How to buy Cuban Cigars!

Famous for their quality, aroma and flavor, Cuban cigars are renowned throughout the world. Indeed, they are so prized that many illegitimate dealers have been known to sell fake Cubans to unsuspecting cigar smokers. Buying from a reputable dealer can dramatically reduce the chance of you being supplied with counterfeit versions. There are legitimate mail order companies that specialize in supplying genuine Cuban's or you could try your local tobacconist.
If you are offered a box of Cuban cigars, you would be very wise to give the box a good examination first. There are a number of things you need to look for to save being caught out.

There is a great deal to be learned from the ‘Cuban cigar' box itself and is the most important thing to examine as there should be a green and white seal of warranty on the front left side that contains a seal that has a badge with a shield and hat picture. You should also see the word ‘Habanos' printed on a white sticker affixed diagonally on the upper right corner of the cigar box; be wary if it isn't.

The overall appearance of the box should be neat and clean so if the box appears damaged, smudged, frayed, marked, or if the color of the box is dull, don't buy it. The word ‘Habanos' is also heat stamped on the bottom of the box if it is genuine. It is quite normal for fake Cuban cigar boxes to have a printed paper label stuck on or a rubber stamp impression to try and forge this imprint. As an additional precaution, every box has a factory security code indicated in black, blue or green ink which informs the purchaser, when and where the cigars were rolled.

The cigars may have been damaged in transit even if the box wasn't so it is worth examining them as well. If you can open the box, take the time to smell the tobacco because Cuban cigars will have a deep, rich aroma, unmistakable to dedicated cigar aficionados. A box of authentic Cuban cigars will not have a weak or indistinct aroma so if you find yourself with a box of cigars like this they are almost certainly fakes. If the top row of cigars appears flattened, that is quite normal, but ensure that they are all facing the same way.

The foot of each cigar should have been cut cleanly plus the caps and bands, identical. If allowed, test the cigars out by pressing down on them and feel along the entire length of each cigar, checking for soft or hard spots as the cigars should feel firm yet pliable. There are a great many checks but they are all there to make sure that you are not sold a counterfeit box of Cuban cigars.