Is it really a .......?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I wanted to check to make sure it was okay before posting, but I would like to see if you guys could help me check the authenticity of a particular stick that is in my humidor. If someone could let me know if this is cool, I'll post a pic. Otherwise, disregard. Thanks.

[Cohibanut]

Hey go ahead! Why ask? I'm sure there's nothing inappropriate about that is there?

[hex1848]

You are not buying/selling/trading so its fine with me.

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

You are not buying/selling/trading so its fine with me.

Nope. Just wanted to get everyones opinion whether it is the real deal or not.

This cigar was sent to me free as a thank you, so if it is not the real deal, no biggie. The guy that sent it included a letter and the way I understood it was that he bought a box of these with the understanding that they were indeed ISOM. After recieving the box, he had some doubt due to an issue with the seal on the box. So he did inform me that this may be in fact a fake and to treat it as such unless I found out otherwise, which is why I come to you guys as I have zero experience with cigars of such origin. Here are some pics so you can decide for yourself. Thanks for any input.

[Cigar Jack]

Something in my gut tells me it is fake. I think the LE band's black lines are incorrect. The cap looks kinda fugazzied also. Can you PM me the source for the guy who bought it?

[Cigar Jack]

Your best bet is to smoke it and see.

[Bkcloud114]

Something in my gut tells me it is fake. I think the LE band's black lines are incorrect. The cap looks kinda fugazzied also. Can you PM me the source for the guy who bought it?

I probably have less experience than you Puff.... but the cap does not look right. I got what turned out to be a counterfeit Cohiba from a guy with a boat (free), after I let it sit in my Humi for about 3 weeks I smoked it. I thought it was a pretty good smoke. I was told mine was some kinda "farm grown"

I was just bombed with one ISOM that appears to be a fake. Looks nothing like the other 2 I have in the Humidor.... the wrapper on mine looks absolutely horrible.

Smoke it and you'll know for the future. One man's dog rocket is another man's premium

[ggiese]

The cap looks suspicious - but it does look like it COULD be legit... At first it looked kinda rough - but I just pulled an '03 EL out of my humi and it looks similar (except for the cap)

I agree with CigarJack - smoke it and you should know... You gotta figure it's worth at least a smoke - even if it's not ISOM. I've had some counterfeit Montecristo's that were excellent... I've also had some counterfeit Monte's that were garbage...

[grand cru no 2]

Looks a bit rough IMO. I've had a fair share of ISOM RyJs and it seems like they had a bit better construction. Also, I agree that the EL band looks a little suspicious. But no way to be sure unless you smoke it I guess.

Like George said, fake or not it may still be a great smoke. I've had some fake Siglos that were great, so go figure.

Good luck brother!!!

[CoventryCat86]

It's almost always hard to tell from pictures. I've seen some of these RyJ ELs before and they are indeed "rough" looking cigars.

I honestly can't tell you if it's real or not. The only way to tell is to smoke it to be sure but of course THAT only works if you know what Cuban tobacco is supposed to taste like.

Either way, just smoke it

[Cigar Jack]

I noticed a lot of the EL's are rougher looking. It is often easier to tell by the box. Also a tip for anyone taking close up detail pictures, use the macro feature of your camera (the little flower button you always wondered about).

[grand cru no 2]

I've seen some of these RyJ ELs before and they are indeed "rough" looking cigars.
Either way, just smoke it

Smartass!

[ggiese]

GrandCru - could you please explain your sigtag - Che cosa con là firma scudo? It doesn't translate back very well... I get "Which thing with là company shield?"

[Cigar Jack]

And who is that blonde in your avatar?