Is this Esplendidos fake?

[simong]

Hi,

I have had several Esplendidos in my humidor for over 10 years. Perhaps a lot more than 10 years. And perhaps they were not new cigars when I obtained them. Most have the 2003-2014 embossed bands but a few have the bands pictured, which I believe are 1993-2003 (if https://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/brand/cohiba/bands is to be believed)

I am smoking this one now. My experience is moderate, when compared to many here, but it tastes very good to me. That refined, almost singular, Cohiba taste, though possibly somewhat muted (over time?). If it is a fake, then it's very good.

Aside but related: I have always had this kind of assumption, which I would like others' opinion on, that, particularly in a country like Cuba, if a cigar, and especially a Cohiba, does not meet the quality control/appearance, that it might exit the back of the factory with an official band, for cash.

p.s. The pic of the whole stick makes it look distorted but it is not. Nothing about the construction seems off to me. 

[ha_banos]

Sorry but every time I see threads like this I say out loud Explendidos! Kind of like I have the urge to say Kubernetix enough times at work to see if I can make it stick...

[Duder]

Looks a bit rough to me. The only way to be sure is if you trust your source. If not, it’s likely fake.