory as well as a mail order cigar company. I belong to cigar manufacturers associations as well as retail cigar associations so I'm usually up to date with current events relating to cigars. I've smoked the majority of brands on the market and would be happy to share my opinions of them with you. Since I live in the U.S. I have very little experience with Cuban cigars, but other than that I know a least a little bit about almost every brand of cigars on the market.
Experience
In addition to growing up in and now managing our cigar factory for 25+ years, I've spent time in many factories in Honduras, Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic and Mexico. BR>
Organizations
Cigar Association of America, Retail Tobacco Dealers Association
Education/Credentials
BS Texas A&M University
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