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Cigars/CIGARS PRODUCED FOR SALE W/I CUBA

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Expert: - 7/25/2007


Question
James:

I just received a box of Cohiba robustos and on the bottom of the box, in an ink stamp, is a circle with the word "Vendido en Cuba" "Comintur" spelled around the inner edge of the circle and in the middle is spelled "Tiendas Intur"   Is this an authentic box of cigars produced for sale w/i Cuba, or counterfeit?

Thank you for your help!!

Regards,

Alan

Answer
Hi Alan,

That ink stamp is legitimate.  The ink stamp indicates that the box of cigars is for sale at the Tiendas Intur; Government-run shops/stores for the tourist industry in Cuba.  However, the box code(s) appear to be a bit suspicious.  (See my next email.)

James.

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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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