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The Definitive Guide To Spotting

Fake Cuban Cigars


The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Contents
How  to  Identify  Fake  Cuban  Cigars?  ...............................................................................................  4  

Cuban  Cigar  Education  Is  Key.  ........................................................................................................  5  

Where  To  Begin  –  Seals,  Labels  And  Cigar  Boxes.  ..........................................................................  6  

Onto  The  Cigars  Themselves.  .......................................................................................................  12  

More  Tips......................................................................................................................................  16  

Counterfeit  Gallery.  ......................................................................................................................  21  

   

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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
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How to Identify Fake Cuban


Cigars?
When  it  comes  to  life’s  most  indulgent  luxuries,  a  genuine  Cuban  cigar  would  be  at  the  top  of  
most  cigar  aficionado’s  list.  Unfortunately,  there  is  such  a  demand  for  premium  branded  cigars,  
that  sadly  production  falls  far  short  of  the  worldwide  market  for  the  product.    

Because  of  this,  more  and  more  fake  Cuban  cigars  are  making  their  way  into  the  market,  both  in  
the   United   States,   and   in   Europe.   Due   to   modern   technology   –   computers   and   quality   color  
laser   printing   –   it   has   become   not   only   commonplace,   but   very   easy   to   turn   a   lower   quality  
Honduran  cigar,  into  a  Cohiba  Esplendido  by  using  printed  labelling  alone.    

Unfortunately,   counterfeiting   is   also   driven   by   consumer   ignorance   as   many   are   not  


knowledgeable  enough  about  Cuban  cigars  to  spot  a  fake  one.  This  helps  those  counterfeiters  
who   produce   substandard   quality   cigars,   allowing   them   to   make   money   off   ill-­‐informed  
consumers,  which  allows  the  cigar  counterfeiting  industry  to  grow.    

   

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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
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Cuban Cigar Education Is Key.


Although   many   articles   have   been   written   about   Cuban   cigars   and   how   to   spot   a   fake   from   the  
real   deal,   these   often   lack   enough   detail   to   be   of   any   real   use   to   the   average   cigar   lover.   For  
that   reason   alone,   I   have   produced   this   piece   to   help   educate,   as   well   as   inform,   consumers   on  
how   they   can   quickly   identify   suspicious   cigars,   and   separate   a   lower   quality   from   the   real   deal  
–  a  proper  Cuban  cigar.    

With   over   20   years   of   experience   in   Cuba   alone,   I   have   both   the   knowledge   and   the   close  
attention   to   detail   that   will   help   you   to   not   only   determine   fake   Havanas   from   real   ones,   but   in  
an  effective  manner.    
 

Some Simple Rules


Let’s  start  off  with  a  few  simple  rules.    

“If  it’s  too  good  to  be  true….”  


You  have  heard  the  following  saying  before,  and  this  definitely  applies  to  Cuban  cigars  –  “If  it’s  
too  good  to  be,  then  it  probably  isn’t  the  real  thing”.    

It   is   imperative   that   as   a   buyer,   you   research   where   your   favorite   cigars   come   from.   Often  
tobacconists  are  unaware  that  they  might  be  selling  fakes,  especially  if  the  laws  in  their  country  
make  them  legal.  Counterfeiters  are  only  interested  in  the  bottom  line,  and  no  matter  where  in  
the  world  you  find  yourself,  fake  Cuban  cigars  are  a  profitable  business.    
 

Attention  to  detail  


When  buying  cigars,  attention  to  detail  is  paramount.  Your  eye  is  your  best  weapon  here,  and  
by   knowing   what   to   look   for   in   terms   of   fake   cigars,   you   will   save   yourself   a   lot   of   money   in   the  
long  run.  Take  your  time  when  inspecting  a  box  of  cigars  you  wish  to  purchase.  Always  believe  
that  they  may  be  fake  when  casting  a  very  critical  eye  over  them.  

But  how  do  you  know  what  to  look  for  when  looking  over  a  box  of  Cuban  cigars  that  you  would  
like  to  purchase?  Well,  with  this  piece,  we  hope  to  help  you  to  not  only  develop  the  theoretical  
knowledge   of   what   to   look   for,   but   to   train   your   eye   to   spot   fake,   lower   quality,   counterfeit  
cigars.    

