Expert: James Yee - 8/10/2007

Question
James:

I received today 2 boxes of EL 2007 cigars, 1 Hoyo Regalos & 1 R&J Escudos. The box code on the Hoyo is OEB ABR 07 and the code on the R&J is ERU MAY 07. I can't find these box codes anywhere to confirm authenticity, although I purchased them from a reputable merchant (CubanLou's from Canada). Also, when opening the boxes I noticed that while the colors and clarity of the bands are good, the imprints seem a little dull.

I need the help of your vast knowledge !!

Are these new, legitimate box codes and should I be concerned that the bands are not as chiseled perfect as on other boxes of these brands?

Alan

Answer
Hi Alan,

I don’t recognize those factory codes but because these two boxes of cigars are fairly new (they’re dated April & May 2007), it may be that the factory codes have not be deciphered yet.

I have not ordered from CubanLous.com before but the website is rather questionable.  Some photographs used on the website are images of blatant fakes (ie: some of the cigar bands are clearly incorrect and not genuine) and some things on the website leads me to believe that they are not authorized Habanos SA/Havana House retailers.  In Canada, all reputable tobacconists are supplied by Havana House which is the ONLY Canadian distributor appointed by the one and only Habanos SA in Cuba.  If Havana House doesn’t distribute to CubanLous.com/Allied Cigar Ltd. (parent company), then they are getting their Cuban cigars from other sources; possibly questionable sources.

The CubanLous.com website does display a Habanos logo on the website but to be truly sure that they're legitimate (it’s easy to take a logo and put it on a website), you can contact Havana House and inquire if CubanLous.com or Allied Cigar Ltd. (their parent company) are supplied by them.

Here is the contact info for Havana House:

Havana House
www.havanahouse.com
Tel: (416) 406-6644 or 1 800-465-1941

The quality of the bands also sounds a bit fishy so you may want to consider contacting CubanLous and returning the cigars for a refund.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be happy to help.

Regards,
James.