I purchased a 3 pack of Monte #2's from a reputable source. However, I noted that the warranty seal did not have serial number on it. Should I be worried since my research has concluded that since early 2000 all warranty seals now have a serial number?

From what I remember 3 packs dont have serial numbers and its a smaller seal. Sound right guys????

^I agree, small seal, no numbers.

Reputable source...yet another with doubts and questions. Does anyone ever say, "I have a source that is NOT reputable and have a problem with the cigars..." No. Everyone is firmly of the belief that THEIR source IS reputable. But how do you know? How can a poster who is convinced that a source is reputable then, in turn, doubt the authenticity of a product? I mean...if you need to ask the question in the first place, would you have the wherewithall, expertise or experience to discern good from bad, reputable or unreputable, counterfeit or authentic?

I have a reputable source...great intro! Now for the predicate: the cigar smells like ammonia, doesn't draw, has string sticking out the end...is it real?

Sorry, but more and more of these threads start off like this, and it only begs the question: how can someone who has to ask such a question become comfortable with the notion that their source is reputable?

From the several small seals I've seen, no numbers.

yea, i had a 3 pack of monte PE tubos and it's a smaller seal and no numbers...

You'll get a stamp with serial numbers on the outer box of a five by five package but not on the individuals pack. Those stamps don't have the serial numbers

ryj7x47,

Don’t know if it’s applicable here, but many start with recommendations from a friend or friends. Now of course this is only as good as their friend’s knowledge. I once worked with someone who was a so called cuban cigar aficionado, who sold cigars to others. Everyone swore they were legit. He once gave me a couple cigars, which I kept in my humidor. As time past and I learned more I knew they must be fakes so I actually cut one open, a RyJ Churchill. Sure enough it was short filler inside.

The problem when starting is similar to what came first, the chicken or the egg. You need to buy cigars from a legitimate source to ensure you are smoking the real thing, yet you can’t tell real cigars from fakes unless you’ve seen and smoked the real thing. So for many you’re dependent on recommendations to start.

Everyone doesn’t have easy access to legitimate sources. Internet is a crap shoot. It’s even been stated that some vendors may get their cigars from “gray”channels/distributors in which it’s possible that they could suddenly be supplying fakes and not know it themselves. LCDHs should overall be safe, but I believe you posted that singles in Cuba can be fake. Plus if you don’t do international traveling these stores are not accessible for Americans.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have tried cigars from several different sources and would swear I’ve smoked the real thing (and also fakes). I think I could tell obvious fakes, but even that’s difficult from a visual perspective since they are many inconsistencies out of Cuba. Because of this, I know I ask for confirmation at times. But in the end what do I really know, maybe they were all just banana leaves.

I wish there was an easier way.

Thanks to everyone who responded..now I know that 3 packs come with a samller seal which do not carry a serial number. BTW, ryj7x47, I took everyone's recommendation in response to my first post on this forum and started doing my homework. As Smoke'em stated, everyone has to start somewhere and I'm sure this applied to you as well. Someone was nice enough to provide me a source but since it is my hard earned dollars being spent, I obvioulsy want to know my investment is well worth it so I do exercie some skepticsm when necessary. I assume you never check a box of cigars you purchase from a "reputable" source for authenticity once you receive them. Anyways, I actually gave the distributer for the country in which I purchased the cigars a call this morning and they confirmed that the source is an authorized habanos dealer. I think I deserve some credit for my efforts at this stage but all is well my friend. I was taught as a young man that what another man knows another can learn and what he possesses can too be possessed.

I appreciate what is stated above, and the sentiments are very much spot on. Every single one of us has to start somewhere. The issue I see all the time is that people start off vouching for their vendor by saying that they are 'reputable'. Lots of times that comes from word of mouth. But to say the vendor is reputable is to assume that the product is legit.

It would be great if there was a way for us to verify sources before we buy, but it's very difficult in this environment. Some people actually defend their 'reputable' sources and become very defensive if anyone dares to suggest that their vendor is anything less.

There is no solution because of this very pervasive counterfeit market...especially when it comes to buyers in the US, the majority of whom lack the necessary experience evaluating cigars...seeing them side by side with counterfeits. US buyers can't go down to their local store, lay the cigars out on the table, and then pick and choose...instead, we must rely on the vendor overseas who sends us whatever it wants...and who knows any different?

All the labels, boxes, codes, rings, and everything else can be perfect, but there is still the critical element, which is the cigar.

Certainly, the ABSENCE of an important attribute of a cigar is a HUGE red flag...as is an anomaly in terms of how the labels are affixed, or what the bands look like, and so on, but simply because the packaging is OK does not necessarily mean that it's a legit product. And therein lies the problem. Before "carfax" you could be awestruck by the appearance of a used car that looks great with all the labels, trim, and low mileage, but in reality, the car could have a salvage title, might have been in a wreck, the speedo was rolled back...and you never really know until you drive it. Same with a cigar...you'll know it when you smoke it, no matter the labels, tubes, stickers, or whatever...

Excellent points from the 2 posters above that are VERY well taken. Excellent contribution to the theme...from which we all can learn.

I would just like to say I see the passion everyone has for this topic. As I like to say in a pefect world this would not be an issue. It is unfortunate that not everyone can be trusted. You can go down the line when it comes to trusting people. People lie, cheat, and steal every day. People have their family members and friends screwing them over all the time. It is sad and unfortunate. As I write this I have only ever bought my cc's at LCDH when traveling. I am looking to buy some via other sources, but I am working on that. No posting of sources is a rule that makes complete sense to me. Eventually I will build a trusting relationship with people and they may let me in on something good. If not no worries as I have gotten this far in life and every step of the way is a new learning cycle.

I feel life is supposed to be much simpler than it is. Someone once said, can't we all just get along? I hope everyone is doing well.

Matt

quote:

has string sticking out the end

I did once have a Hoyo Petit Robusto with string sticking out the end. Lovely cigar once I had removed the thread.