It's the thought that counts

[Eshaw99]

I've got this doctor buddy of mine who's just now getting really into cigars. He's a big OpusX fan (and usually has lots of them in his humi), but he doesn't have any experience with ISOM's. I've gifted him a few to get him started, so I guess he wanted to return the favor. He called me up and told me he had a Monte #2 for me. I went to his office to pick it up...and I didn't have the heart to tell him.

I put the one he gifted me next to one I had in my humi already. This one isn't hard to spot.

HOWEVER...he also gifted me a Padron 40th Anniversary :love: He's getting there

 

[bmickey9]

Sounds like a good friend that is trying to become a better one!

 

[Castaway]

Tell him you've got a fever, and the only prescription is "more Padrons."

(apologies to C. Walken, SNL, and "more cowbell.")

 

[MidGe]

If a true BOTL, or friend, please tell him. That is the best thing you could do for him. And still show your appreciation for his gesture. You will get it many times in return, imo.

 

[Ginseng]

Ouchy. That's a pretty shiny band on the...and a truly odd shape as well.

But, it is most definitely the thought that counts. :thumbs:

I do agree with Michel though. So, how are you going to break it to him? I imagine if he's going to get into the dark side more, he should learn a little about fakes and such. I hate to see anyone spend a penny on stuff like this.

 

[cookie_1978]

tell him - he will appreciate it - he is probably paying top dollar for fakes - but be sure to tell him his padrons are a ok :laugh:

 

[BlindedByScience]

Got to agree with the other guys. If he's a good guy (sounds like he is) and is trying to learn more, he'd appreciate the info - count on it. Tell him someting like; "....you know, I put that Monte next to one I had at home, and the bands sure look different. I hear there are a lot of counterfit ISOM's being sold. We should check yours out closer...." and let him draw his own conclusion. If it's done in the context of helping him learn about cigars rather than "...nice fake, dumbass..." it'll be well received.

I imagine myself in his position and personally would appreciate being told what's up.

But - you are right - his heart is in the right place..... :thumbs:

Best Regards - B.B.S.

 

[tjm5019]

is the one on the left the fake? the end looks a little rought, and the wrapper looks light? I don't know much about fakes, so I would liek to learn as much as possible!

 

[Eshaw99]

is the one on the left the fake? the end looks a little rought, and the wrapper looks light? I don't know much about fakes, so I would liek to learn as much as possible!

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No, it's the one on the right.

And as far as telling him goes, I probably will eventually. The thing is, he didn't get it himself. His mom went to Mexico, and she picked up a few cigars for him. I gifted him a real Monte #2 a few weeks ago that he hasn't smoked yet. I figure after he smokes that one and then one of the ones from Mexico, he'll probably ask me about it and I'll tell him then. He was just so proud when he gave it to me, I figured later would be a better time to tell him.

 

[KayakinBoy]

LOL! Wow, that's a bad fake... thanks for posting it Eric! :laugh:

 

[Jeffro600]

I agree with the above posts. If you are truly a friend to the person, LET HIM KNOW HES GETTIN SCREWED!!

 

[Gaman]

Hi guys,

May be I am the odd one here. I wouldn't say the one on the right is fake. It looks genuine to me.

Like Cohiba, Montecristo changed its band design few years back. The one on the right is old designed band, and the left one is new. IMHO.

Cross you fingers, Eshaw99. Your friend may gave you an aged Monte #2.

 

[Gonz]

Did they change the shape of the cigar too? Because you can also see how clean and crisp the cigar on the left is, whereas the one on the right is really shitty looking, and does not have the proper shape.

 

[Gaman]

Ha Ha, definately not. But both cigars are hand made product so irregularity does happen, especially Cuban. Sometimes my box of genuine Cuban has sticks look slightly different from each other. No sweat.

I think the only one should know better is Eshaw99 when he smokes the "ugly" stick.

 

[JimK]

I've seen plenty of real Montes with sub-par bands. In general, Cubans don't seem to wory too much about their bands. I think that's more of an NC thing. If you look at Padron, Fuente, Etc, every band is meticulous, detailed, and consistent. Not so with the Cubans. They don't need a fancy band to sell their cigars. And I'm not saying above-referenced companies do either, but it sure doesn't hurt.

And I've seen plenty of Montes with all types of variances in wrapper shade, roughness, etc. Remember, Montes are rolled in every factory under God's green earth, so it is really hard to compare one to another for legitimacy.

Honestly, Mexico is a bigger red flag than anything in that picture. But smoke it! You might be pleasantly surprised!

JK

 

[Eshaw99]

I agree with the above posts. If you are truly a friend to the person, LET HIM KNOW HES GETTIN SCREWED!!

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He didn't pay for it either, so he's not really getting screwed. You've got to understand, at the time he gave it to me I was put in a bit of a difficult spot. I didn't want to immediately take the wind out of his sails, but don't worry, I'll make sure he knows

Hi guys,

May be I am the odd one here. I wouldn't say the one on the right is fake. It looks genuine to me.

Like Cohiba, Montecristo changed its band design few years back. The one on the right is old designed band, and the left one is new. IMHO.

Cross you fingers, Eshaw99. Your friend may gave you an aged Monte #2.

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In the picture maybe, but in your hand, definitely not. The shape is off (which I know slight imperfections happen, but if you hold it and rotate it, you can see that it's not even straight). The wrapper feels different, and it smells like a dog turd. Plus, it came from Mexico, the ultimate red flag. However, the only true test is the taste test which will happen soon.