How to Spot Fake Cuban Cigars

There’s nothing quite like smoking a genuine Cuban cigar. But lighting up a fake one? That’s just frustrating. It might look convincing at first, but the scent is slightly off. Once you take a pre-draw, the difference becomes altogether obvious.

If you’re new to Cuban cigars, learning how to spot a fake is essential. Thankfully, Cuba’s cigar industry has put safeguards in place. This helps identify authentic cigars. This guide will discuss how to spot fake Cuban cigars. Read on for the key signs to look for, so you can be confident you’re enjoying the real thing.

How to Spot a Fake Cuban

Cuban cigars are prime targets for counterfeiters. This is thanks to their prestige, price, and popularity. Counterfeiters will typically make cigars that look similar to well known Cuban cigars. They will also imitate some of the unique features, like stamps, boxes, seals, and stickers.

If you only look at the warranty stamp, for example, you can be deceived. You need to inspect many different features. Only an authentic Cuban cigar will have them all. Check out our tips below and learn how to tell if Cuban cigars are real.

Check the Cuban Government’s Warranty Stamp

The stamp or “Sello de garantia nacional de procedencia” was introduced in 1889. This was when Cuba was a Spanish colony. The independent Cuban government established a new warranty stamp in 1912. The most recent warranty label is reminiscent of these early stamps. However, it features modern anti-counterfeiting measures adopted in 2009, including:

• Hologram
• Synthetic paper
• Anti-removal and anti-copy protection
• Unique barcode
• Microdot00

All warranty seals feature green ink of varying shades on a white background. Each stamp should be either 7.20” x 2.52", 3.82” x 1.34", or 2.36” x 0.83" in size depending on the product type. Whether it’s Punch cigars or other Cuban classics, the stamps are placed on the left side of boxes. You'll find this on the outer packaging’s opening.

Check the Box

Wondering how to spot fake Cuban cigars? Start with the packaging. Cuban cigar boxes give several clues as to whether or not the cigars are authentic. Paper coverings, seals, and decorations are used to dress authentic Cuban cigar boxes. So, be on the lookout for inconsistencies in color or design quality.

Full boxes contain cedar sheets with special curved openings. These are at one corner placed between rows of cigars. The openings on sheets in counterfeit boxes are often cut straight, if at all. Boxes should also feature cigars of uniform size. If that box of Montecristo cigars seems an odd fit or has a clear plastic or glass lid, they are sure to be fake.

Additionally, each box should include a warranty seal with a barcode and hologram. This can be verified on the official Habanos verification website. Missing or poorly printed seals are huge red flags.

Check the Habanos Sticker

Every box of authentic Cuban cigars has a “Denomination of origin” sticker. The sticker includes a stylized tobacco leaf. It has a red and orange “Habanos,” and the words “Denominación de origen protegida” running along the lower edge.

The sticker is usually placed diagonally across the top corner of the box. This signifies that the cigars are of the highest quality. It means they have passed rigorous regulations. These were set by the governing body of Protected Denomination of Origin Habanos.

Counterfeits often use lower-quality printing. They will be blurry, faded, or off in color. So be sure to check this carefully.

Finally, on authentic boxes, the sticker placement is consistent and precise. Misaligned stickers are indicative of fake Cuban cigars.

Check the Band

Cigar bands might look like the real deal, but always check the quality of the paper used. You should also check the level of detail in the band’s design. Some Cuban cigars, such as the elite Cohiba Behike 54, feature holographic images on the band. This acts as a defense against counterfeiting. Also, check to see that all the bands in a box line up perfectly. Expert banders or Anilladoras band real Cuban cigars.

The band should be centered on the cigar. It will be securely placed without wrinkles, creases, or loose ends. If this area of construction looks imperfect, you probably have a fake on your hands.

Smoke the Cigar

The most advanced counterfeit cigars might not seem that bad of a smoke to the casual smoker. Yet, those familiar with Cuban cigars know nothing is like an authentic Cuban cigar. Smoking the cigars is a tried and true method for telling the difference between a real and a fake. A Cuban cigar will have an unmistakable character, taste, and ash. You can find out more in our guide to cigar tasting.

First examine the construction of the cigar. Veins and minor inconsistencies are to be expected on many authentic hand-rolled cigars. But, hold an authentic cigar in hand and you can identify this as part of the craftsmanship. All the cigars in the box should be of uniform size, and each should have a triple cap. You can cut open a cigar to further examine the quality of the tobacco and craftsmanship.

Smell the Cigar

One of the quickest – and most reliable – ways to detect a fake is by using your sense of smell. Authentic Cuban cigars have a distinct aroma. This could be rich, earthy, or woody. You might notice notes of cedar, sweet tobacco, spice, cocoa, or even floral hints. It all depends on the blend and the cigar’s age.

Fake cigars, on the other hand, will have a distinctively ‘off’ smell. This could be:

• A musty, stale scent
• Sharp, sour, or ammonia-like notes
• A flat or chemical smell that lacks depth

If you have access to a full box, smell a few cigars individually. Authentic Cubans will smell exactly the same. Their controlled production process ensures uniformity. This is true for the blend of the cigar and the quality.

Alternatively, fake cigars often vary wildly in smell. This is because they’re usually made with inferior or mixed filler tobaccos. They also don’t follow strict quality standards. Quite often, fake Cuban cigars are simply stuffed with banana leaves.

Check the Construction

Start by examining the wrapper. This should be smooth, well-crafted, and free from major flaws. A genuine cigar won’t have a shriveled or unattractive appearance. Counterfeit cigars often try to imitate premium Cuban brands. This is especially true for high-end ones like Cohiba. These, however, typically lack the same quality control.

If you're inspecting a Cohiba, pay attention to the head of the cigar. This should feature the signature triple cap. If this detail is missing, you're likely dealing with either poor storage or fake Cuban cigars.

Next, take a look at the foot of the cigar (the open end). If you notice gaps, holes, or uneven filler, that’s another red flag. These signs indicate poor craftsmanship or counterfeit production.

Look at the Price

Cuban cigars are luxury products, and their price reflects that. Whether you're buying a single stick or a full box, authentic Cubans are never cheap. This is especially true for premium lines like Cohiba Behike, Montecristo No. 2, or Partagás Serie D No. 4. If someone is offering these cigars at a huge discount, it should raise a red flag.

If a price feels oddly low compared to what you’ve seen from verified sellers, chances are it's not the real thing.

Weight of the Product

Wondering how to tell if Cuban cigars are real? One of the most reliable ways is examining its weight. Genuine Cuban cigars are crafted with premium, aged tobacco and are hand-rolled. As a result, they will demonstrate a weighty feel. This comes from the dense and high-quality tobacco used in the filler.

Fake cigars often feel lighter than their authentic counterparts. This is because they are filled with low-quality short fillers or non-tobacco materials. This includes dried leaves, paper, or stems.

Make sure to pay attention to any soft spots or areas that seem under-filled. This is a clear indicator of poor construction and inferior tobacco. Additionally, the cigar should feel uniform in density from the foot to the head.

Buy Authentic Cuban Cigars

There’s no better way to relax than with an authentic Cuban cigar. But, making sure you're holding the real thing takes a bit of know-how. This extends from recognizing differences in aroma and construction to examining the wrapper. The cap, filler, and every little detail matters.

Genuine Cuban cigars offer a richness and complexity that fakes can’t replicate. Your senses are often the first and best tools for telling the difference.Now that you know how to spot fake Cuban cigars, it’s time to try the real deal. Shop smart and enjoy the confidence that comes with smoking a real Cuban cigar. Experience it just as it was meant to be enjoyed.