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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
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Where To Begin – Seals, Labels


And Cigar Boxes.
Let’s  start  right  at  the  beginning.  By  following  these  steps  each  time  you  purchase  cigars,  you  
give  yourself  every  chance  of  recognizing  the  counterfeits  and  staying  well  clear  of  them!  

1. Closely examine the cigar box


Begin   with   a   thorough   check   of   the   warranty   seal.   This   is   perhaps   one   of   the  easiest   things   you  
can  do,  especially  as  every  box  of  Cuban  cigars  has  had  this  tax  seal  since  1912  to  ensure  the  
authenticity  of  the  enclosed  cigars.    

Old  Seal   New  Seal  

The  seal  itself  was  initially  found  in  three  difference  sizes   -­‐  Large  (2  1/2"  wide),  Small  (1  1/4"  
wide),   and   Miniature   (13/16"   wide)   and   came   printed   in   green   and   white   (as   above).   Due   to  
counterfeiting,  the  seal  was  updated  after  2000.  Now  the  seal  includes  a  hidden  UV  watermark,  
far  denser  colors,  fine  miniature  printing,  as  well  as  a  serial  number.  The  seal  is  the  first  thing  
you   should   check,   but   counterfeiters   have   even   managed   to   produce   excellent   copies   in   recent  
years.    

Once   you   have   checked   the   seal   itself,   take   note   of   where   it   is   applied   to   the   box.   For   dress  
boxes,  the  seal  will  be  applied  to  the  front  left  edge.  It  will  cover  the  top  to  bottom  of  the  box  
with  a  fold  over  the  top  edge  and  falling  in  the  area  of  the  oval  coat  of  arms.  For  cabinets,  the  
seal  will  only  be  placed  on  the  upper  right  corner  and  over  the  edge  of  the  sliding  lid.  Finally,  for  
packs,   the   miniature   seal   will   be   used.   It   will   normally   be   placed   over   the   top   flat   of   the   box  
itself.   For   more   information   on   seals,   as   well   as   excellent   high   definition   pictures   of   how   the  
seal  should  look,  read  “New  Cuban  Warranty  Seal:  The  Inside  and  Invisible  Scoop”  by  the  Cigar  
Counsel.  

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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
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2. New Cuban warranty seal


All  Cuban  cigars  produced  now  should  have  the  new  warranty  seal  which  includes  a  hologram  
on  the  right,  as  well  as  the  Cote  ‘d  Arms  and  a  bar  code  to  help  personalize  each  package.  The  
seal  itself  is  manufactured  using  synthetic  paper.  

                     
 

The  paper  used  to  construct  the  seal  has  a  number  of  special  and  security  features  that  protect  
the  authenticity  of  the  cigars  inside  the  box.    

§ A  non-­‐transferred  label.  The  seal  is  immediately  invalidated  if  it  has  been  tampered  with  
or  if  someone  has  purposely  tried  to  remove  it.  
§ The  synthetic  paper  is  of  a  very  high  quality  and  virtually  tamper  free.  
§ It  is  extremely  difficult  to  scan  and  photocopy  the  new  seals.    
§ The   holographic   band   helps   to   ensure   authenticity   and   is   difficult   to   duplicate   by  
counterfeiters.   Look   for   bicolor   text   in   the   hologram,   especially   in   the   3d   effects   to  
ensure  authenticity.    
§ Microdot   technology.   Seals   will   have   a   microdot   which   is   only   visible   through   a   laser  
scanner.    

Each  seal  will  also  have  a  unique  bar  code.  All  the  information  for  that  particular  box  of  cigars  is  
linked  to  the  bar  code  and  stored  in  a  database  which  helps  with  identification  throughout  the  
world.  Other  information  stored  includes  addresses  for  shipping  and  invoice  details.  

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3. The old and the new


Of   course   there   will   be   a   time   frame   where   both   the   old   seal   and   the   new   seal   are   to   be   found  
in  the  cigar  market.  How  long  it  will  take  to  phase  out  the  older  seal  is  anyone’s  guess.    

The   length   of   time   in   which   the   two   seals   will   coexist   is   not   so   easy   to   foresee   because   it  
depends  on  the  stocks  and  the  rotation  of  the  different  products.  

Below  are  pictures  of  the  seal  which  has  been  placed  on  a  box  of  cigars  in  the  correct  way.    

