I recently received a couple of boxes of ISOM'S from a highly recommended source in Honk Kong and when the boxes arrived they were shrinkwrapped, they had obviously been opened and bubble wrap was in the box. Has anyone ever had this experience or have I been ripped off?

How did they smoke?

Haven't smoked one yet, I sent them an e-mail and I am awaiting a reply.

Normal.

If you trust the source then don't worry. Boxes are often opened by Cuban officials before they arrive at your vendor.

not sure on that place.. although I have purchased from there a few times... as xrundog said.. it's normal... I've purchased from other places who "inspect" before shipping and get the package extra ready for shipping...

used to purchase from a place in Panama.. and the guy would rebundle them, then wrap them about 30 time around exagerated) but seemed to be that much, then box them and ship...

I wouldn't worry about it!!! Kick back and spark one up!!!!

Hog

Normal.

John L

I ordered a box from what I think is the same place. They also arrived open. I wondered about it as well, but since the place came well recommended I figured its probably ok.

To make me even more paranoid, the Monte #2s I ordered look a bit rougher than my usual smoke and had a couple green spots on them. I figured since I've only smoked a couple ISOMs in my life this may be normal for them.

Glad you were brave enough to ask 🙂 The responses make me feel better.

I ordered from hk before they told me they inspect the box before shipping... but you can requeat them not to open it up

master... email me waldoar15 att gmail dot com

Thanks for the information it makes me feel reliEved to know it is common practice. Thet said I can request them unopened but they do it for a quality check and to put bubble wrap on both sides of the box.

It's the boxes that aren't inspected prior to shipping that should worry you. Any good vendor, (and if you're using who I think you are, he' top notch) will inspect the cigars prior to shipping to insure quality, ie damaged wrappers, beetles, etc.

Smoke on and enjoy,

Barry

Thanks Barry!

it's almost income tax time and i'll probably have a little extra to go towards ISOMs..could anyone direct me to a reputable vendor that you have trust in?

del

runinfox at america online dot com

Been there, done that... no problem...

Oh, er, um... I mean...

No Comment...

Low

I went through the same thing last week with some monte #2's from HK.

however I decided to "test the waters" and ordered a 15 count box.

Interestingly these come in an out box, on which the seal had been slit. When I opened the box, lo and behold, there were 5 three count boxes that were all still sealed (the water mark look OK under UV).

The box I opened did have what looks like the real McCoy, although the wrapper was a bit on the veiny and rough.

The outer box had a date stamp on June 04, so I am going to let these age for a few months, based upon the "dead period" info I read in another thread.

side

I just got a box from there myself. Done a few now and it was obvious that it was to insert a small piece of foam to protect the feet of the cigars from damage during shipping. Pretty common from what I understand.

Dave

i'd love to get this Isom info.........if anybody would be so kind.

[email protected]

thanks!!!!

Hey Matt,

You've got mail.

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

the cigars i received from this place, which shall remain unnamed, were in excellent condition and were the real deal. no problems with inspection here.....kinda glad they do it.