How To Buy Cuban Cigars

There are not many places in the world where Cuban cigars are unknown. Indeed, they are so prized that many illegitimate dealers have been known to sell fake Cubans to unsuspecting cigar smokers. To ensure you are not caught out like this, make certain that you purchase your cigars from a legitimate dealer. If you are going to spend a large sum on them, try using a specialist mail order cigar supplier.

If you are a serious cigar smoker, there is a very good chance that at some point you will be offered a box of Cuban cigars but would do well to examine them thoroughly first. Here are a few tips to help you spot the fakes from the real thing. As far as the Cuban cigar box is concerned, there is much to be learned about its authenticity, for example it should have seal with an insignia on it that has an image of a shield and a hat in addition to a green and white warranty mark on the front left side of the box. Also there should be a white sticker placed across the box with the word 'Habanos' printed on it; this can be found on the upper right corner.

The box should also be free of damage, ink smudge marks and look immaculate, so if the box does not look like this then stay clear of it. There is also the word 'Habanos' heat stamped into the bottom of the box. It is not unusual for fake Cuban cigar boxes to have this mark on them where a paper label or a rubber stamp has been used. 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.

Even if the cigars are the real things, their quality may have suffered in transport. Cigar connoisseurs will immediately recognize the distinct aroma of a Cuban cigar if they are given the opportunity to open the box. If the smell is off, or very weak, chances are you do not have a box of authentic Cuban cigars in your hands. Also all the cigars in the box should be facing the same way although the upper row may seem a little flatter than the rest of the box.

The foot of each cigar should have been cut cleanly plus the caps and bands, identical. It is a good idea, if allowed, to touch the cigars as they should have a firm but pliable feel without any hard or soft areas. Although there is quite an amount to remember, these are special cigars and any connoisseur would want to ensure that his next box of Cuban cigars is the real thing.