                             
 

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4. Check the Habanos chevron


The  next  thing  to  check  is  the  Habanos  chevron.  This  is  found  on  the  upper  right  corner  of  cigar  
dress  boxes  and  the  top  lower  left  corner  of  cigar  cabinets.    

 
 

This   label   has   a   distinct   size   –   between   13/16”   wide   and   has   been   in   use   since   1994.   Each   label  
will   also   have   a   silhouette   (black)   of   a   tobacco   leaf   on   the   left   with   the   word   “Habanos”   on   the  
right.   The   word   itself   has   two   distinct   colors:   red   (lettering)   and   yellow/orange   (lettering  
outlines)  while  two  gold  lines  are  found  at  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  label.  These  thin  lines  are  
located  between  the  black  lines.    

5. Look for hallmarks/logos


Hallmarks   should   be   found   on   each   box   of   cigars.   These   hallmarks/logos   are   burned   into   the  
boxes   themselves.   If   they   are   stamped,   you   are   dealing   with   a   counterfeit   product.   A   simple  
test  is  to  run  your  finger  over  them  and  feel  if  they  make  an  indentation  in  the  box  itself.    

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The   words   “Habanos   s.a”   will   appear   on   these   stamps.   This   is   the   name   of   the   company  
exporting  cigars  from  Cuba  since  1994.  If  the  cigars  are  older  than  this,  look  for  the  Cubatobaco  
logo.    

The  stamp  should  also  have  “HECH  EN  CUBA”  enclosed  in  a  straight  lined  oval  while  the  words  
"Totalmente  a  mano"  in  a  script  font  is  the  third  and  final  hallmark.  This  branding  –  added  in  
1989  –  means  the  cigars  were  handmade  and  translates  to  “totally  by  hand.”  

6. Factory/date stamp
Each  box  should  contain  a  stamp  for  the  factory  and  the  date  the  cigars  were  produced.    

 
   

7. Distribution stamps and labels


Cigar   boxes   will   often   have   different   stamps   and   labels   depending   on   where   they   were  
distributed  from.  Although  this  helps  to  authenticate  a  counterfeit  from  the  real  deal,  they  are  
constantly   changing.   If   you   are   unsure,   speak   to   a   knowledgeable   importer   in   the   country   in  
which  you  reside  for  the  current  stamp  information.    

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8. Check health warning stickers


Certain  countries  apply  health  warning  stickers  to  advise  against  the  dangers  of  smoking.  These  
obviously  vary,  but  knowing  what  to  look  for  in  your  country  of  residence  can  help  you  to  spot  
counterfeit  cigars.    

9. Familiarize yourself with Cuban cigar


packaging
Different   brands   use   different   packaging.   Knowing   what   packaging   is   used   by   which   brand   is  
imperative.   Packaging   includes   dress   boxes,   polished   boxes,   cabinets   (either   varnished   or  
unvarnished),  natural  boxes,  sliding  lid  or  cabinet  boxes,  transit  paks,  and  small  pak  Pectas.  Of  
course,  learning  the  packaging  type  of  each  cigar  is  hard,  but  knowing  your  preferred  brand  can  
help  to  spot  fakes.    

10. Box wear and tear


Cigar   boxes   should   be   in   good   condition.   They   should   not   show   too   much   fading,   scratches   and  
have   little   sign   of   wear   and   tear.   If   you   find   a   box   that   doesn’t   look   new,   the   probability   of  
counterfeit  cigars  is  high.  Counterfeiters  use  recycled  cigar  boxes  to  cut  costs.    

   

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Onto The Cigars Themselves


Of  course  inspecting  the  seals,  labels  and  quality  of  the  cigar  box  is  not  enough.  You  need  to  
examine  the  cigars  themselves.  But  what  exactly  do  you  look  for?  
 

1. Color
The  color  of  the  cigar  will  vary  depending  on  the  make.  One  thing  should  be  the  same  however,  
each  cigar  in  a  box  should  have  the  same  uniform  color.  If  there  is  a  slight  variation,  the  darkest  
cigar   will   be   placed   first   with   the   lighter   one   to   the   right   of   them.   If   there   is   a   variation   of   color  
in   a   box   of   cigars   and   they   have   not   been   sorted   in   this   manner,   chances   are   high   that   they   are  
counterfeit.    

