Cuban conundrum

[fbiguy]

Okay gang, I have been lurking around trying to soak in as much information as I can. I have especially enjoyed the videos.

I have noticed that I find myself fascinated, almost obsessed, with the Suspect cigar forum. As such, it got me thinking about the reason most newbs search out forums in the first place. I get the impression that people new to Cuban cigars are either looking for a legit source, or want to know if what they already bought is real or not. I have seen some fairly expansive lists on things you can check to tell if you bought the real deal. All the lists have some good tips, but for every tip, it seems you can an exception. I.E You can punch in the barcode on the Habanos website. But it doesn't always come up correctly. You can check the labels against Trevors website (which is amazing and deserves a plug), but I have seen people verify boxes that weren't consistent with what is listed there. Please bear in mind that I understand it's almost impossible for someone to look at pictures of a box and tell 100% that it's fake or not. Which makes the one tip that everyone falls back on even more important........and that is almost always 'taste one, you'll know if it's fake.' Herein lies the conundrum. If I haven't ever had one, whether it's because I never tried one, or if I bought fakes, how would I be able to tell? Now, the part that is unique to this forum seems to be that if I am able to contribute here, the nice folks here on the Czar are more apt to let me purchase from them, thereby guaranteeing I get legit Cubans. My fear is that I am not able to contribute due to my lack of experience with Cuban cigars, which only exacerbates the catch-22 I am in.

Now, without hijacking my own post, a little more info might not hurt. If for no other reason than to head off some of the posts about not having a reference point from which to flame me. I have smoked a great many of the best non-cubans I can get my hands on. Some brands that I enjoy and keep in the humidor are anything by Padron, Fuentes' Opus X, Oliva Serie V, and some assorted Davidoffs. I have been smoking for about 3 years, although I still feel like my palate is nowhere near developed enough. I have purchased some Cubans from other sites before I landed here as well, and perhaps someday I will post pics and see if I got lucky or not.

Cheers, Kevin

[Colt45]

Kevin,

My suggestion would be to send Lisa an email or PM to "introduce" yourself (I know you posted an intro here on the forum).

Though with your handle.......

[fbiguy]

The thought of using the handle to have a little fun at someones expense gives me a good laugh, even if it's a bit ludicrous to think anyone would fall for it.

And thanks Colt I appreciate the advice. I am afraid the post came across as if I am looking for immediate validation. I will get around to chatting with the boss at some point to be sure, but I really meant to provoke some deeper thought. Perhaps it's some kind of personal insecurity, but I honestly don't want to approach Lisa (Lise?) until I feel like I am worthy. And being so new here, I don't feel I am there yet.

Back to the handle.........you have planted the seeds for some potential mischief that I will have to nurture for just the right posts.

[Colt45]

I think I understand how you feel - that feeling of uncertainty. Contacting Lisa gets the ball rolling

No worries about the handle - when we're asked what we do for work, I say I'm a U.S. customs agent.........