Expert: James Yee - 4/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I just received several boxes of different sealed “Cuban” cigars dating from 06 to 08. The tax seals under UV light reveals one box has the serial number light up but I can’t make out any watermark. Another box has a watermark barley visible but the serial number doesn’t light up. The other boxes don’t light up at all.

In every respect these boxes appear authentic (bottom box markings & engraving, chevron, micro printing on the tax seals, regional health stickers, the interior papers and dividers, the consistency of the cigar construction with triple cap and banding, and even the smell!).

I don’t want to disclose the source because it shouldn’t matter in determining authenticity. The sources are from two different parts of the world and are suggested to be reputable dealers.

My question is; can these be authentic?




Sincerely,
I. Michael Winegrad


ANSWER: Hi Michael,

Based on the descriptions, it sounds like the cigars are authentic BUT there is always a chance that they are not.  Cuban cigar counterfeiting has become so refined and sophisticated that many factors such as cigar bands, packaging and even cigar construction now have to be overlooked because counterfeiters are now able to replicate cigar bands closely or be resourceful enough to steal/recycle genuine packaging and cigar bands for their cigars.  Cigar counterfeiters are also being more skilled at cigar construction and everyday, more and more counterfeit cigars are starting to look extremely authentic.  The only true method of determining if a cigar is real or fake is by taste.  My suggestion is that you smoke the cigars and see how they taste.  No matter how good a cigar (or the packaging) looks, the proof is always in the tobacco.

If the cigar sources are reputable and supplied by their regional Habanos SA-approved distributor (a list of regional Habanos distributors and their contact info are available at habanos.com for people to contact them and confirm if questionable retailers are supplied by them or not), then your cigars are definitely authentic.  If the sources are questionable, visit cigar forums and cigar stores/lounges and speak with other people that have ordered from them before and can provide an honest, unbiased opinion (2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th opinions if necessary) on the authenticity of the cigars they ordered.  Feel free to also contact the authorized Habanos distributor(s) for the sources and double check things with them.  

If the sources are not authorized Habanos SA retailers, then they are receiving their cigars from questionable sources and the chances of the cigars being counterfeit are very likely.  

Hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: James,

Thanks for your comments and advice.

Actually, I did my homework and purchased from these two sources who recieved favorable reviews (including yours). My main concern was that of the "U.V." anti-fraud feature I've read about. I'm not getting consistent results from this test and was wondering if you knew about the practicality or consistency of this feature as it seems this would be a sure fire authenticity test!

Answer
Hi Michael,

I know some genuine boxes of Cuban cigars were reported to have some inconsistencies/problems with the UV label so you shouldn't be alarmed.  Some problems involved the UV markings to be weak (faded), incomplete/broken or not even present despite the fact that the boxes were 100% genuine.

It's a great security feature but again, there needs to be more advanced security features to protect both the cigar businesses and the customers.  Hopefully Habanos SA will refine the UV markings because its not 100% perfect yet. (but it does provide that extra bit of security which is what we need.)

Regards,
James