2. Length
All  cigars  should  be  the  exact  same  length  depending  on  their  particular  vitola.  Of  course,  with  
hand-­‐made  products,  there  can  be  a  slight  variation  but  this  will  never  be  greater  than  1/16  of  
an  inch.    

                             
 

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3. Ring gauges
All  cigars  should  have  their  ring  gauges  recorded  as  well.  You  will  notice  minuscule  deviations  
here  especially  with  cigars  that  have  been  box  pressed  as  the  ring  gauge  is  recorded  before  the  
cigars  are  put  into  their  box.    

4. General appearance
All  Cuban  cigars  that  are  destined  for  foreign  markets  will  look  extremely  well  made.  Look  for  
attention  to  detail  as  well  as  solid  bunching.  The  tobacco  in  these  cigars  will  never  be  “booked”  
so  keep  a  look  out  for  that.    

5. Wrappers
Take  particular  notice  of  the  cigar  wrappers.  Cuban  Corjoro  wrappers  will  have  very  fine  veins  
while  some  will  have  no  veins  at  all.    

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6. Rings
Take   note   of   the   ring   place   around   the   cigar.   Cuban   cigars   will   have   bands   that   are   tight   and  
clean,   show   good   color,   excellent   embossing   and   more   importantly,   the   word   “Habana”   should  
be  found  on  the  cigar.    

The   rings   themselves   should   have   no   creases,   signs   of   wear   or   any   glue   stains.   This   is   a   dead  
give-­‐away   that   the   rings   have   come   from   other   cigars   and   re-­‐branded   onto   the   current   ones.  
Take  note  however,  imperfect  embossing  does  happen,  so  use  all  the  other  checks  mentioned  
to  make  sure  you  are  not  throwing  away  perfectly  good  cigars!  
 

                               

7. Cigar foot
Take  note  of  the  foot  of  the  cigar.  Each  foot  should  have  received  a  clean  cut,  should  be  even  
and  there  should  be  no  evidence  of  chipping.  

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8. Cigar cape (cap)


Take   note   of   the   cape   (cap)   of   the   cigar.   Straight   side   cigars   or   Havana   Parejos   have   what   is  
known  as  a  triple  cap,  presented  in  a  fine  finish.  Look  for  three  lines  that  run  from  the  flagging  
of  the  cap  which  will  be  present  from  when  it  was  wrapped  around  the  head  of  each  cigar.    

Caps  on  figurados  are  different.  They  will  have  wrappers  rolled  on  to  the  end  of  the  tip  at  the  
head  of  the  cigar  which  is  then  trimmed  and  wound  back  in  the  same  direction  back  down  the  
cigar.  This  is  known  as  a  “switch  back”  flag.    

   

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More Tips
Now   that   you   know   what   to   look   for   in   the   cigar   packaging   as   well   as   the   cigar,   there   are   a   few  
other  helpful  tips  you  can  use  to  find  counterfeits.    

Learn more about Cuban cigars


Knowledge   is   power!   The   more   you   know   about   Cuban   cigars,   the   factories   that   make   them,  
their   correct   names   and   sizes,   the   better.   There   are   many   excellent   resources   in   this   regard,  
non-­‐more  so  than  Perelman's  Pocket  Cyclopedia  of  Havana  Cigars  (ISBN  0-­‐9649258-­‐6-­‐9).  Every  
self-­‐respecting   Cigar   aficionado   should   own   this   resource.   For   a   web-­‐based   resource,   try  
www.cubancigarwebsite.com.  

Learn the true market value of Cuban cigars


Knowing  the  true  market  value  of  cigars  will  put  you  in  good  stead  to  easily  spot  counterfeits  on  
pricing  alone.  Many  counterfeiters  will  sell  their  products  at  a  very  low  price,  much  lower  than  
the  original.  Although  this  means  people  often  snap  them  up,  it  is  also  an  indication  that  they  
are   not   the   real   deal.   Remember,   there   is   no   such   thing   as   a   bargain   when   it   comes   to   fine  
Cuban  cigars.    

Cuban  cigars  can  be  discounted,  especially  at  the  close  of  season.  This  is  only  for  the  very  best  
customers   and   never   lower   than   25%.   Note,   this   practice   is   very   rare.     Be   wary   of   online  
purchases,  especially  if  they  offer  free  shipping.  

