brsmith21:

ScottU:

the churchill had zero flavor on the pallet.. and left a horrible, horrible flavor on the lips....

Unless they were smuggled into the country up someone's bum, it's pretty safe to say they are not legit.

Seriously, they are high quality cigars though not the holy grail that CA and some others try to make them out to be, in my humble opinion of course.

Don't be so quick to judge... Uhhh... a "friend" of mine get's cubans somewhat often... He just happens to know a few friends that travel frequently... There are Habanos S.A. stores lots of places... Just not here in the states... ;)

For what it's worth, "smuggling" them in isn't an issue... Every time my "friend" has gotten any, his friend(s) simply drop them in the mail to him. They pass right through with no problems at all... Not a single shipment has ever seen so much as a delay...

As far as the OP's experience... I'd say there is no doubt they were fakes... Every cuban my "friend" has had has been delightful... Each quite different yet each shares a "special something"... Not sure how to describe it... Call it a "flavor profile" that is unique to ISOMs... A special "creamy/buttery smoothness" that you just don't find in ANY other cigar...

Kuzi is also right... If they don't have some plume on them, let 'em sit for a while... There is NOTHING like a good ISOM with good age...

Not that I'd know of course... but that's what my "friend" tells me... ;)

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Luko:

Just keep in mind if you do, you're pissing off a dude who shaves with a sword.