My apologies if this is old news, but last night I got into a heated debate with a friend who brought a "cuban" monte to a party - I insisted that it was faker than fake because the fluer thingy (technical term) was all wrong on the band. It had a triple cap and looked and smelled beautiful - I figured, it might be a cuban cigar, but it ain't a monte. Well, then I got home and did some research... is the egg showin' or what? just figured i'd pass this along.

ANNOUNCEMENT of Important Change to Montecristo Brand Labeling

*some website* is pleased to be the first to announce significant changes to Montecristo's logo and band design.

Habanos S.A. has confirmed that, starting in June 2003, new bands were introduced for the entire Montecristo line.

Although the new bands are already in wide circulation on the hugely popular No. 4, they won't be showing up for some time on most of the other sizes until retailers' existing stocks dwindle and are gradually replaced with new product.

Upon receiving boxes of No. 2's sporting the new bands, and having had no prior knowledge of proposed changes, startled customers (naturally thinking they had received counterfeits) created quite a stir. Not surprisingly, formal notice from Cuba regarding this change still has yet to materialize.




Montecristo Bands: old (left), and new (right)

The changes in these bands are part of a major facelift of the entire Montecristo line. In addition to the new bands, several new packaging formats have been added, and there will be a new cigar size introduced into the regular Montecristo line sometime next year.

Both the new bands and the logo have had a facelift - the paper is now a shiny gloss similar to the bands of most of the other major labels, instead of the older plain matte finish. And, a "hook" has been added to the edge of the fleur-de-lis symbol. Here's a sneak preview of the new band, next to the old one for comparison (provided to us by Habanos S.A.)

Good stuff. Thanks!

HONEY!!! get those Monty's outta the trash, quick!

Nueva to me - thanks

LOL @ JD1

I don't think that the proposed bands have been approved. Nor are they in circulation...

I just got two boxes 03's and they still have the old bands.

I actually received a few #2's with these bands and it made me quite nervous. Did a little research and found everything was ok. Imagine my relief!

New bands have been in circulation for a couple of months now. As to '03 production, it's hit or miss whether or not you get the old or the new.

^^^^

for Derek_OC

Hmmm quite interesting. So it appears even if the ones i received are authentic they certainly aren't from 1996 as from what i understand the bands in 96 would be the original garyish color. I have still yet to hear back from the other trader. Thanks a bunch low for all of your help.

Thanks
Derek

all my Montes have the old band - guess I'll have to smoke em.