Keep your wits about you


Never   buy   cigars   from   someone   that   approaches   you.   As   mentioned   before,   the   shortage   of  
quality  Havanas  on  the  world  market  means  the  chance  of  someone  randomly  approaching  you  
to  buy  them  is  non-­‐existent.  These  cigars  sell  themselves!  

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Steer clear of unscrupulous internet sales


Never,   ever   buy   Cuban   cigars   from   unknown   parties   using   the   internet.   This   includes   any  
dealers   or   auction   sites   which   are   fast   becoming   the   vehicle   of   choice   for   counterfeiters  
worldwide.   Of   course,   some   respected   and   well   known   Havana   cigar   merchants   do   deal   online.  
If  you  do  want  to  use  the  internet  to  procure  your  Cuban  cigars,  there  are  a  number  of  online  
sources   with   many   located   in   Switzerland   due   to   their   low   re-­‐export   taxes.     Check   out   the  
following  website  for  more  information  regarding  fake  cigars.    

Avoid specialty cigars


Make   sure   to   avoid   any   cigars   that   are   sold   under   terms   such   as   “special   edition,”   “anniversary  
issue,”  or  any  similar  phrase.  Counterfeiters  will  use  terms  such  as  these  as  a  means  to  explain  
why   boxes   or   even   cigars   look   different   to   the   originals.   Make   no   mistake,   special   edition  
Havanas  do  exist,  but  these  are  only  traded  by  premium  dealers  and  collectors  and  at  extremely  
high  prices.    

Be wary of stores and dealers


This  is  especially  true  if  they  will  not  sell  you  an  entire  box  or  give  you  a  box  that  is  empty  after  
you  purchased  the  last  cigars  out  of  it.  Many  unscrupulous  dealers  stock  counterfeit  cigars  in  
premium  boxes  as  a  way  to  fool  unwary  clients.  This  is  especially  true  for  small  stores  and  street  
vendors  in  tourist  areas.    

Be aware of Cigars that are counterfeited more


than others
It   is   a   known   fact   that   counterfeiters   counterfeit   certain   cigars   due   to   the   fact   that   they   are  
easily   recognizable,   well   known   and   in   demand.   Cigars   such   as   Hoyo   de   Monterrey   Double  
Coronas   ,   Romeo   y   Julieta   Churchills,   Cohibas   Esplendidos,   and   Montecristo   No.   2s   fall   into   this  
category.   Less   recognizable   cigars   are   counterfeited   less.   This   is   because   they   are   more   difficult  
for  a  counterfeiter  to  sell  as  the  man  in  the  street  is  not  aware  of  the  brand.    

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 17  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Be wary in the US
Estimates  reckon  that  around  95%  of  the  Cuban  cigars  found  in  the  United  States  are  in  fact,  
fake.    This  is  especially  true  in  the  major  areas  of  the  country  including,  Miami,  Florida  and  New  
York.    

Avoid the “I have a Cuban friend….”


Never  purchase  cigars  from  someone  who  gets  them  from  their  “Cuban”  friend  who  procures  
the  cigars  straight  from  Cuba  at  a  low  price.  These  are  nothing  but  cover  stories  and  in  reality,  
their  “Cuban”  friend  doesn’t  exist.    

Even if the cigars are from Cuba, do your


research
Not   every   Cuban   cigar   is   a   premium   and   authentic   Havana.   Many   of   the   cigars   sold   by   street  
vendors  in  Cuba  are  not  the  real  deal.  If  you  are  in  Cuba  and  want  the  real  thing,  only  purchase  
them  at  the  government  state  store.    

Avoid cigar cases with glass tops


Take   note   of   the   picture   above.   No   matter   how   impressive   the   labeling   is   or   how   authentic   the  
cigars   look,   they   are   fake!   Cohiba   Esplendidos   cannot   be   found   in   glass   top   boxes.   However,  
these  sell  like  hotcakes  all  over  Florida  and  the  Caribbean.  Avoid!  
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 18  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Look at every box as a total package


Although  many  aspects  you  can  scrutinize  about  both  cigar  and  cigar  boxes  have  already  been  
pointed   out,   take   note   that   even   authentic   Cuban   cigars,   their   boxes   and   labeling,   are   not  
always   perfect.   Often,   small   discrepancies   can   be   found,   be   it   a   factory   stamp   that   is   not  
perfect,   a   poorly   embossed   band   or   labels   that   are   not   properly   applied   to   a   cigar   box.   In   these  
situations,   look   at   the   total   package   to   determine   if   the   cigars   are   counterfeit   or   not.   If   you   are  
unsure,  look  elsewhere  for  your  authentic  Cuban  cigars.    

