Laynard

As I understand it, the answer to both of your questions is "yes."

The Sublimes have a new warranty seal over the original one. That is odd and would raise a flag for me. It almost seems they are reusing old boxes, putting a new, incomplete warranty seal on them, and loading them with suspect (I.e., not original) cigars. Edit: Nevermind. I just looked at CCW and they state "There is a transition period between 2009 and 2011 when both the new & old seals are affixed." There is even a picture that greatly resembles what you have going on. I guess I have nothing to add here. But, the lack of barcode printing (not being removed at a grey market level) is still odd.

Welcome. I'm also a California native. Enjoy the ride!

I can probably make it. These are always a good time!

Toothy wrapper.

Forgive me for asking, I do so only to increase my own knowledge; what makes you certain of the legitimacy of the Siglo? I'm still quite the noob when it comes to spotting fakes, and would love to know what you are seeing that is telling.

60%. That seems about right.

I've seen these critters before. Ooky, but as far as I know, harmless.

Not really. There are some NC manufacturers that utilize a triple cap, but their wrappers tend to be dark and toothy, so that's a give away. I had a Felix Assouline cigar that had a similar profile to CCs, but it was severely box-pressed. The combination of wrapper, cap, and flavor let's me know if it is Cuban or not.

I've done a blind taste challenge pass that had cigars from all countries, and the one CC I picked out, I knew it was so. Yeah, I got the marca wrong, but nailed the country of origin. NCs are a little more difficult, as they can have Dominican fillers with Nicaraguan wrappers. But, puros tend to have distinct characteristics, IMO.

No lengthy review for me this round, but I enjoyed the cigar. Not enough to buy a box after it's revealed though. I'm 50% sure I know what it is! I just sent mine in. I almost forgot as well.

I'm in as well! Looking forward to catching up with you Rob.

Yep. Just had a 64 Natural that was a wind tunnel and only tasted like wood. I expected so much more. I should just smoke a Jose Piedra next time, and pocket the change.

Are these a special blend? Or just higher quality control considering they are made for royalty?

I feel like you have been witnessing my progression first hand the last few months. I am now finding old favorite NCs just don't have the complexity they once did. They all seem to be "flat" compared to CCs. Every now and then I still get a good NC, but CCs are definitely gaining favor quickly.