Are they legit???

[itsme_timd]

We had some interesting discussion today about bands and whether or not some cigars I picked up were legit.

I got a box of PSD4's recently and someone mentioned that there was a dot missing on the band compared to what is shown on some of the sites that show the legit cigars. I got the cigars from a vendor that is an authorized Habanos dealer.

I shared the pics with a friend from Canada who has traveled to Cuba on several occasions and mentioned he has purchased some cigars at the Partagas factory and they've had misprinted bands, pics below. His opinion was not to worry about it, they are likely legit and the bands were misprinted.

I thought it was interesting, I know there is always a big deal made about the bands and that being a dead giveaway as to the legitimacy of the cigars. I'm not going to call this either way, but thought it was interesting that some have come from the factory with misprinted bands.

MY PSD'S

PARTAGAS LUSI'S FROM THE PARTAGAS FACTORY

 

[r3db4r0n]

PSD#4's I bought aren't nearly that dark, could that be the camera you used?

 

[itsme_timd]

PSD#4's I bought aren't nearly that dark, could that be the camera you used?

Yep, that's the camera and me doing color correction in Photoshop, they're quite a bit lighter than they look in the pic.

 

[r3db4r0n]

My bands are printed as follows : Serie D. No. 4. Partagas.-Habana

I would say that you are missing 3 dots, however, I have no idea as to whether or not this proves the legitimacy of the cigars you purchased.

 

[itsme_timd]

My bands are printed as follows : Serie D. No. 4. Partagas.-Habana

Yep, that's what I've seen other places as well. Mine don't have the dot after the D.

Here's the box seal...

 

[r3db4r0n]

Seal looks to be printed properly

 

[Clint]

You both probably already have checked it but.....

Here is THE source for authenticating Havanas:

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/index.htm

Hope this helps!

 

[Clint]

Trevor (who created the site and constaantly updates it)is a good guy...he may take a while to get back to you, but ask him any questions you may have.

 

[itsme_timd]

You both probably already have checked it but.....

Here is THE source for authenticating Havanas:

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/index.htm

Hope this helps!

Thanks Clint. I did look at that website and mine don't match up to what they show. I've emailed my supplier with pics and asking for any input they can give.

My buddy in Canada suggested they may have simply changed the bands as they do occasionally. My box date was Dec. '09.

Trevor (who created the site and constaantly updates it)is a good guy...he may take a while to get back to you, but ask him any questions you may have.

Thanks, great suggestion.

 

[Clint]

Thanks Clint. I did look at that website and mine don't match up to what they show. I've emailed my supplier with pics and asking for any input they can give.

My buddy in Canada suggested they may have simply changed the bands as they do occasionally. My box date was Dec. '09.



Thanks, great suggestion.

I'd definitely email Trevor. Mention my name if you'd like

 

[LiLo]

All i know is i have gotten psd #4's and psp 2's with funky colored bands. Brighter reds and darker reds and they have been legit. It happens. The only real way to tell ( at least for me ) is to smoke one. I don't know how seasoned your palette is with CC's but i would fire one up and see how it tastes.

 

[AlohaStyle]

I can't remember where I exactly read it (another forum?) about a month ago, but there was a lot of talk about new PSD4's missing the dots. It was a thread just like this with the person worried their cigars were fake, but I'm pretty sure it was decided they were authentic. I will see if I can find where I read it...

 

[itsme_timd]

All i know is i have gotten psd #4's and psp 2's with funky colored bands. Brighter reds and darker reds and they have been legit. It happens. The only real way to tell ( at least for me ) is to smoke one. I don't know how seasoned your palette is with CC's but i would fire one up and see how it tastes.

I don't think I could tell a good fake from the real one but I've smoked a few of these are they are excellent, I've given a few to friends and they all agree they are great, too. So either way, I got some excellent cigars. :yes:

 

[r3db4r0n]

Good call on the website clint!

 

[CWS]

Lookin at a box of 2010's and the have the dot after the D.

 

[bdc30]

Can you post a pic without altering the color in photoshop? Those look terribly off at the color you made them.

 

[kafreeman]

The font seems a little off, and the embossing is off as well.

Embossing isnt a big deal... but I dont think the bands changed any.

If they are good, then f' it, smoke em up.

Do they all seem to be the same size?

Could have been a misprint...

BTW... the box looks legit. Was it sealed when you received it?

 

[itsme_timd]

Thanks for all the input guys. I emailed Trevor (thanks again for that suggestion, Clint) and he's given me some great info.

It seems the "One Dot" band is a variation of the band that they are seeing now. He even updated the website to show this and added one other known band as well.

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/brand.aspx?brand=Partag|as

My box does not have a barcode on it, he said it may have been one of the interim boxes that were not coded, but he gave me a great link to check the authenticity if your box does have a barcode.

http://www.habanos.com/Sellos/Info/VerificaSelloCajon

 

[openendstraight]

If I am not mistaken, there are three different types of bands for that series.

Serie D. No. 4.
PARTAGAS-HABANA

Serie D. No. 4
PARTAGAS-HABANA

Serie D No. 4
PARTAGAS-HABANA


All are in current production and correct

 

[itsme_timd]

If I am not mistaken, there are three different types of bands for that series.

Serie D. No. 4.
PARTAGAS-HABANA

Serie D. No. 4
PARTAGAS-HABANA

Serie D No. 4
PARTAGAS-HABANA


All are in current production and correct

Looks like that's what I've found out as well.

BTW, love your sig. :grin: