How do I tell the difference between real Cuban cigars and fakes?

Question

Cohiba Cigars are my brand and I intend to visit Cuba in Oct. I want to stock up on thes beauties but don't want to get burned and I don't want to pay the tourist prices.

Answer 1

Hey Joe,

They easiest way to tell is by touch.
Real cohibas will be slightly 'spongy' - that's the only word i can think of to describe them.
It's the way they are rolled that gives them that beautiful texture and taste.

And be careful where you buy them, check the humidors and the ranges they stock. These can be a massive giveaway to dodgy smokes.

Enjoy. x x x

Answer 2

Fake Cuban Cigar

Answer 3

JungleJoe,

IF you must buy Cubans, make sure you remove the bands, and put them in different boxes...Read Below so you know the Laws:

Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States, except for pre-embargo cigars which are very rare and extremely expensive. If U.S. citizens attempt to buy, own or bring any Cuban cigars into the U.S., they may be subject to fines and other penalties, depending on the particular circumstances.
Cuban Cigars Are Illegal at Home and Abroad
Technically, although an American citizen cannot even purchase or smoke a Cuban cigar while traveling abroad, there may not be any practical way to enforce the restriction. That being said, a cigar smoker who ever wanted to try a Cuban cigar may want to take the chance while traveling in other countries. Canada and Mexico are not very far from many American cities, and those who are planning a Caribbean cruise will find Cuban cigars for sale on many of the islands. There is, however, a problem with counterfeit Cuban cigars being sold to American tourists. To improve the chances of getting the real thing, make your purchase from a reputable cigar store, and not one of the many street vendors that you'll see near the port. Do not buy any more cigars that you intend to smoke while abroad.
Know the Risks
Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515, (Revised September 30, 2004) are administered and enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Criminal penalties for violation of the Regulations can go as high as $1 million for corporations, and $250,000 for individuals plus up to 10 years in prison. In addition, civil penalties of up to $65,000 per violation can be imposed by OFAC.
The Forbidden Fruit
In general, Cuban cigars are the best in the world. However, a particular Dominican, Honduran or Nicaraguan cigar can taste better than a particular Cuban cigar. Being Cuban does not automatically make a cigar great, but it does make it the forbidden fruit, and therefore, desirable to some connoisseurs. There are so many great cigars in this world, more than one person can ever sample, that it may not make sense to violate our country's laws just to smoke a cigar from Cuba

Answer 4

When you go to Cuba, you will find the real stuff and they do not import the cheap stuff. You said you know "your" brand so you will know immediately the real stuff. Pay tourist prices? Are you for real? Those things there are next to nothing! I just came from the Caribbean. Cuban cigars are $6. If you were to find them in the States they go for at least $25 to $50. And they are illegal! So check the band, smell the cigar..the smell is sweet...not pungent..it is a tight roll..it is not dry nor should it break when you roll it in your hands..I swear ..the best!

Answer 5

My Bro gets to know some of the local help at the place you are staying at and they know how to get the Cohiba's at a good price. Some of the locals can get them but it will cost you for their help but they are still cheaper than what the general tourist pays. Try one and if it smokes well then get some more. Sometimes a visit to a local shop to watch them being made can be done as well. I tried a cigar that the locals smoke, can't remember the name but it was fine and about 10 cents. I know these are not Cohiba's but if they are preferred by the locals then they can't be that bad.

Answer 6

I went to Cuba in March and a friend of mine bought some cigars from his gardner at the resort. We were talking to our tour guideand he said that these are almost always real Cuban cigars, the Cubans will by the ones that are seconds from the factory and sell it to tourists. (remember that these do not have papers and you may have a hard time bringing them back, even into Canada)

If you are going to go on any day trips may I recomend you check out The Tropicana Club in Havana.

Answer 7

Habanos, S.A. shops in Cuba are the only authorized dealers, anything else should be suspect. The locals will take the scraps and roll cigars to sell to tourist at cheap prices so beware. Also keep in mind trying to bring them into the states is illegal and can cost you jail time and a hefty fine.

Answer 8

if you must ask you're in trouble.

here is not the place to find out.

google.com it and the history of the 'cuban cigar' and research on the authentic ones and where they are obtainable today and what's the difference between exported and indigenous product...

so when you get down there you'll know and go to the places that are reputable and certified.

it's like the BBB but of cuban and it's products.


http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/counterfeit/index.html

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Cuban cigars are made in Cuba. Fakes are made elsewhere.