Never use the black-market to purchase your


cigars
Even  though  you  may  be  able  to  purchase  genuine  Cuban  cigars  through  a  black-­‐market  source,  
you   should   refrain   from   doing   so.   All   reputable   dealers   of   Cuban   cigars   offer   shipping  
throughout  the  world.    

For  a  comprehensive  list  of  known  fake  Cuban  cigar  websites,  click  here.    

Other  website  include:  

§ www.buycubancigarsonline.com  
§ www.bestcubancigars.co  
§ Zohocigars.com  
§ www.vipcubancigars.com  
§ www.cubancigarsdbest.com  

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 19  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Build your experience


Perhaps  the  last  and  most  important  factor  when  trying  to  determine  a  fake  cigar  from  the  real  
deal   is   experience.   This   is   something   that   is   built   up   over   time,   years   in   fact.   Once   you   have  
personally   studied,   held,   open,   and   smelled   hundreds,   if   not   thousands   of   cigars   and   their  
boxes,   spotting   fakes   will   become   easier   and   easier.   Of   course,   smoking   quality   cigars   goes   a  
long  way  to  help  you  identify  the  real  deal,  especially  in  terms  of  taste,  look,  feel,  aroma  and  
texture.      

As  your  experience  grows,  not  only  will  you  be  able  to  see  a  fake  Cuban  cigar,  you  will  know  by  
their   taste   and   smell   that   they   are   indeed   counterfeit.     This   takes   time,   and   many   cigars,   but  
none  the  less,  is  a  fun  pursuit.    

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 20  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

The Counterfeit Gallery

Bolivar Original band

Bolivar  cigars  in  smaller  sizes  have  smaller  bands.  This  is  an  important  fact  to  remember  as  
these  bands  will  have  slightly  less  detailing.  Look  for  the  metallic  gold  coloring  found  in  the  
gold  coins  and  the  border  of  the  band.  Also  check  the  sharpness  of  the  red  vertical  lines  and  
the  embossed  paper.  

Bolivar Counterfeit band (purchase location


unknown)

www.FinestCubanCigars.com 21  
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Original band – New Style

Cohiba   changed   their   band   in   June,   2003.   The   new   band   was   first   used   on   Siglo   VI   cigars.  
Although  the  new  design  was  familiar  to  the  old  one,  there  were  a  number  of  key  differences.    

§ The  word  “Cohiba”  is  now  in  gold.


§ A  gold  line  runs  through  the  center  of  the  band.
§ The  label  now  contains  the  words  “Habana,  Cuba”  instead  of  “La  Habana,  Cuba.”
§ Three  rows  of  white  dots  above  the  word  “Cohiba”  have  replaced  the  two  rows  in  the
previous  label.

Counterfeit bought in Cuba

In  this  counterfeit  example,  there  are  only  two  rows  of  white  dots  and  not  the  three  as  in  the  
new   band.   There   is   no   embossed   lettering   on   the   name   “Cohiba”   either,   a   dead   give-­‐away,   and  
proof  that  this  is  indeed  a  counterfeit.    

www.FinestCubanCigars.com 22  
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Counterfeit bought in New Orleans


 

In   this   example   bought   in   New   Orleans,   the   cigars   came   in   a   sealed   box   and   even   had   a  
certificate  of  authenticity.  However,  as  can  be  seen  on  the  label,  they  are  fake.  What  gives  it  
away?  Well  the  lettering  is  not  raised  on  the  word  “Cohiba”  and  the  letter  is  dull  and  without  
luster.   Although   there   are   the   correct   number   of   white   dots,   notice   that   there   is   a   thin   line  
between   the   dots   and   the   gold   band.     The   last   clue   is   the   words   “Havana,   Cuba”   done   in   a   bold  
script  which  is  incorrect.    

Counterfeit bought in Florida


 

 
 

Here  the  fonts  differ  significantly  from  a  real  Cohiba  cigar.  Firstly,  the  brand  name  is  a  smaller  
typeset  than  the  original  and  secondly,  the  scripted  portion  “Habana,  Cuba”  is  far  too  dark.  A  
thin   white   line   can   also   be   seen   between   the   rows   of   dots   and   the   name.   This   should   not   be   in  
the  label.    The  gold  luster  is  not  the  correct  color  either.  This  is  a  fairly  easy  one  to  spot.    

