Saint Luis Rey - Churchill verification

[kevdon94]

These are from an estate sale find. Learned that they were discontinued in 2010. Anyone have experience with Habanos cigars from early 2000's? Want to believe these are legit. Got my hands on other old boxes. The original owner wrote on one of the left side of the box. 

[JohnS]

The question isn't so much whether these are legit. After looking at that box, the question should be, "have these cigars been properly kept over the years?" Let's assume that yes, they are legit. You see, it's quite normal for cigars to shrink as they age because the moisture levels change and it's also quite normal for the bands to become loose. However, when the bands are that loose and the wrappers look like that after that time, I must say, I would be concerned. I would also question why the original owner did not smoke any, as I find that strange too. A casual cigar smoker wouldn't but a box of Saint Luis Rey cigars, would they?

Then again, perhaps the original owner had their reasons (for not smoking any) and perhaps you smoke one and it's not completely bland in its taste. Yes, I must concede, there is a chance of that too.

[nKostyan]

I'm confused by the warranty seal:
1. You should have seen a UV image of the Cuban coat of arms.
2. The font of the alphanumeric code doesn't match.

I'm confused by the band:
- cutted at an offset from the image
- unusual embossing

At all, everything matches the year 2000:
- factory code
- letters AB code
- D.O.P. Habanos sticker

The bands move freely - not a big deal. If the wrapper doesn't fall apart in your hands, all is not lost. You can slowly restore the moisture and try smoking.

[potpest]

The bands look dodgy, as does the font on the stamp.

For comparison these are churchill's from 2001.

[Glass Half Full]

In addition to the above observations, the font on the box and of the box code -- they both look a bit odd to me too. Attached are pics from a box of SLR Churchills from RPO May 2000. Granted inconsistency in CCs can be wild...but that doesn't usually extend to the bands, the government stamps and the box labelling, in my opinion. (You can have upside down box codes, as shown on this box; but it's usually in done a standard font, again, in my opinion.)

That said, taste will tell (...after (slowly) humidifying to your preferred level).  

Will look forward to your update after enjoying one or a few!  

[Fugu]

Great first post!