Partagas D4, Cohiba Robustos, newbie steps into the flames...

[One Drop]

That's very kind of you, Bigpoppapuff, I will.

Regarding codes, they used to be actual codes for the date and factory they were made in, but a few years ago they bowed to pressure and started putting the actual dates on the boxes, still using codes to designate the factory of manufacture. I used to know the factory codes, but stopped paying much attention a few years ago when quality control went up and they started to concentrate production of different brands in certain factories, rather than spread production of them all over ('casa matriz' is what they call this system of making each factory responsible for the majority of a brand's production). When I started smoking and selling cigars, I'd say about one in four Havanas (as they were called then) were plugged or rolled poorly. Now, maybe one or two per box of 25, regardless of vitola or brand.

The date codes work like this:

The first three letters are the factory code (secret), and the next three letters are the month in Spanish, i.e. FEB is Februario, and the last two numbers are the year of manufacture.

Please excuse me if you know all this.

The codes for the factories are pretty much an open secret, but I'd have to do some research to get back up to date. I'm sure your friend knows the score.


I've visited a few factories in Havana, and was amazed by the pride and skill of the workers, and the floor stewards and guides. As soon as they find out you know a bit about cigars, you are singled out and get very special treatment. Same thing in the Casas del Habanos.

[basil]

lol - I think what BPP is asking for are the actual codes on the bottoms of your two boxes. Good answer though.

[bigpoppapuff]

lol - I think what BPP is asking for are the actual codes on the bottoms of your two boxes. Good answer though.

basil!!!!...you are correct.....you win what's behind the door.....


by the way...did one drop seem to be tap dancing??....he's a new bojangles....

[One Drop]

basil!!!!...you are correct.....you win what's behind the door.....


by the way...did one drop seem to be tap dancing??....he's a new bojangles....

That's MR Bojangles to you, Bigpoppapuff.

[bigpoppapuff]

That's MR Bojangles to you, Bigpoppapuff.

[One Drop]

Looking more closely, there is a separate stamp on the bottom of the Cohibas that reads 0205, in black ink. No idea what that means. Both have the stickers with bar codes from the Swiss importer, along with the retail price, which is required in Switzerland. Both have the Hecho en Cuba Totalmente a Mano woodburnt on the bottom. Both have the green gov't seal, with a number in red. The Cohiba's number is FH 091401, the Partagas is GB185110.

Excuse what I said before, neither has a hologram. I also got confused about the cedar in the box of Partagas; I had taken it out in my box of LTD D4s (not for sale!), this one is sealed.

Whew! Don't know what else to add...

[bigpoppapuff]

i just got off the phone with mcgoo........he says they seem to be the real deal.....no mistakes.........

[One Drop]

Cool, thanks. I'm booking my flight beginning next week, so I'll post the dates when I'll be in Montreal when I've confirmed. I'll definitely be there over the Grand Prix weekend if anyone is coming up to be a part of the madness.

[One Drop]

lol - I think what BPP is asking for are the actual codes on the bottoms of your two boxes. Good answer though.

Sorry! I put the codes in my original post, they're in brackets next to the names.

Otherwise, both boxes are very straightforward. the Cohibas are in the varnished cabinet, the Partagas
in the Special Plain Box. I removed the cedar from between the layers on the D4s to help the aging process. They've been kept at 60% humidity all the time (I have my humidor set up so the single ones on top are at 70%, while the boxes below stay at about 60%. I do this by having a small tray of those little balls you put around plants soaked in water on the top shelf. Works perfectly as they absord excess water as well as release depending on the humidity). The Cohibas are just starting to get that cocoa smell that cigars get when they start aging.