Is this a fake PSD #4?!?

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

I bought some PSD #4s online and I think I've been duped. The box seal was broken when I received the box which arouses suspicion. The main problem is the colour of the wrapper. It seems way too dark. Can someone with some PSD 4's please take a look and let me know what you think?

The funny thing is the bands are pretty much identical. I can tell very little difference between the two bands.

Also, I smoked one and the burn and flavor was awful.

Known good PSD#4 is on the left.

Suspected fake band is on bottom:

 

[keinreis]

Ii would be more worried about the size difference. Maybe it is just the angle of the photo, but one looks way smaller in the top photo.

 

[Fitze55]

I'd lke to see pics of the box if possible.

 

[vivalanation734]

Ii would be more worried about the size difference. Maybe it is just the angle of the photo, but one looks way smaller in the top photo.

Agreed. Color will vary, but if the size difference isn't due to a weird angle then that would arouse suspicion. Does your source normally open and inspect boxes?

 

[Dr. Xikar]

^^ That was my first thought too. Not only does the suspected fake look shorter in the picture, it also looks a wee bit thinner. Dark leaves happen (although not usually to this degree, but it isn't completely unheard of), but size variances, especially among Cubans (and in this case, a well known, well loved Cuban) are very, very incriminating

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

The length of the two are identical. It is just a weird camera angle creating the size difference.

The suspected fakes are slightly thinner.

 

[javajunkie]

just devil's advocate: care to disect one? if it ain't all long fill, you got boned.

EDIT: did this for a friend, and have some pix, if you are interested. here's the link:
http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=56465

have some pix on page two, including my research methodology. o)

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

just devil's advocate: care to disect one? if it ain't all long fill, you got boned.

good idea, I'll disect one this eve and report back.

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

Does your source normally open and inspect boxes?

This is my 1st order with them. I just looked on their website and this is their policy:

Q. Do you open your boxes for inspection?
A. As a general rule we open all our boxes prior to shipping as a last stop quality check. Most of our clients insist that we do this. It also allows us the opportunity to put extra padding in the boxes to protect the cigars where we deem it necessary. If you would prefer to receive sealed boxes then please put “SEALED BOXES” in the comments section when you place your order. This way we will know that you do not want your box opened.


This source has very good reviews on CigarInspector.com so I want to be positive it is a fake before calling them on it.

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

I'd lke to see pics of the box if possible.

I don't have the box any longer unfortunately
The box did look legit from what I could tell though.

 

[Jfire]

What was the box code? And did the place start w a C P or F. NO Names just a yes or no.

 

[icehog3]

I don't have the box any longer unfortunately
The box did look legit from what I could tell though.

Why don't you have the box any more?

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

Why don't you have the box any more?

Why does it matter? I chucked it out.

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

What was the box code? And did the place start w a C P or F. NO Names just a yes or no.

yes to C

 

[SurpriseMVP]

I'm far from an expert, but wrappers do vary:

Dark wrapper is 2010, light is 2011, hard to tell in the photo but there is a big difference. Both smoke well other than the 2011 is young.

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

My box code was 2011. I can't remember exact month but I think it was April.

 

[vivalanation734]

This is my 1st order with them. I just looked on their website and this is their policy:

Q. Do you open your boxes for inspection?
A. As a general rule we open all our boxes prior to shipping as a last stop quality check. Most of our clients insist that we do this. It also allows us the opportunity to put extra padding in the boxes to protect the cigars where we deem it necessary. If you would prefer to receive sealed boxes then please put “SEALED BOXES” in the comments section when you place your order. This way we will know that you do not want your box opened.


This source has very good reviews on CigarInspector.com so I want to be positive it is a fake before calling them on it.

Hmm... i think i know the source... very trustworthy IMHO

 

[AlohaStyle]

I wouldn't worry at all about color differences. There have been some dark PSD4's and other marcas coming out in 2011.

 

[DrinkSmokeGolf]

I wouldn't worry at all about color differences. There have been some dark PSD4's and other marcas coming out in 2011.

Good to know. Maybe i just smoked a bad one. It tasted terrible and the burn was horrendous...I'll have to smoke another!

 

[NickThePyro]

Good to know. Maybe i just smoked a bad one. It tasted terrible and the burn was horrendous...I'll have to smoke another!

If you just got the box in then it might have changed humidity while in transit. I always let my cigars rest at least a week to insure proper humidification before risking a bad burn.