Cuban Cigar is a term that stirs the imagination of connoisseurs around the world. Smoking one is a sought-after pleasure that everyone around the world acclaims. Unfortunately, this hype around the product invites criminal elements to rip off unsuspecting customers by selling them counterfeit or fake “Cuban” cigars. Many institutions, trade unions, and governmental organizations around the world have devised ways to stop the import and/or production of counterfeit “Cuban” cigars. We at SS Alliance have managed to stop Counterfeit Cigars in the past; however, recently there has been a huge influx of Fake Cubans. Counterfeit Cigars don’t only ruin your pleasure, they are extremely hazardous for your health. They are primarily made of waste Tobacco on the factory floor including rat droppings, human hair, dust, etc. This isn’t just extremely unpleasant but is a serious health hazard too. These foreign elements could cause serious health issues and can even be poisonous!

It does not always take an expert to spot a fake Cuban cigar. With practice and a keen eye, you can spot one too. At SS Alliance we not only believe in using our channels and clout to block the import and distribution of fake cigars but we also want to spread this awareness in the Pakistani cigar market to make sure no one gets health problems or is ripped off of their precious money.

Here, we are presenting you with a few tips to spot a fake Cuban cigar:

1. Buy From SSAlliance authorized retailers and spot SS seal:

Every original box of cuban cigars can only come through its exclusive distributor in the region. Therefore, only buy from SS Alliance’s official retailers. SS Alliance applies 2 stickers on every box that is being distributed in Pakistan. Look for the ‘Guarantee of Quality’ Seal and the white ‘Smoke Authentic’ sticker at the bottom.

2. There are no cheap Cohiba, Montecristo and Limited edition cigars:

Yes, you can get sales and bargains around the world, but there are no cheap Premium Cuban cigars. The prices are usually regulated and costs-of-sales too high to ever present a ridiculously low price. So if you come across a really cheap “Cuban”, it is probably fake!

3. Labels go on the box:

Learn about the three main labels on a Cuban cigar box: a Habnos label, a stamp at the bottom of the box and a seal with a barcode.

Usually counterfeit products have these labels “inside” the box. A genuine product will always have these three “on” the box! Below is the picture of the labels as a reference:

4. Use the code:

You can never be too sure; just use the barcode on the seal of the box, run it on Habanos.com and verify in seconds if you have an original product!

5. There are no glass/ plexiglass boxes:

Cuban cigars rarely come in anything other than a wooden box. Many counterfeit Cuban cigars come in wooden boxes with glass/ plexiglass tops or simply glass/ plexiglass boxes. Beware of them. See point 9 too!

6. Missing cigar documentation:

Documentation must be present in the boxes. This documentation varies from box to box, depending on whether the box belongs to the normal production or to limited editions, regional editions or other non-ordinary series. If that paper with a transparent-tissue feel is missing; the box is probably of fake “Cubans”.

7. Touch:

Touching the cigar gently, you can notice that it has good construction. In counterfeit cigars, the filling is usually very low. This makes the cigars feel very soft to the touch!

8. Bottom stamps:

From the year 2000, the bottom of the box of a Habonos cigar has two codes in blue or black. One code is a unique three-letter indicator of the factory of origin. The other is a combination of the first three letters of the Spanish month and the last two digits of the year of production.

9. Shapes:

A habanos cigar may have three shapes; cylindrical, figurado from one end or figurado from both ends. Unless it is a special cigar, a Cuban cigar is very unlikely to have any other shape.

10. Unique containers:

Some special edition bundles are stored in collectible cabinets ceramic jars or leather cases etc. These are collectible items meant to improve the preservation of these cigars and are produced in very limited numbers. Be mindful while buying such unique containers and always check the documentation.

11. Brand insignia and logos:

Get familiar with the unique brand elements of each Habanos brand. There are two main types; an insignia and a hot-iron of the brand. Use the picture below as a reference for your next cigar purchase.

In conclusion, fake cigars aren’t just bad for your pocket; they are extremely dangerous for your health too. Cheap and counterfeit cigars won’t shy away from using poisonous or seriously injuring ingredients that could cause you acute gut issues, can be poisonous or even fatal at times. Your safest bet is to buy from a cigar dealership that you trust. SS Alliance owns the exclusive distributor license of Habanos SA (all Cuban Cigar brands) in Pakistan. Always buy 100% authentic and genuine cigars from our authorized retailers only!

Let’s say “no” to counterfeits.