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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
Contents
How
to
Identify
Fake
Cuban
Cigars?
...............................................................................................
4
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 3
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 4
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
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.
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 5
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 6
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 7
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 8
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 9
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 10
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 11
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 12
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 13
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 14
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 15
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 16
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 18
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
For a comprehensive list of known fake Cuban cigar websites, click here.
§ 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
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
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 21
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 24
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 25
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 26
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 27
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 28
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 29
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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
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
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 32
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 33
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 34
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
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
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 36
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 37
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
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.
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The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 40
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 41
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 43
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 44
The Definitive Guide To Spotting Fake Cuban
Cigars
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”.
www.FinestCubanCigars.com 45