Knowing how to spot a fake Cohiba is important because there are many fakes. There are so many fake cigars, even the bands and boxes. Millions of these fakes are found in Miami alone. This guide helps you spot fake Cohibas and other Cuban brands. About 90% of Cuban cigars online are fake. It’s key to learn the signs. Stay aware to avoid buying fake cigars by mistake.
Understand the Price
To spot a fake Cohiba, check the price. Real Cuban cigars have set prices. In Cuba, 25 Esplendidos cost about $750 or 500 CUCs. If someone sells one for only 10 CUC, it’s likely fake.
Outside Cuba, Cohiba Esplendidos sell for over $30 each. In Cuba, they are around $20 each. If a box of 25 costs just $100-200, it’s probably fake.
Premium cigars like Cohiba Robusto Reserva are expensive per stick. The Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edición Limitada is also pricey. Cheap deals on these should make you suspicious.
Fake Cuban cigars are common because they are famous and valued. Fakers copy stamps, boxes, seals, and stickers to trick buyers into buying fakes. The market for fake Cuban cigars is huge, and lots of money is spent on them.
Check the Packaging
When you look at Cuban cigar boxes, check the details. The packaging shows if the cigars are real. Here are some things to look for:
- Look at the Paper Coverings: Real Cuban cigar boxes have nice paper coverings, seals, and decorations. If colors or designs look off, they might be fake.
- Check for Heat-Stamped Marks: Real Cuban cigar boxes have heat-stamped marks on the bottom. These marks show that the cigars inside are real.
- Find the “Denomination of Origin” Sticker: A real box of handmade Cuban cigars has a “Denomination of Origin” sticker. This sticker proves they are authentic.
- Look at the Cigar Bands: Cigar bands may seem real, but check them closely. Look at the paper quality and design details. Fakes often miss these details.
Good packaging doesn’t always mean it’s real, but bad packaging can show fakes quickly. Watch for Habanos labels, Cuba guarantee seals, and stamps on the bottom that are usually on real Cuban cigar boxes.
Check the label
When you look at the label on a Cuban cigar, notice the details.
- Look for heat-stamped markings on the bottom of the box. These include words like “Habanos s.a.”, “Hecho en Cuba,” and “Totalmente a mano.” These stamps mean the cigars are handmade and from Cuba.
- Check for a “Denomination of Origin” sticker on real Cuban cigar boxes. This sticker shows that the cigars are truly from Cuba.
- Look at the cigar bands closely. They should have good paper, detailed designs, and be lined up right. Real bands will have raised parts and correct colors that fakes often miss.
Check the Shape and Look
When you check Cuban Cigars, look at the details. Real Cuban cigars look very similar.
- Same Shape: Real Cuban cigars are made to be the same size and shape. Each cigar should look like the others in the box.
- Same Color: True Cuban cigars have the same color all over. Each cigar should have a similar shade.
- Straight Bands: Real Cuban cigars have bands that line up right. This shows they are well-made.
Look at the Ashes
When you check the ashes of a Cuban cigar, notice some key things. These can help you tell if it’s real or fake.
- Cuban cigar ash: Real Cuban cigar ash is dark grey and spotty. This is a special feature of true Cuban cigars.
- Ash color changes: True Cuban cigars burn with grey or salt-and-pepper ash. Bright white ash usually means the cigar isn’t made from Cuban tobacco.
Smell the Cigar
When you smell an Authentic Cuban Cigar, it has a special scent. The smell is rich and earthy, filling your senses. It’s a mix of flavors that makes it different from fakes. The scent of a real cigar stays in the air, showing its high quality.
The smell of a true Cuban cigar is unique; it shows where it’s from and how it’s made. Each sniff tells a story of tradition and skill passed down over time. Smelling the fragrance means enjoying a piece of history, proof of the art behind each puff.
Breathing in the scent of an authentic Cuban cigar is more than just smelling smoke; it’s an experience that goes beyond time. The aroma shows years of hard work and skill, creating a sensory journey like no other. With each breath, you feel the legacy of true Cuban craftsmanship.
Visit a Professional Cigar Shop
Professional Cigar Shop Owners know how to spot fake Cuban cigars. They use taste, look, and packaging to tell real from fake.
If you’re not sure if a cigar is real, ask a professional shop for help. They can check the bands and give you contact info for more checks.
Which Cuban Cigars Are Most Commonly Counterfeited
Watch for Cohiba Behike cigars. They are often faked because they cost a lot and are rare.
Real Behikes Cuban cigars come in boxes of 10, not 25. Check the labels and holograms on the band to see if they are real.
FAQ
Do Cuban Cigars Come in Cellophane
I’ve seen non-Cuban cigars wrapped in cellophane and low-quality machine-made Cuban fakes packaged this way too. Real handmade Cuban cigars never come in cellophane wrapping. Also, true Cuban cigars don’t come in glass-top or clear plastic boxes. Habanos S.A., the official seller of Cuban cigars, does not use transparent lids.
Fake Trinidad Cigar
- Look for distinctive markings on the Trinidad cigar box.
- Check the collar of the cigar for any oddities or mistakes.
- Squeeze the cigar gently to feel how it’s made and its texture.
- Look closely at the cigar bands for good quality and proper alignment.
Fake Montecristo Cigar
When you look at a box of Montecristo cigars, check the details. Real boxes have cedar sheets with special curved openings between the rows. These openings are carefully made, showing the box is real.
Fake boxes often miss this detail. The cedar sheet openings might be straight or not there at all. Also, real Montecristo cigar boxes have cigars that are all the same size and look nice.
If you see a box of Montecristo cigars that looks strange or has a clear plastic or glass lid, it’s likely fake.
Are fake Cuban cigars still good?
I had tried a bad fake cigar once. It was tightly rolled but had stems sticking out and smelled like Mexican tobacco. This showed me how common fake cigars are.
Fake Cuban cigars look very similar to real ones. It’s hard to tell them apart. Buying cigars from street vendors or beach sellers is risky because they might be fake.