Montecristo Bands

[TeeEmmBee]

Gents, can I just ask for opinions on some Montecristo bands (can't supply pics at moment I'm afraid).

I have two batches of Monte Edmundos bought from two different reputeable on-line sources. One batch of cigars (Tubos BUE JUL 07) have bands which are of a light milk chocolate brown print and smooth with no text / logo embossing whilst the other (BUE JUL 08) have bands of seemingly better quality where the brown is a dark chocolate colour and visually much sharper and with the logo etc embossed.

Both batches of cigar seem of the same quality etc, its just the bands that vary. Can I ask, is this a Montecristo variation or transition to new bands?

Thanks. Chris

[whisky77]

No problem.

Chris, I don`t think there is anything to be concerned about at all, the Cigar Bands on the MC did change a number of years ago, and you can have two identical vitolas of the same brand both with different bands.

Band A - Standard - 1960s to c2003
No Embossing
Band B - Standard - c2003 to 2006
No Embossing
Band C - Standard - 2006 on
Early bands & special releases embossed - later bands not embossed

You will find more info at this site;

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/brand.aspx?brand=Montecristo

[whisky77]

Same.

In addition, this photograph was taken to illustrate the differences between the two types of bands on the MC.

[TeeEmmBee]

Many thanks indeed for that Whisky. I thought both cigars were legit, its just nagged me why the difference in quality of the bands.

Cheers. Chris

[whisky77]

No problem

No problem Chris, you were correct to question it, as obviously the first thing which crosses your mind is the "F" word when you discover two different bands, but there is no problem in this case.

[Deano]

I find a distinct variation in monte bands, brown can be quite a different shade through out different boxes

[TeeEmmBee]

I find it surprising considering one would think that Habanos would be keen to minimise fakery that the bands on these ultimately quite expensive cigars aren't incredibly consistent, thus making it more difficult to replicate, particularly if they include embossing.

[monkey66]

I have seen a big variation with Monte bands (embossed and flat). More so that most other bands.

[TeeEmmBee]

Just ordered a box of 25 Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills - look forward to getting these as I've never tried the brand before. Was tempted due to discount and lots of good reviews! Will make a change from Montes anyway...

[whisky77]

Differences?

I find a distinct variation in monte bands, brown can be quite a different shade through out different boxes

There can also be a distinct difference in wrapper shades.I have two boxes of Edmundos with similar box codes , yet the shades of wrappers are very different.

[TeeEmmBee]

Also very interesting to know, many thanks Whisky.

[kingcohiba]

same here. took a pic a couple of months ago of the differances in their bands. for a moment i thought there might be a couple of fakes in there. all smoked well....except the A. just havent had the heart to burn it up yet.

[TeeEmmBee]

Yes that's exactly like the label differences I have. There's quite a marked quality variation between the two cigars on the right to the three on the left.

My other half is out for drinkies with friends tonight which is great because it means I can put the kids to bed and sit down on the floor in front of the fire place watching the box smoking an Edmundo. I won't actually have the fire on but I puff the smoke up the chimney! With window open hopefully by the time she gets back all aromatic evidence of the deed will have dissipated!

[kingcohiba]

sounds to me like you need a window fan! i got another member using one now and the wives never even know when were smoking! it doesnt get the room cold either. world greatest invention imo!

[TeeEmmBee]

Sounds like a great plan but I'm not sure it'll get the approval from the 'boss'.

Re the cigar bands issue, I don't know whether its just me but I'm a stickler for attention to detail and a nicely printed high quality band makes a difference to my overall cigar 'experience'. Okay they may smoke the same in the end but its all part of the quality of pleasure. If I was in charge of Montecristo, or any of the other high end brands, I'd make damn sure that all 'accessories' to the actual cigar - i.e. band, presentation in box, box and packaging itself were of the highest practical quality as it does enhance the experience and help establish return custom.

I'm amazed at the difference in quality of the two Monte bands - the lower quality being very poor and diminishing the overall visual presentation, whilst the higher quality really is top notch, dramatically enhancing the cigar visually.

Just my two cents as they say!