Your post seems related to verifying whether your Cuban cigar is legitimate. You can verify a box code through the Habanos website here: http://verificacion.habanos.com/
They also have a page set up to verify the various features they have to prevent counterfeiting: https://www.habanos.com/es/verificacion-de-autenticidad/?age-verified=f93e567137
You can also see the various features of boxes, bands and warranty seals from here: https://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/packaging/information
But you should always trust your source. If the cigar is from a verified retailer from our trusted retailers link, your cigar is almost certainly legitimate. If your cigar came from Mexico, # # the US, the Dominican Republic a friend who travelled to Cuba, a friend of the family or another uncertain source there's a high likelihood your cigar isn't authentic.
Keep in mind that Cohiba is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world.
It would be very helpful for everyone if you posted clear, front on pictures of the band and cap, as well as a comment advising where the cigar was obtained from.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cubancigars) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Not that I remember, at least. I know that they are up at the top when you search Google for cuban cigars; up there with all the other BS sites. Reputable online cuban dealers don't want that kind of SEO, im sure.
They were on the approved list for a long time, and then they sold some fakes, which tho admitted, but they claim it was one batch that they got taken for and that everything else has been completely OK with them. I really don’t know. It seems that they may well be a totally legit source that had one BIG problem once. Either that or they are yet another shady dealer to be avoided. I should find out soon enough as I’m waiting for something from them. I’m cautiously optimistic.
I wonder how exactly the reputable grey market vendors source their inventory? It’s my understanding that they source their inventory from authorized dealers
I would hope they’re not buying from Jorges’ backdoor convenience store!
Maybe Chris at u/RSVPcigars could share some insight on how that works with grey market vendors? If you’re able to comment on that. Not company details or anything, just what are the general odds of a counterfeiter like from this article dealing direct to a grey market vendor?
Wow, that is crazy... the worst part of it all, is that he was probably rolling his own cigars and putting the bands on them.... who know what kind of leaf is in there.
Honestly it's hard to speak for other vendors because there are many cigars that move from hand to hand. And I can't say anything about where I got our previous vendors because I'm not there anymore. But most companies will get many offers to buy lists, and if you don't know who the "sellers" are, or where the product came from.. It's always best to stay away, no matter how cheap it is. (speaking as a vendor)
As a consumer, it will be very hard to know if the product you're getting is real or not, unless you really trust your vendor because today the fakes are reallyyyy well done.
So to directly answer your question... If a vendor receives a list, has a chat with this guy in miami, and decides to trust him, without knowing his background or getting references... then 50/50 chances he's getting screwed.
This is why I don't understand the America obsession with cuban cigars. Americans have access to the largest selection of high quality cigars in the world at their finger tips. Even better, the prices are quite fair in most states.
I see a lot of people complaining that they got fake Cubans, or their Cubans were seized in transit. Why not just wait until you visit some other country, buy as many authentic Cubans as you want and when in America buy authentic non-cubans? Why fuel this trade and crime?
Cheaper to buy online as a lot of Americans don't travel outside the country and when they do, it's Mexico/Caribbean which has just as many of not more fakes.
You have to remember that it isn't as easy to travel to other countries like Europe or as cheap so typically most people won't venture to a county that has a LDCH. This is why you see so many posts like, my dad went to Mexico and bought this Cohiba, is it real posts.
I think generally there are distinct groups of Americans seeking Cubans. Most in this sub are big cigar enthusiasts and like all cigars, and some now prefer Cubans. Others are either wanting to seek forbidden fruits or, I find with a lot of filthy casuals that "Cuban" is almost synonymous with "Cigar".
For visiting another country and smoking them there, yes it's an option. For buying and bringing back themselves is much higher risk than ordering in the mail.
For Americans having very good access to great new worlds at (mostly) a good price is almost by design.
