Although the inclusion of certificates of authenticity are the norm for these very limited edition Fuente Fuente OpusX collector sets - reference to the certificates was also mentioned in their marketing literature - it was simply an oversight. In an email I was copied on, Prometheus International, exclusive distributors for The "Forbidden X" collections acknowledged the oversight indicating that the certificates of authenticity were "never produced for Fuente Fuente Forbidden X released last December."

Collectors are sticklers for these kinds of things, so you can imagine their disappointment. Looking at it another way, because the certificates are not included in these editions, maybe they'll be worth even more. Fortunately, the boxes are serial-numbered, so that should be evidence enough that they own the real thing. A certificate is just a piece of paper, and as you know, with today's technology anything can be copied. Look at all the phony Cohibas that are still being sold out there.

Prometheus International has been doing a great job with these sets over the years, and are just as vulnerable to the occasional snafu as any other company. I'm sure they'll be more careful next time. If you're lucky enough to own ANY Fuente Fuente OpusX Forbidden X gift sets, that should be reward enough.

~ Gary Korb