What is the difference between the white bands with black lettering and the white bands with gold'ish lettering?
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This was the only thing I could find from the New Havana site. The -mk- is the newest in the Illusione line-up.

A classic petit corona, 5 1/8 x 42, utilizing a different band, to denote a different and stronger blend than the rest of the vitolas.

The hl and the eccj have the gold band as well.
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thanks Tom. It was the -mk- that I was looking at in the humi with a big (?) on my face when I put it next to a -2- in the humi and saw the difference.
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I could be wrong but I think that the whole line with the black labels are the same blend but the newer ones with the gold are a different blend from the black.
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taken from the illusione website:

~MK ~ - The Teaching Machine As with my 88, I sampled a few to you in the forums for review when I was re-working on the blend in ’06. I did the same with the mk. There were two versions, the ~MK~ and the MKULTRA. MKULTRA was much stronger than I wanted it to be. I called Paul Palmer which in turn relayed my information to the factory to correct the issue. They have a gold band along with the ~hl~ because they’re more of an artisan blend better represented in those particular sizes. They’re 20% different than regular illusione black and white bands. As some of you know, I let out my stock of MKULTRAS because I just wasn’t pleased with the blend. You guys ate them up! Thanks. Project MKULTRA was a government experiment in creating “zombie soldiers” if you will, through experimentation with LSD and subconscious suggestion when under the influence. MKULTRA was also referred to as the “teaching machine.” The classic corona size is the teaching machine vitola. It is the perfect vehicle for delivery of flavor, if the blend is right.
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So in Dion talk that means they are different blends. hahahaha
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:-) :-) read between the lines... :-)
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so if i'm reading that right, the -mk- I have with gold lettering on the band is not a stock -mk-, its the MKULTRA thats 20% stronger and no longer made?
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:-):-) I have a box of the MK's with a gold band that says Teaching Machine on the box. I thought they were the regular MK. I really like them, and I sure hope they are still being made.:-)
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This is what pisses me off about Dion. Just name the darn cigar, not all this hidden meaning and different color BS :-) I too have a MK with a gold band. Now I am not sure if it is an ultra or not.
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He had a small run of mk's made and then decided that it was to strong, so he re-blended it to what the mk is today. The stronger mk ultra was given to new havana cigar to sell and they were sold out well over a year ago, so now all of the mk's out are the new blend.
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I think I'll give eric a call over at TPS sometime today. I'm sure whatever -mk- he has in stock is the new version, so I'll just ask him what the ^@&$@# label looks like. if its gold, then we've got normal mk's
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I bought my box if MK's from Eric at TPS about four months ago and the bands are gold.
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The Cruzado is the newest blend from illusione. Seems medium body to me and very enjoyable. I've only had a few so far but I'm going to make sure I have a box on hand at home.

Stinki
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Who freaking cares.
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I just like to know what I am smoking. :-)
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Take all the bands off yours and they probably all taste the same. :-)
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