Fake Esplendidos?

[Chè]

I'd put my money on the box being BOGUS! Based on the picture, but I won't say why publicly as I hate to give counterfeiters clues on what might be wrong (especially when it is not that hard to correct) and may make it easier to defraud future unsuspecting customers.

The one advantage that we have is most of the bogus peddlers out there are NOTORIOUSLY sloppy and their work is obviously hastily done with little concern.

Incidentally, what is the factory code / date on the bottom of the box?

[Kenyth]

I'm not an expert on Cuban cigars, but I do know that Cohiba bands and packaging are readily available to make fakes. I report them on Ebay as often as I can. Fake packaging alone will run you $40 from the looks of it, and there are buyers.

From what I understand, some Cuban smokers will try to make money back by recycling the packaging on their authentic cigars. Though resale of the packaging isn't directly illegal, I still think they're scum because they know exactly what it will be used for.