is the band important for authenticity?
 

had a buddy pass on a MC #2 to me today from 2014; however, it did not have the new band (with gold running in between in). Everything else looked great about the stick. Trying to figure out if its a CC worth aging. You ever get any #2's that were authentic but the band was from previous year.

any thoughts?

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

Though talented, successful, and influential, The Band was not authentic, with the likely exception of Levon Helm.

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

this happens with many Cuban cigars - not just Monte 2s.

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

Still made it to the Canadian and US music HOF's, for what that's worth.
I'd rather have some spaghetti and a Monte.

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

Smoke it. If you like it, buy yourself a box. Better yet, buy two. Then we can talk about aging one of them.

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

I agree with Dave, smoke it and see for yourself. If it was fake and you liked it, you'll like the real ones in the box even better!

Cuba has been know to mess up bands and boxes from time to time.

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

Funny you mention that, I watched The Last Waltz again last night. My girlfriend had never seen it before, so I couldn't NOT watch it with her.

To answer the OP, I agree with the rest. The cigar band itself is not enough for me to raise a red flag. They like to use up leftover bands before the new ones start getting used. Smoke it and see from there. :tu

Re: is the band important for authenticity?
 

Also just because a new band comes out doesn't mean all previously banded boxes just vanish.