Cuban cigars are celebrated around the world for their smoothness and rich flavors, making them exceedingly valued and desired. In fact, Cuban cigars are so prized, that many trusting people have fallen victim to obtaining fake Cubans, so how do you work out the real from the fake? First off, be secure that you are buying your cigars from a sanctioned dealer such as your local tobacco shop, or a trusted mail order business, so that you can protect yourself from giving over a lot of money for a box of fakes.
Before purchasing a supposed box of Cuban cigars (if you ever have the opportunity!) be sure to take time examing the box. Here are a few tips to help you spot the fakes from the real thing.
The most important thing to examine is the box because authentic Cuban cigars will contain a green and white warranty seal on the left front side of the box. A shield and hat should be on the insignia’s seal. You should find a white sticker placed diagonally on the upper right hand corner of the box that says ‘Habanos’. If the box appears damaged, smudged, frayed, or marked, then avoid it, as the overall appearance of the box should be neat and clean. Don’t buy cigars if the box is dull, even if they appear to be the real thing, as their quality may have suffered during transport. If you happen to be in the market for Cohiba, Trinidad, or Q’dorsay brand cigars, know that all authentic Cohiba’s will contain the green and white warranty seal on the right hand side of the box.
A heat stamp should be found on the bottom of the box with the word ‘Habanos’ impressed on it, although some fake Cuban cigar dealers have found ways to imprint this label by using rubber stamps and paper labels. On the bottom of an authentic Cuban cigar box, you should also find a factory coded stamp in black, green, or blue that will tell you when and where the cigars were rolled.
If you get a chance to open the box, then take the time to get a good whiff of the tobacco as genuine Cubans have a rich, deep aroma that is unmistakable to the dedicated cigar enthusiast. If the smell is off, or very weak, the chances are you do not have a box of authentic Cuban’s in your hands. The top row may appear slightly flatted, and all cigars should be facing the same way. The caps on all the cigars should appear identical, and the foot of each cigar should be cut clean. They should all be arranged and facing in the same direction, as well as the bands being identical. If you’re allowed, test the cigars out by pressing down on them. Check for hard or soft spots by feeling along the entire length of each cigar. The cigars should feel pliable, yet firm.
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