Expert: James Yee - 8/13/2007

Question
James thank you for the reply. Last question, I have traveled to the islands and I have been to Mexico. One thing I have noticed is that everyone seems to be selling Cuban cigars and you know that most if not all are probably look a likes. If its not an (LCDH)store how do you know its the real deal? I guess what I'm asking is for pointers on how to tell if the cigars are in fact Cuban.
Thanks for your time

jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself when buying Cuban cigars:

- Habanos SA authorization:
Authorized Habanos SA retailers will have an up-to-date Habanos SA authorized retailer sticker on their storefront window or on the glass of their humidor, humidor cabinet or walk-in humidor.  Always look for this sticker when visiting a cigar store.

- Ask for distributor:
If the store doesn’t have a Habanos SA sticker, ask who the distributor is for their store.  There is only one authorized distributor (appointed by Habanos SA) for each region.  For Mexico, the appointed distributor is “I.E.P.T” (Importadora y Exportadora de Puros y Tabacos).  If the cigar store mentions another distributor name, be suspicious.  Some shady cigar stores might even argue that their cigars are shipped from Europe or elsewhere in order to save on shipping and retail costs (therefore allowing customers to pay less).  This is clearly a red flag that their cigars are not genuine.

- Know the prices:
LCDH prices are the standard so visit a LCDH store and get to know the prices.  If a seller or business is offering to sell you a box of cigars at a far lower price than what you would pay at a LCDH or even in Cuba, be suspicious.  There are 7 La Casa Del Habanos stores throughout Mexico so you should be able to find one wherever you’re staying.

- Examine the cigars:
Always ask to examine the cigars before you buy.  Any reputable business will gladly open a sealed box and allow you to inspect the cigars before you buy.  They would never allow you to buy a box of cigars sight unseen.  Some shady sellers may argue that opening a box of cigars before you buy will lower the selling value of the cigars for them (if you decide not to buy it) or void the warranty for you.  If you walk into a store and this is their policy, immediately walk out.

- Visual inconsistencies:
Normally it takes experienced, sharp-eyed cigar smokers to spot a good counterfeit cigar but even novice cigar smokers can spot a fake just by looking at the cigar.  Always look at the cigar bands and the box itself for anything suspicious.  If the cigar bands look poorly photocopied, colour-faded or crudely cut, be suspicious.  If the colour of the cigars are blatantly inconsistent, be suspicious.  Know how a cigar box should look in terms of markings, factory and date codes, placement of labels and security features and look for them when you inspect a box.

- Avoid pushy sales pitches:
A lot of shady sellers/businesses will have pushy sales pitches to entice and pressure buyers.  They might tell you that a family member or friend works at a cigar factory in Cuba which is why they get cigars for cheap or that they have a batch of newly released cigars at a discounted price or that they will give you a discount now but you must act quickly before their boss comes back from a lunch break.  Avoid buying from these places.  All they want is for you to quickly commit to a purchase without thoroughly examining the cigars or thinking it over.

- Shop at reputable stores:
Always shop at reputable cigar stores/lounges.  Avoid shopping in small “mom & pop” shops, flea market-style booths and definitely avoid shopping from people that approach you on the street and offer you “a great deal” on some cigars.

- Talk to the sales staff:
Don’t be afraid to chat with the sales staff and ask as many questions as possible.  Reputable sales staffs are always glad to help and inform inexperienced cigar shoppers about genuine and counterfeit cigars.  Shady businesses will have that “rush you in, rush you out” service because the sooner you give them your money and leave, the less likely you’ll be able to ask questions or spot something suspicious.

A lot of this may seem overwhelming but don’t worry.  The longer you smoke Cuban cigars, the more you’ll learn and understand about what to do, what to look for and where to shop.  Just remember that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, just ask. I’m always happy to help.

Regards,
James