| Everyone knows that Cuban cigars are the most | | | | If you are in the market for Cohiba, Trinidad, or |
| coveted cigars, renown worldwide for their | | | | Q'dorsay brand cigars, know that all authentic |
| smoothness and rich flavors. Indeed, Cuban cigars | | | | Cohiba's will contain the green and white warranty |
| are so prized that many illegitimate dealers have been | | | | seal on the right hand side of the box. |
| known to sell fake Cubans to unsuspecting cigar | | | | On the bottom of the box of cigars, you should find |
| smokers. How do you tell if what you have is a | | | | a heat stamp with the words 'Habanos.' The heat |
| fake or the real thing? First, make certain that you | | | | stamp should be impressed onto the bottom of the |
| purchase your cigars from a legitimate dealer. | | | | box. Fake Cuban cigar boxes often find other ways |
| Buying from your local tobacconist or a reputable mail | | | | to imprint this label, such as using rubber stamps or |
| order business can protect you from forking your | | | | paper labels. You should also find a factory code |
| money over for a box of fake cigars. | | | | stamp at the bottom that is stamped in green, blue |
| If you have an opportunity to purchase a box of | | | | or black ink. This stamp will tell you when and |
| purported Cuban cigars, but have your doubts, take | | | | where the cigars were rolled. |
| the time to examine the box before purchasing it. | | | | If you can open the box, take the time to smell the |
| Here are a few tips to help you spot the fakes from | | | | tobacco. Cuban cigars will have a deep, rich aroma, |
| the real thing. | | | | unmistakable to dedicated cigar aficionados. If the |
| The most important thing to examine is the box. | | | | smell is off, or very weak, chances are you do not |
| Authentic Cuban cigars will contain a green and white | | | | have a box of authentic Cuban cigars in your |
| warranty seal on the left front side of the box. The | | | | hands. The cigars should be facing the same |
| seal will contain an insignia that has a picture of a | | | | way, and the top row may appear slightly flattened. |
| shield and a hat. On the upper right hand corner of | | | | The caps on all the cigars should appear identical, and |
| the box, you should find a white sticker that is placed | | | | the foot of each cigar should be cut clean. The |
| diagonally with the word 'Habanos' printed on it. The | | | | bands on all the cigars should also be identical, and |
| overall appearance of the box should be neat and | | | | should be arranged so that they face the same |
| clean. If the box appears damaged, smudged, | | | | direction. If allowed, test the cigars out by pressing |
| frayed, or marked, avoid it. If the color of the box | | | | down on them. Feel along the entire length of each |
| is dull, don't buy it. Even if the cigars are the real | | | | cigar, checking for soft or hard spots. The cigars |
| things, their quality may have suffered in transport. | | | | should feel firm yet pliable. |