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 23  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Counterfeit bought in Cozumel, Mexico


 

 
 

Although  this  is  a  relatively  good  copy  on  closer  inspection  it  is  missing  one  row  of  white  dots.  
The  letters  in  the  brand  name  are  not  thick  enough  either.    

Cohiba Original band – Old Style


 

 
 

In   the   old   style   Cohiba   label,   make   note   of   the   rows   of   tiny   squares   (the   old   labels   use   squares,   not  
circles).  Here  there  are  only  four  rows,  two  of  which  appear  above  the  word  “Cohiba”.  The  words  “La  
Habana,  Cuba”  are  in  an  old  style  script  font  and  noticeably  elongated.    

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit bought in the


Dominican Republic
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 24  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit bought in the Punta


Cana, Dominican Republic
 

 
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit of unknown origin


 

 
 

 
 

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 25  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in


Doylestown, PA
 

 
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in Cuba


 

 
 

 
 

 
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 26  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in


Prescot, Canada
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit of unknown origin


 

 
 

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 27  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in


Moscow
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in San


Jose, Costa Rica
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in


French St. Martin
 

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 28  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in Ocho


Rios, Jamaica
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased in St


Johns, Antigua
 

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased Texas


 

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 29  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Cohiba Old Style counterfeit purchased Punta


Cana, Dominica Republic
 

Diplomaticos Habana – Original band


 

This  is  a  simple  band  consisting  of  some  writing  as  well  as  a  logo  of  a  red  carriage  and  a  black  
outlined   scroll.   The   words   “Diplomaticos”   and   “Habana”   also   appear.   Take   note   of   how   the  
word  “Diplomaticos”  comes  into  contact  with  the  gold  rim  of  the  centerpiece.  Although  this  is  
an  imperfection  and  not  intended,  it  is  associated  with  this  brand  of  cigar  and  a  point  to  look  
out  for.    

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 30  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Diplomaticos Habana counterfeit of unknown


origin
 

H Upmann – Original band


 

This  band  has  lots  of  striking  detail  with  metallic  gold  of  medium  luster  and  high  sheen.  Notice  
how   the   lettering   is   clear   and   centered.   The   lettering   itself   has   two   laurel   leaves   on   either   side.  
Another  particular  detail  to  note  is  the  dots  running  around  the  border  

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 31  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

H Upmann counterfeit purchased in Mexico


 

H Upmann counterfeit purchased in Jamaica


 

H Upmann counterfeit purchased in Seoul, South


Korea
 

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 32  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Hoyo de Monterrey – Original band


 

A  real  Hoyo  is  easy  to  spot  due  to  the  amount  of  texture  found  in  the  label,  especially  around  
the   crown   centerpiece.   The   centerpiece   itself   also   contains   gold   embossing   which   is   very  
intricately  done.    

Hoyo de Monterrey counterfeit purchased in


Chicago, Illinois

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 33  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Hoyo de Monterrey counterfeit purchased in


Seoul, Korea
 

 
 

Hoyo de Monterrey counterfeit purchased in


Miami, Florida

 
 

Hoyo de Monterrey counterfeit purchased in


Memphis, Tennessee
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 34  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Montecristo – New band


 

 
Montecristo  have  brought  out  a  new  band  in  recent  years.  The  main  differentiation  from  the  
old  band  is  its  glossiness.  The  new  bands  are  smooth  and  incredibly  shiny,  very  different  from  
the  dull  paper  of  the  old  band.  Colorwise,  the  band  is  predominantly  a  brown  color,  similar  to  
the   color   of   milk   chocolate.   Note   the   two   dots   that   separate   the   words   “Montecristo”   and  
“Habana”.  These  are  larger  while  the  fleur-­‐de-­‐lis  logo  is  more  elaborate  than  on  the  older  label.    

Montecristo – Original band


 

The  original  band  for  Montecristo  is  a  different  shade  to  the  new  band  while  it  has  a  flat  finish  
with  no  gloss.  The  lettering  is  well  printed  in  white  and  does  not  bleed  into  the  brown  at  all,  
unlike  many  counterfeits  might.    

