10 assumptions for avoiding fake cigars - beginners guide

[monkey66]

There has been a lot of discussion about identifying fake cigars. To old-hands this is a second nature practice but several years of real boxes through your hands are needed to gain the experience.

I think I can summarise some foolproof assumptions to spot fake Cuban cigars that in my experience will be 90-99% effective (there will be a few exceptions but who wants to take a chance?). Following these rules will not guarantee legitimate cigars but it will massively reduce your chances of buying fakes.

1. If you do not trust the supplier they are fake
2. If they are on Gumtree they are fake
3. If they are on Ebay they are fake
4. If they are on Craigslist they are fake
5. If they are half there price that they retail for in Cuba they are fake
6. If the person supplying them claims they 'know' anyone in Cuba they are fake
7. If they were purchased anywhere in North America they are fake (unless from a known and trusted private collector)
8. If they were purchased anywhere in the Cuba (or the rest of the Caribbean ...or the rest of the world) not from an official source (like a LCDH or authorised Habanos retailer) they are fake
9. If they were purchased in Cuba anywhere except an official shop they are fake
10. If the warranty stickers are incorrect, not stuck to the box, not in the right place they are fake

NB - I am not addressing the world of serious high-end counterfeit cigars with this guide. That is a far bigger subject but anyone buying serious cigars (at auctions etc) should be well versed on the subject.

[tippexx]

There has been a lot of discussion about identifying fake cigars. To old-hands this is a second nature practice but several years of real boxes through your hands are needed to gain the experience.

I think I can summarise some foolproof assumptions to spot fake Cuban cigars that in my experience will be 90-99% effective (there will be a few exceptions but who wants to take a chance?). Following these rules will not guarantee legitimate cigars but it will massively reduce your chances of buying fakes.

1. If you do not trust the supplier they are fake
2. If they are on Gumtree they are fake
3. If they are on Ebay they are fake
4. If they are on Craigslist they are fake
5. If they are half there price that they retail for in Cuba they are fake
6. If the person supplying them claims they 'know' anyone in Cuba they are fake
7. If they were purchased anywhere in North America they are fake (unless from a known and trusted private collector)
8. If they were purchased anywhere in the Cuba (or the rest of the Caribbean ...or the rest of the world) not from an official source (like a LCDH or authorised Habanos retailer) they are fake
9. If they were purchased in Cuba anywhere except an official shop they are fake
10. If the warranty stickers are incorrect, not stuck to the box, not in the right place they are fake

NB - I am not addressing the world of serious high-end counterfeit cigars with this guide. That is a far bigger subject but anyone buying serious cigars (at auctions etc) should be well versed on the subject.

I think you should add Ricardo to your list monk .... a minefield of dodgy cigars .... although in saying that A BOTL mate recently took a punt, got them, walked them into Davidoff Geneva who confirmed them as genuine .... full 25 box of Cuban Davidoff No 2 .... €70.

[Sligub]

Most important is number 1,least important number 10 (we've all seen the quality of Cuban quality control)

[peanutpete]

good list paul and i agree with sligub if you do not know or trust your source do not buy

[ValeTudoGuy]

I take it there is rarely a bargain in the cigar world.

[Sligub]

I take it there is rarely a bargain in the cigar world.

Please see post bellow bargin

although in saying that A BOTL mate recently took a punt, got them, walked them into Davidoff Geneva who confirmed them as genuine .... full 25 box of Cuban Davidoff No 2 .... ?70.

[lestabantam]

Good, solid advice. This old adage serves me well, "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

[ValeTudoGuy]

Please see post bellow bargin

At ?70 for 25 I would probably buy anything on a punt, even if they were only as good as some of the worst cigars I have tried it would be close to worth it.

[monkey66]

10. If the warranty stickers are incorrect, not stuck to the box, not in the right place they are fake

The exception (although probably in the 'righ place' for this particular box), watch at around 4:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBW8zuxEigg

[RobustoClubHavana]

Interesting nice humidor mmm


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[Edamski]

Nice, although he's very awkward in front of the camera

[ValeTudoGuy]

Nice, although he's very awkward in front of the camera

But comes across as genuine and nice!.... Anyway, so are we doing a box split on these or what?

[DannyBoy]

Is that a DIY stick your own labels on jobby? I have seen it all now, they've gone far enough to put them in a box, atleast put the bloody labels on!!

[ValeTudoGuy]

Is that a DIY stick your own labels on jobby? I have seen it all now, they've gone far enough to put them in a box, atleast put the bloody labels on!!

hahahaha

[monkey66]

But comes across as genuine and nice!.... Anyway, so are we doing a box split on these or what?

Ajay is widely recognised as a world class authority on vintage cigars ..and he's a nice guy :-)