Is That Cuban Cigar The Real Thing?
If you are a regular cigar smoker than you have probably heard that Cuban cigars are coveted the world over. Even if you do not smoke cigars this is something you probably have heard from others about Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are known as some of the best cigars you can get anywhere all over the world. They have the richest and most unique flavors and taste. Cuban cigars are so popular that of course there are dealers who specifically deal in fake Cuban cigars. They have made an entire business of creating and selling knock offs since they know so many people want these Cuban cigars and they are so hard to come by. There are a few things you can look for to make sure this does not happen to you if you are looking to buy Cuban cigars.
The first thing is obviously to only buy from legitimate dealers and sellers. Someone that you already have a good reputation with or a mail order company with long standing service is best. Spending money on fake cigars will obviously become frustrating and irritating. So always know who you are buying from and whenever possible inspect the cigars and packaging that they come in. Especially if you ever have a chance to purchase a box of Cuban cigars from a vendor in person, examine all the cigars closely along with the bands, and wrappers. If they are a legitimate seller they will have no problem with this and will understand why you are going through the cigars so thoroughly.
Next, check the cigar box that they have come in. Cuban cigar boxes always come with a green and white warranty seal that will be on the left, front side of the box. This is the best way to tell if you have authentic Cubans cigars or something else. There will also be an insignia on the seal, it will be a picture of a shield and hat. There will also be a white sticker on the upper right hand corner of the cigar box. This sticker will be placed diagonally and has to have the word Habanos printed on it. The box should also be very neat and clean, there should be no smudges or damage to the cigar box. Any frays or strange markings or if the box is discolored or dull in any way then do not buy them. They could be the real thing, but may have been banged around and damaged in shipping. One more thing to know is that Trinidads, Cohibas, and Q’dorsay brand Cuban cigars will have all the same box markings except Cohibas will have the green and white seal on the right hand side of the box.
There will also be markings on the bottom of the cigar box too. There will be a heat stamp with the word Habanos again. This stamp will actually be impressed into the bottom of the cigar box. You will know immediately if they are a fake box of Cuban cigars because the seal will be rubber stamped or have a paper label instead. Lastly, there will be a factory code that is stamped at the bottom in green, blue, or black ink. This code will tell you where and when the cigars were rolled.
Hopefully, the box will already be open and if it is the take the time to smell the cigars. Cuban cigars will smell differently than non Cubans. They will have a very deep, rich, scent; any cigar maven will recognize the aroma. If the cigars smell weak in any way or if the smell if off then they are fakes or have gone bad.
Lastly, the cigars should be placed in the box all facing the same direction and the top row will probably be flat from the lid being placed on there. The caps should also be identical, the foot should have clean cuts, the bands should also be identical, and the bands should all face the direction too. If the dealer allows you to, then press on the cigars and make sure there are no hard or soft spots anywhere on them. They should be both firm and yet pliable.
Keeping these tips in mind will make sure that you get authentic Cuban cigars. Also, that you get the best Cuban cigars for the money you will be paying.
Darren Williger is a guitar playing, tea drinking, meditating, low carbohydrate eating, wine making sales maker who writes for CigarMaven.com, SmokersWebsite.com, and SavoryTea.com.