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 35  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit of


unknown origin

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit


purchased in Puerto Vallarta, Mexicom.

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit


purchased in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 36  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit


purchased in Windsor, Ontario

 
 

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit


purchased in Texas

 
 

Montecristo – Original band counterfeit


purchased in Chicago

 
   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 37  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Partagas – Original band


 

 
 

The   manufacturers   of   Partagas   built   certain   characteristics   into   their   brand   which   make   it  
extremely  difficult  to  copy  for  counterfeiters.  The  most  noticeable  are  the  gold  coins  found  on  
both  sides  of  the  crest.  These,  along  with  the  crest  and  shields  are  very  detailed  and  raised  for  
texture,  along  with  the  gold  border  around  the  logo  and  the  rope  over  the  words  “Cifuentes  y  
Cia.”  Note  that  even  though  the  band  has  an  intricate  design,  the  red,  white  and  gold  lettering  
are  sharp,  defined  and  do  not  run  into  each  other  at  all.  

Partagas – Serie D No. 4 – Original band


 

 
 

This   band   is   only   found   on   the   Serie   D   No.   4   robusto.   It   features   raised   lettering   that   has   a  
distinct   shadow.   Another   feature   is   how   the   gold   lettering   and   the   lines   fade   into   the   red  
coloring  of  the  background.    

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 38  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Partagas – Serie D No. 4 – Counterfeit purchased


in Tel Aviv
 

 
 

Partagas – Serie D No. 4 – Counterfeit purchased


in Spain

Punch – Original band

 
Another  band  that  is  very  difficult  to  counterfeit  effectively.  This  stems  from  the  fact  that  the  
band   itself   contains   intricate   detailing   especially   on   the   coins.   The   logo   also   features   rich   colors  
and  embossing  on  the  lettering  itself  while  the  red  vertical  lines  are  extremely  sharp.    

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 39  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Nassau,


Bahamas

 
 

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Scotland

 
 

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Panama City

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 40  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Seoul, South


Korea

 
 

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Canada

 
 

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Northern


California

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 41  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Punch – Counterfeit purchased in Vancouver,


British Columbia
 

 
 

Romeo Y Julieta – Original Band


 

 
 

Another  band  to  feature  gold  coins  that  are  raised,  the  Romeo  Y  Julieta  bands  are  very  intricate  
and   difficult   to   counterfeit   effectively,   especially   as   most   do   not   contain   the   detail   found   in   the  
coins  of  the  original.  Another  standout  feature  is  the  clean,  blocky  lettering  in  the  centerpiece  
section.   The   border   itself   is   gold   and   made   up   of   many   dots   that   connect   to   form   a   line.   In  
counterfeits,  this  border  is  often  a  solid  line.  

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 42  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Romeo Y Julieta – Counterfeit purchased in


Nassau, Bahamas

Romeo Y Julieta – Counterfeit purchased in


Massachusetts

Romeo Y Julieta – Counterfeit purchased in


Miami

   

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 43  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Romeo Y Julieta – Counterfeit purchased in


Barcelona
 

Trinidad – Original Band


 

Although   this   prestigious   cigar   has   only   been   around   for   two   years,   counterfeiters   have   already  
began   producing   fakes.   The   important   things   to   notice   about   the   Trinidad   band   is   the   gold  
coloring   which   is   both   soft   and   without   shimmer.   Also   note   the   most   prominent   word,  
“Trinidad”.  Finally,  original  Trinidad  cigars  will  have  a  flag  tip  or  pigtail  twist  on  the  cap.  

Trinidad – Counterfeit of unknown origin


 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 44  
 
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars

Vegas Robaina – Original band


 

 
Perhaps   the   most   striking   thing   about   this   band   is   the   beautiful   “R”   which   is   incredibly   sharp  
and   crisp.   Notice   also,   the   two   dots   and   the   year   below   the   “R”.   Another   form   of   protection  
against  counterfeiting  is  the  very  faint  crease  which  runs  through  the  middle  of  each  small  leaf  
in   the   band.   None   of   the   lettering   or   any   other   distinct   marks   on   the   band   are   raised   and   it   has  
a  very  medium  luster.    Also  note  the  “Cuba”  and  “Habana”  on  either  side  of  the  “R”.    

Vegas Robaina – Original band – Authentic


purchased in Australia
 

  www.FinestCubanCigars.com 45  
 

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