Is That Cuban Real? Part 1

This is part 1 in a series of posts that will hopefully explain the difference between real and fake Cuban Cigars. The fake cuban cigar industry is a huge business, mostly because Cuban cigars are illeagal in the United States, the world's largest cigar market. People that sell these fake Cuban cigars know that among Americans they have a certain status and take advantage of that fact.

First of all, as an American citizen or resident it is illeagal for you to buy or consume Cuban tobacco.

With that said, I can't count the number of people I've had conversations with that tell me about the Cuban cigars they bought or smoked while on vacation in the Carribbean or central America . The bottom line is, there is an almost 90% chance they were fakes depending on where you bought the 'Cuban' cigar. Don't get me wrong, fake-Cubans can be good smokes, but that's the exception to the rule, plus these scammers can charge a high price for these fake cigars.

If you're travelling in the Carribbean to some island or on a cruise or to Central America or Mexico, about 90%-95% of the Cuban cigars you encounter are pure and simply fake. ALL CUBAN CIGARS IN A GLASS TOPPED BOX OR ON THE STREET ARE FAKE! (Habanos SA does not make a glass top packaging, and someone selling real, reputable, and expensive cigars would keep them in a nice walk-in humidor). Even shops that sell Tobacco and cigars probably have fake Cubans. It is very simple to take a bunch of cigar bands and re-glue them and stuff these cigars in an empty Cuban cigar box.

The only places that have 100% guaranteed legit and real Cubans in the Carribbean, Mexico, Central America and around the world are the La Casa del Habanos, or franchises sold by the Cuban cigar monopoly Habanos SA (kind of like fast food franchising). In fact a La Casa del Habano (LCdH) is the only 100% safe and legitmate place in the world to get Cuban cigars, whether you're in Europe or North America.

Here is a link to all of the LCdH franchises world wide based on the geographical zone (America, Asia, Europe, etc.): http://www.lacasadelhabano.cu/site/content/view/31/52/lang,english/

Europe and Canada are somewhat different than the Carribbean since most tobacco shops that aren't LCdH franchises still carry legit Cuban cigars. The prices, however, can be significantly marked-up and considering the tax on tobacco (which is very high in Canada and Britain for example) prices can be much higher than those at an LCdH. I also wouldn't trust any tobacco shops in real tourist friendly areas, especially in Canada, since they're looking to make a quick buck on some ill-informed American consumers.

Asia has a much smaller market for cigars than the US or Europe so there aren't many Cuban cigars or cigars available in general. Stick to the LCdH.

In summary, if you're traveling to Mexico, the Carribbean or Central America, don't be tempted by Cuban cigars unless you can find a certified La Casa de Habano (LCdH) from the above link. As far as Europe and Canada go, CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!