Well, yes AND no! If you note, they do say "Republica Dominicana" on them, and yes, they are made in the Dominican with the "ripped-off" Cuban Cohiba band. These, to my understanding, are "illegal" in the US as General/Swedish Match, the owner of the "name" outside Cuba(think red dot) got a court injuction to stop the use of this name, as they own it.

 

ahhh. I looked more into it.

here is a quote from cigars.about.com

Cigars manufactured in Cuba have a yellow, black and white band. They say 'Cohiba' and have the words 'La Habana, Cuba' under the name. These words were added in the early 90s so should be present unless your buying very old cigars. The Dominican Republic cigars manufactured by General cigar have a completely different band. It is red, black and white with the 'o' in Cohiba filled in red, hence the name Cohiba red dots. The cigars manufactured at the Montecristi factory have a label that is yellow, black and white and similar to the Cuban band. The difference is the words 'La Habana, Cuba' are replaced with words 'Republica Dominicana'. These are commonly called yellow band Dominican Cohiba. So which are the Cohibas your friend said to try? My guess would be the red dots. Cuban Cohibas are, of course, illegal in the US and yellow band Dominican Cohibas by all accounts are not very good cigars. So what's the bottom line.

I have smoked the Cuban and the red dot Cohibas. Both are very good but totally different. They might as well be different brands. I prefer the red dots but that is a matter of taste. These two cigars are expensive and have limited availability. I have not tried the yellow band Dominican Cohibas but have seen them for sale on web sites at a lot less than the red dots. Friends have said they are not as good as the red dots but that's up to you. What you need to do when buying cigars on line is understand what you're buying. If they are advertised as Dominican Cohibas, ask if they are the red dot or yellow band and expect what you order. A second action you can take is to know the person you're buying from. Large legitimate vendors that sell Cuban cigars will only sell Cuban Cohibas. Large vendors that sell Dominican cigars will only sell either the red dots or the yellow bands, not both.

So which are the real Cohibas? In my way of thinking, the only true Cohibas are the pre-revolution cigars. Cigars made after that time under the name Cohiba where made with either different tobaccos or with different rolling and blending expertise. So as my grandmother used to say, 'Yous pays your money and yous makes your choice'.

 

I don't know much about spotting fakes, but I do know that the most common scam in Mexico and other tourist areas is South America is the Cohiba glass top box.



The truth is that Cohiba has never put out a glass top box. Ever. If you are offered some or are in a store that is selling them, walk away.

 

My understanding was if your General rep came into your shop and saw the "yellow-band" Cohiba's, that would be the end of your relationship with General(Swedish Match)?!

 

Should I notify someone about these yellow band Cohibas here in town Stan? I have now seen them in 2 places. they also are sold in a gas station on ulmerton, just before you cross 275 into tampa.

 

I'll say something to our General rep to see if he/they are interested? Thanks for the offer. I have no problem with someone trying to make a buck, but a trademark infringement is a trademark infringement!
Anton, a customer of our retail store just last week brought in a box that he had just gotten in the mail. Now, he had asked me about a source for Habanos, and I suggested one of the Hong Kong vendors. Anyhow, he opens up this box, proudly, which has 5 boxes of "Cuban" cigars in it. I gasp as the first one out is exactly what you refer to-a glassed topped Cohiba, in a Maduro, no less! I say to him, "Did these come from that Hong Kong vendor?" He says "yes!" I don't believe him. I say, " Did all the boxes come from HK, or just some of them?" He now admits they all came from his "contact" in Miami. Boy, first time I heard that! :roll: And he gave me one! :? I didn't have the heart to tell him.......... well, you know!

 

How much do you pay for those Cuabas Stan? I really liked it. also how much on the other 2. I liked them all. I really like the different shape on the Cuaba though

 

can you suggest me any Hong Kong vendors?

 

How much do you pay for those Cuabas Stan? I really liked it. also how much on the other 2. I liked them all. I really like the different shape on the Cuaba though

Taken to PM

 

can you suggest me any Hong Kong vendors?

Also taken to PM.

 

thanks Stan, you rock.

 

One thing I forgot to mention, I bought 2 of these "Cohibas"

Just smoked one. It really was not a bad cigar. Stayed even from light to finish. Very creamy and a touch of spice. It tasted similar to the montecristos I have smoked in the past. Even for a fake, is was still a decent cigar.

Where do these come from?

The real Montecristi Factory fakes actually have a silver embossed "Cohiba" logo with a "Republica Dominica" logo written in the same fashion as the Habanos. This Yellow Band has the Cohiba name in black and the same font used for the Republica Dominicas tag. White dots instead of white squares, and the dots are further spread out than the squares. I have one left, I will have to bring it by Stan

Decent Fake for $2.99


Notice the difference from the pic I left earlier.
This is the real one from the Dominican

 

Wait, wait, wait a second Patrick. Are you saying you got fakes, of fakes? :!:

 

I am not sure, is there a Fake fake. Someone who imitates the imitator. I am just pointing out what I have seen. :lol:

all I know, i smoked a decent cigar at lunch today. It was a bit soft but smoked just fine. 8)

 

............and that's all that's important............... :mrgreen: