How to spot fake Cubans

[cybervee-cl]

Before purchasing 'Cubans' over the internet, from a store in Nassau, or from a guy going 'psst - hey buddy' in a dark alley in Miami everyone needs to familarize themselves with what they are trying to purchase.

The best source is the Cigar Aficionado Counterfeit Gallery. They have pictures of known genuine bands along with the counterfeit bands for comparisson. For example, if you look at the RA section you will see that the genuine bands have raised 'bumps' around the inner and outer ring, and the shield has a relief area. If you check the CA first example you will see no raised bumps and a flat appearance. The second example from Texas has the bumps but is not cut straight and uses the wrong font.

The Cohiba section also shows the genuine band as having raised letters. The fake does not. This is because you can make a very good copy of a real band using a scanner and printer, but you cannot scan or print a relief. The Stogie Guys also have a good article about fake Cubans on their website, as does Smoke Magazine. Do a google search and you will find dozens of articles on the subject.

I am in no way an expert on Cuban Cigars - or any cigars for that matter. But everyone who has a connection for 'Cuban' cigars should know what the genuine article looks like, and know what to look for before making a purchase.

I hope this helps.

[Architeuthis]

Heh... I sent out an obvious fake to PiPs (if I remember correctly) just as a joke. The band was an immitation of Partagas spelled "Partag"... I found them in the Virgin Islands and they were actually being represented as fakes, so there was no real scam going on. I don't think I've ever smoked a fake Cuban other than this one.

[Toasted Coastie]

the bands on the ones I got don't even look like the ones on their website. Now I'm even more mad.

[bobbyg29-cl]

I would also highly recommend looking at this site:
http://vitolas.net/

[SMOKING HANDSOME DUDE]

If it comes in a glass tube. Guess What!

[12stones-cl]

Originally Posted by bobbyg29

I would also highly recommend looking at this site:
http://vitolas.net/

+1

Good stuff here too.

[degarbie]

Some great resources there. Most of the fakes I wouldn't have been able to spot without looking very closely, and I buy Cubans fairly regularly.

[mphilipp]

I have to agree with Rob on this one. Vitolas is a very helpful site along with very nice eye candy. Some very hard to find smokes are posted there. There is a whole section devoted to counterfeits with some nice articles and pictures. Please take a look if you haven't yet.

[madurodave-cl]

great resource. I have had a couple excellent fakes before. They tasted legit but I found the bands where all wrong. Buyer beware! Actually, I have a fake Cohiba Robusto in my humidor just to show people how good a fake can look.

[mphilipp]

And to be honest with you, some fakes taste great others like dog sh&t. the fake may be legit leaves from cuba but the blend is inaccurate or have a shoddy roll, or any number of other indicators of a fake.

[cybervee-cl]

Originally Posted by mphilipp

And to be honest with you, some fakes taste great others like dog sh&t. the fake may be legit leaves from cuba but the blend is inaccurate or have a shoddy roll, or any number of other indicators of a fake.

Right - just because they are fake Cubans doesn't mean they aren't a good cigar. But it does mean that you overpaid!