Expert: James Yee - 6/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Do romeo and julietta exhibicion #2 edicion limitada 2007 if so what is the msrp in cuba?

ANSWER: Hi Chip,

The Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion #2 was only released as an Edicion Limitada cigar in 2000.  In 2007, the only Romeo y Julieta Edicion Limitada cigar that was released is the Escudo which is a "Robusto Extra" size (50 x 5.6).

Regards,
James



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is there any possibility that they were only released in cuba these were bought in cuba and the box and cigars really do look legit

Answer
Hi Chip,

Unfortunately, Habanos does not release Cuba-exclusive Edicion Limitadas (except for the 2001 Vegas Robaina Prominente).  Region-exclusive cigars would also have an additional silver and red Edicion Regional/Exclusivo band on the cigar so this Romeo y Julieta cigar is not an Edicion Regional cigar.  To date, Cuba also has not released any regional-exclusive Romeo y Julieta cigars.  Did you buy these at an authorized Habanos SA retailer in Cuba?

In regards to your photograph, the box code for your cigars indicates that it was made in April 2009 (ABR 09).  Unfortunately this means that your 2007 Exhibicion #2 are not genuine.  Production of Edicion Limitada cigars stop after the year the cigars are released.  This means that Habanos SA will not continue to produce 2007 Edicion Limitada cigars after 2007.  Some Edicion Limitada cigars have been re-released but they will have an Edicion Limitada band corresponding to the year of re-release.  As I mentioned earlier, the RyJ Exhibicion #2 was only released as a 2000 Edicion Limitada and was not re-released in 2007 or any other year.  It also looks like the box is using the older warranty seal.  Cuban boxes produced in 2009 should have the new warranty seal with a serial bar code that you can authenticate at Habanos' website.

The box and bands do look real because counterfeiters have been known to steal and/or recycle real cigar bands and boxes in hopes of convincing customers that their cigars are genuine.  Printing counterfeit bands and boxes have also become more sophisticated in recent years so there's a lot of counterfeit boxes that almost look genuine. :(

You can also confirm with Habanos SA that there are no Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion #2 released in 2007 by contacting them through their website. (www.habanos.com)  

I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James