I used to rep for Pinar/Armando Ramos. I agree with Gary. No big deal on the Serie B Rothschilds, and the same for the P2000. However, they put out some good sticks in the Robaina line, the Magus, and the new Fiero Negro. The jewel of the company is the Especiale which is certified 100% Cuban leaf, but very expensive weighing in at about $20-45 each. Are they real? The owners and national Sales manager told me they were, but I am not sure myself. However, they are unique, and some are worthy. Now, there is also something else on the market. Gurkha has released a 1940 Cuban Series, a 1950, and a 1960 series is on the way. They are in my opinion real, but the price tag on them is equal to their rarity. A box of 25 retails for about $700. Many companies came out with pre-embago leaf in their cigars during the boom. Some were real, and some were well let's just say they tried to be real but couldn't fake it good enough in court. As much as I do not like the folks at Pinar I think they have some legal Cuban tobacco, not sure exactly how much they are using in their cigars tho. I no longer have any connection with this company pther than in the courtroom, but if anyone is interested in saving some money there is an account I used to sell to in MN that can hook you up nicely on price. Call Jim at Open Water Fine Cigar in Walker, MN at 218-547-3470 and tell him Montana Jack referred you. As for the Gurkha, I still ave 2 boxes and and an open box if anyone wants to try those as well. I don't want to post prices here as I am not sure it is proper etiquette in the forum, but you can expect to pay about half of the retail on them. Just my 3.5 cents worth.