Cigars/Cohiba Esplendidos Glass Top Box
Advertisement
Question
James, I found an answer from you in 2009 regarding a query as to the validity of the glass top box, with bulb inserted in a cedar block. I have this box, but it was sealed with an official Cuban stamp, subsequently broken, but partially intact. Do counterfeiters also routinely affix the stamp? Thanks
)
Hi Joe,
Yes, Cuban cigar counterfeiters will affix this label, and the other labels (such as the Habanos chevron sticker, barcode, serial code and hologram), to their boxes to make their cigars appear more genuine. These labels are usually either stolen from the factories, or printed by the counterfeiters themselves. (I actually have a sheet of genuine Habanos chevron stickers that were sold to me by a black market vendor in Cuba. The labels are 100% genuine so they must have been stolen from one of the factories.)
Counterfeiters will even steal or recycle genuine cigar boxes and cigar bands to repackage their fake cigars with. They'll do anything they can to make their cigars look more authentic to tourists. As a consumer, the best way to avoid this is to always shop at a Habanos-approved retailer and check the box's serial barcode number with Habanos' authentication page on their website. (http://www.habanos.com/sellos?lang=en)
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
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for the quick and professional reply. Your service is exceptional and most appreciated, in an area where I had no expertise. Keep up the great work, and I'll recommend you to all. Best regards, Joe | ||
Related Articles
- TopPicks - Litter Box Accessories - Cats
- 601 Maduro Cigar - Review of Box Pressed 601 Blue Label Maduro Cigar by Don Pepin for United Tobacco EO Brands
- Cigar Review of Puros Indios Viejo Number 4 Cigar
- Gift of Cigars - Giving Cigars and Accessories as Gifts
- Arganese CL3 Cigar - Review of Arganese CL3 Robusto Cigar
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.