How can I identify if I have CC or fakes?

So I got a box of what I was told are CC, they are around a 48-50 RG 5 1/2 or 6 Monte Cristo Torpedo. I trust the source I got them from as he spends a lot of time in the Islands and knows his stogies fairly well but I just dont know. What are the ways you can tell if its a real CC or just a fakie?

And on a side note, these were a gift from him so I'm not out any dough and won't feel swindled or anything if they are fakes but I just would like to know. They smoke like a champ though.

[JenksAnejo]

Smoke them, that's really the only way I can tell a fake from a real one. If you trust your source than your answer should be fairly easy to come up with.

[md4958]

Originally Posted by JenksAnejo

Smoke them, that's really the only way I can tell a fake from a real one.

Well not really. If somebody had no experience with Havanas how would they know they taste the way they are supposed to?

Post up some photos. The entire cigar, the head, the foot, close up of the band, the box, the bottom if the box. Wont be definitive, but its best that can be done over the computer.

Originally Posted by md4958

Well not really. If somebody had no experience with Havanas how would they know they taste the way they are supposed to?

Post up some photos. The entire cigar, the head, the foot, close up of the band, the box, the bottom if the box. Wont be definitive, but its best that can be done over the computer.

I don't have the bands or the box as my guy dumped em to get past customs, I have had these guys for about 10 years smoke em about 1 a year. I wasn't for sure if there was some way to tell by the way they were wrapped or something that I could use to identify. I will say that they seem to not be wrapped as tight as NCs that I have smoked ie easier draw, not as firm feeling.

[Mikepd]

Like Moe suggested, post some detailed photos. He's a smart egg. Without a box or bands it gets harder but sometimes it is easier to confirm a "fake" than a real. Also if when you take photos lay them all side by side to show if there is consistency or not, that can help.

I will try and get some pics posted on here as soon as I get a chance. Thanks everyone for all the advice and putting up with a relative newbie like me!

[md4958]

Originally Posted by Bigd7400

I wasn't for sure if there was some way to tell by the way they were wrapped or something that I could use to identify.

If you had a parejo (a straight sided cigar) you can sometimes rule out fakes by the cap. Cubans will have a triple cap (shown below)




However, this is not a tell tale sign of a real Havana, as even some NCs (Tatuaje, Pepins, etc) have started finishing their cigars with triple caps. Its more of a way to rule out a cigar from being real- no triple cap =fake.

If you want to sacrifice one, you could always cut it open. If the filler is made with scraps, then unfortunately they are fake. If they are made with long filler, again, youre one step closer.

If youre enjoying them, it doesnt really matter if they are fake or real. They might just be some very good cigars, maybe even made with Cuban tobacco... just not "authentic" Monte 2s. The only reason I would be curious is because Ive heard of some real nasty $hit found in those fakes.

[markem]

A great research site is here: http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/

There are a few others that have no obvious errors (or at least correct them quickly), but this is the one that I use.

You can check the box code, the seal, the bands and other indicators. The above site will help with them all.

Thanks for the tips guys. I don't have the original box as my guy reboxed them to get em back home safe so checkin the box is out. I may not be able to be 100% on ID I guess. I haven't smoke many CCs so my judgement on their authenticity may not be great, but they are very good smokes (to me anyway) and I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, real or fake.

[Mugen910]

My advice....Since
1) They were w gift
2) They do not have the original box
3) They do not have the bands.
At this point there is no way to prove or disprove anything.
4) Thinking they are fake might ruin your enjoyment or disappoint you.

Just smoke the damn things and enjoy it.

[markem]

Originally Posted by Mugen910

My advice....Since
1) They were w gift
2) They do not have the original box
3) They do not have the bands.
At this point there is no way to prove or disprove anything.
4) Thinking they are fake might ruin your enjoyment or disappoint you.

Just smoke the damn things and enjoy it.

You can be a glass full or glass empty person or you can simply enjoy the drink.

Originally Posted by markem

You can be a glass full or glass empty person or you can simply enjoy the drink.

Solid advice!

[pektel]

Originally Posted by markem

You can be a glass full or glass empty person or you can simply enjoy the drink.

I'm a "there's clearly room for more vodka" kind of person.

[poker]

Originally Posted by Mugen910

My advice....Since
1) They were w gift
2) They do not have the original box
3) They do not have the bands.
At this point there is no way to prove or disprove anything.
4) Thinking they are fake might ruin your enjoyment or disappoint you.

Just smoke the damn things and enjoy it.

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