armourdm

I and a friend are going to the Cigar Festival. I have tickets for the opening night and the plantation and factory visits. Although we have accommodation (as part of the Sunwing flight package), I'd prefer to stay at a casa particulare. Can anyone suggest a good casa? Also, apart from dinner at La Guarida, can anyone suggest other restaurants or cabarets to visit? I expect we will make thw requisite visit to Hemingway's and sit down at the Nacional for a mohito or two. But other suggestions of places to go or people to meet would be welcome. Thanks.

Thanks for all of these comments and condolences. I'll chalk my poor purchase up to 'tuition'. Still haven't confronted the seller who passed on the fakes. But I will have a chat with him. BTW, I recently enjoyed a real Cohiba while back in Toronto and the difference was extraordinary. Like tasting a fine Burgundy after drinking plunk. Again, thanks for your support. DMA

Hello All, I've just joined FH and seek some counsel on a box of Cohiba Robusto I bought recently from a private supplier. I've used him before and have been quite satisfied with the quality. My first box looked and tasted completely legit. But the second box, I'm having doubts about. I've take some comparison photos here, including a dissection of one of the suspect CR, and some end shots of CRs from the same box. The two things that make this box suspect in my mind are the 'Linea 1492' stamp on the yellow ribbon, which I understand normally is only found with Cohiba Siglos, and the six rows of white dots, three above the gold box and three rows to either side. Also, the tissue paper seems tougher than the first box and its edges are serrated, ie not straight-edged. And, if these were not enough, the warranty seals were inside and not on the box. The warranty number is: IQ868249. I haven't done the hologram test, but will soon. I bought these from a friend who has friends. I know that would discount these from the get go, but were I live - Haiti - this is not unusual. Reading the posts here, I also understand that quality control being uneven in Cuba, it's not unusual to get a box that may look off. Anyway, I've smoked a few and they are not that bad, not that a novice like me could really tell. But I have to be honest, now that I'm suspicious, they are not tasting as good. I would appreciate any suggestions, observations any and all might have. Cheers - DMA