Guys,

I've learned alot on these boards, and wanted your advice on taking the plunge.

I've seen via the search function, that even asking for help verifying sources is frowned upon. So I'll stay away from that issue.

I'm leaning towards making a move on some samplers or five packs..but wasn't sure if one is more likely to get taken without all the verification included on boxes. I've noticed pictures and discussion around various stamps and seals, etc...but the only way to verify individual cigars is by inspection and burning one..correct?

Well, if you've got little experience, how would one be able to verify if they've made a wise decision?

Are folks more likely to get authentic if purchasing a box instead of a few samplers?

For me it's all in the source. If my source(s) have a proven track record with legit whole boxes then I'm confident that the same source will ship legit samplers or 5 packs. That's just me at least. If the source is good, then all his products are good or if not they will work with me to make it right. No problems so far.

Graham,

I can understand your point, but i don't have a proven track record with the sources i've found.

quote:

Originally posted by Graham T.:
For me it's all in the source. If my source(s) have a proven track record with legit whole boxes then I'm confident that the same source will ship legit samplers or 5 packs. That's just me at least. If the source is good, then all his products are good or if not they will work with me to make it right. No problems so far.

I don't know if your more likely to get authentic CCs in a box form rather than singles and 5 packs. Box codes can certainly help in verification but even those are faked. So you if your unsure about a source and you want to start with samplers or 5 packs I guess it's a dice roll.
As far as tasting, any cuban should give a unique taste right off the bat. If you've smoked a cuban or many Non-cubans you'll be able to tell the difference. We're not talking about specific flavors but a very unique cubanesque taste. I guess until you fire one up it's a dice roll.

quote:

Originally posted by Graham T.:
As far as tasting, any cuban should give a unique taste right off the bat. If you've smoked a cuban or many Non-cubans you'll be able to tell the difference. We're not talking about specific flavors but a very unique cubanesque taste. I guess until you fire one up it's a dice roll.

While this is true for the most part in my experience, there are some cigars out there (some from Don Pepin Garcia's stable come to mind) that are "Cubanesque" enough to have fooled some very knowledgeable smokers in blind taste tests.

As to the OP: I seldom buy singles because most of what I buy is in boxes for aging, but the majority of my business goes to people with whom I've built mutual trust. I trust their singles as much as I do their boxes.

"Know your vendor," applies either way.

I have heard that. I am a big fan of Pepin cigars and several have a cubanesque-like flavor but none can match the aroma of a lit cuban in my experience.

Forget about the authenticity of singles versus boxes. If a vendor is selling legit product, this shouldn't be a concern. Know your vendor!!!!

My big problem with ordering singles has ALWAYS been getting crappy cigars...bland or plugged sticks in particular. Singles from some vendors always seem to have a disproportionate percent of poor construction. My advice with singles: Buyer beware.

quote:

Know your vendor!!!!

Nothing more needs to be said...

get to know your seller... call them up.. talk to them.. get to know their first name... make sure they know and remember yours... this is how you build relationships (with cigar vendors as well as with anyone else in this world)..

once you get to know the person you're dealing with, you'll be fine.. remember that most reliable online sources are actually B&M's that have been around for a long time... they have a reputation, and they want to keep it...

now if you buy your cigars from some chee-chee place, you will get chee-chee cigars.. it's that simple

when it gets to cigars, cheapest price should NEVER be a criteria in your vendor selection...

The whole box gives you more to look at and compare.
If trust is indeed the issue it can drive one mad.

Sal is right. You need to call and find out all the important facts. Who they get their cigars from, verify it and then find out who else has bought from them.

Do google and newsgroup searches for fake or problems.

It also helps if they give you there address info since alot of the bad sites don't even do that and e-mail is the only way to communicate.

Be cautious and be through.
CM

quote:

Originally posted by SHEEPSHEAD BAY:
The whole box gives you more to look at and compare.
If trust is indeed the issue it can drive one mad.

Plus you can cry into your box when you decide that you've been dupped.