Helllpppp!! Need Advice..Bad/fake cigars?

[JohnnyB]

So I've ran into a couple of problems recently and I'm looking for everybody's feedback.
First problem..I just got these Zino Platinums Tubos in the mail the other day, and cracked them open and found this. It looks like mold.. Is it still ok to smoke them? 4 out of 5 cigars had them.

2nd problem: On 3 different occasions I've bought Alec Bradley Prensado's from a certain huge cigar distributor. And just noticed the other day that the bands aren't the same size, color or shine. Do you think it's a fake? Or something else? The one in question is on the far right

What do you guys think I should do? Any input is appreciated.. thanks

 

[dscl]

If the mold is not on the foot of the cigar a little alcohol will clean up the outside just fine. If it's on the foot though toss immediately. As for the Alec Bradleys I don't know, but I'm friends with a rep. I will ask him his thoughts.

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

PLUME!

 

[dscl]

2nd problem: On 3 different occasions I've bought Alec Bradley Prensado's from a certain huge cigar distributor. And just noticed the other day that the bands aren't the same size, color or shine. Do you think it's a fake? Or something else? The one in question is on the far right

Is the odd ball out the oldest cigar there? About how long ago? My AB rep is saying the smaller band is an Original Release.

 

[8ball]

If the mold is not on the foot of the cigar a little alcohol will clean up the outside just fine. If it's on the foot though toss immediately. As for the Alec Bradleys I don't know, but I'm friends with a rep. I will ask him his thoughts.

agreed. I've had this happen some cc ' s and just wiped it off. I didn't feel good about it, but didn't notice any difference. If it was a cheaper stick, I'd probably toss it.

the ab is probably just older than the others. I've seen manufacturers make subtle changes to bands.

 

[JohnnyB]

Is the odd ball out the oldest cigar there? About how long ago? My AB rep is saying the smaller band is an Original Release.

Yes, it is the oldest one there, but only from last May or June.

 

[3/5King]

If it were me, I'd be asking the retailer who sent me the Zino's for an immediate replacement. Yeah, you can wipe it off but you pay good money and shouldn't have to.

 

[JohnnyB]

If it were me, I'd be asking the retailer who sent me the Zino's for an immediate replacement. Yeah, you can wipe it off but you pay good money and shouldn't have to.

Thought about emailing them them the same pictures. It probably wouldn't hurt, but I guess I don't know the difference between plume and mold.

 

[Whtwtrman79]

If it were me, I'd be asking the retailer who sent me the Zino's for an immediate replacement. Yeah, you can wipe it off but you pay good money and shouldn't have to.

This is also what I would do and have done, any reputable retailer will replace without question though you will likely have to return your moldy stock

 

[Whtwtrman79]

Thought about emailing them them the same pictures. It probably wouldn't hurt, but I guess I don't know the difference between plume and mold.

It's always mold......if u have to ask the q, it's mold

 

[herfdog]

Thought about emailing them them the same pictures. It probably wouldn't hurt, but I guess I don't know the difference between plume and mold.

Its certainly not plume

 

[Zigarro]

I've seen plume and that looks like mold to me. Plume is uniform and looks sorta like salt crystals. They're right; wipe em and smoke em, unless its got into the foot.

 

[boltman]

The Prensado on the far right is a fake for certain. Send it to me for proper disposal.

 

[Rupe]

(cue AOL voice) You've got mold!

Some people will try and tell you that it needs to be a certain color to be mold but white or green or blue or whatever but if it's hairy / fuzzy it's mold. I would return them to the retailer. If it's one of the budget guys like Cbid or CI you may get a little bit of pushback but be insistent that its mold (because it is) and they should refund your money or send you replacements.

As far as the AB sticks, I do not have enough expertise with that brand so I am not going to throw my 2 cents in on that one.

 

[SeaGarr]

Was that the first time you opened the Tubes?

 

[JohnnyB]

Was that the first time you opened the Tubes?

Yup. The pics came about 30 seconds after I opened all of them for the first time

 

[FH Finster]

It's always mold......if u have to ask the q, it's mold

Looks like mold to me.

I've had a little touch of mold on cigars from a well known and liked retailer. Not a big deal if you can just wipe it off. I hadn't noticed any difference in flavor.

 

[SeaGarr]

Yup. The pics came about 30 seconds after I opened all of them for the first time

Then yes - I would certainly return them. Sorry brother.

 

[Cigary43]

Yep....that's mold for sure and like the other brother said if it isn't on the foot then wipe it off and you're good. I'd still call the Vendor to let em know that you got moldy cigars and ask for compensation.

 

[Lezanstar]

If it were me, I'd be asking the retailer who sent me the Zino's for an immediate replacement. Yeah, you can wipe it off but you pay good money and shouldn't have to.

If they are in fact a reputable dealer, there should be no question about immediate return. I would not do business with them again if they refused. It would be completely within reason for them to ask for the sticks to be returned, though they should pay for the return shipping.