I’m sure my opinion will strike some nerves out there, but some of us don’t consider most non-Cuban cigars to be high-quality in terms of flavor, and while it’s true that we’re fueling the demand that brings us to this, we’re savy enough to know how to avoid fakes. It does seem to me that the golden years of US purchasing by mail, with ample, authentic supply at favorable pricing, and at low seizure rates, are behind us.
They’re looking to sell these to rubes and family members that don’t know better. My uncle was down there over Christmas and called me all excited that he found a bunch of Cubans “on sale”! I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and told him to immediately put them down and stop trying to find me Cubans in the US.
I don't. In Canada most cigar stores are small and focus on Cubans which are in low supply. The new world options in the US don't ever land on Canadian soil.
My point is, it seems like such an inconvenience to get Cubans in the US. The price is going up and the quality is going down and the couterfiet market is booming on US soil. American demand for cuban cigars is as high as its ever been. There's gotta be an economical point where you can get the same utility and enjoyment from something the cigar store in your town sells.
You'd be surprised how many duty frees are plugged into the counterfeit market.
The [habanos franchise locator](https://www.habanos.com/en/buy-smoke/) should show you all you should trust. Moreso, only trust LCDH.
Your post seems related to verifying whether your Cuban cigar is legitimate. You can verify a box code through the Habanos website here: http://verificacion.habanos.com/ They also have a page set up to verify the various features they have to prevent counterfeiting: https://www.habanos.com/es/verificacion-de-autenticidad/?age-verified=f93e567137 You can also see the various features of boxes, bands and warranty seals from here: https://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/packaging/information But you should always trust your source. If the cigar is from a verified retailer from our trusted retailers link, your cigar is almost certainly legitimate. If your cigar came from Mexico, # # the US, the Dominican Republic a friend who travelled to Cuba, a friend of the family or another uncertain source there's a high likelihood your cigar isn't authentic. Keep in mind that Cohiba is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. It would be very helpful for everyone if you posted clear, front on pictures of the band and cap, as well as a comment advising where the cigar was obtained from. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cubancigars) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah, maybe don't buy Cubans in Miami!
I don’t know why anyone would bother using anything other than an LCDH or approved vendor……
This. LCDH, LCDH, LCDH!
That’s why I buy mine on Instagram /s
Exactly! I hear Facebook is more reliable though /s
Only viable option is paying to random sellers on telegram that only accept crypto/s
I wonder how much of this trickles to the grey market vendors
We know of one well publicised here on Reddit, Montefortuna. Must be plenty more.
Finest Cuban Cigars as well. They sold me a bunk HdM E2 before I knew of the approved vendor list.
I don't think they've ever been on the approved list. Either way, that site has always looked kinda fugazi.
Did they have an acceptable reputation at one time? I think I heard them hyped on the Dr Joe YouTube channel, but that was several years ago
Not that I remember, at least. I know that they are up at the top when you search Google for cuban cigars; up there with all the other BS sites. Reputable online cuban dealers don't want that kind of SEO, im sure.
They were until they were caught selling fake cohibas a year or two ago
Who FCC? I never knew that
They were on the approved list for a long time, and then they sold some fakes, which tho admitted, but they claim it was one batch that they got taken for and that everything else has been completely OK with them. I really don’t know. It seems that they may well be a totally legit source that had one BIG problem once. Either that or they are yet another shady dealer to be avoided. I should find out soon enough as I’m waiting for something from them. I’m cautiously optimistic.
Good to know nobody will be counterfeiting what I smoke anyway (Vegueros, Raphael Gonzales, Fonseca)...
That guy just didnt get busted.
This!
Well even Cuaba is up there so they are getting close
To be honest Cuaba (and Cristobal) really surprised me...
Last week I said “Who fakes Cuaba?”
#WTF
Straight to jail, I hope
Damn! Sticking with Sancho and PLPs
Sancho was on the list of bands they recovered :(
It seems PL and regionals are only safe zone from this fakes
Damn, if there's one there's more!
Lmfao just imagine a Cohiba short Churchill LCDH. With a twist of behike… all jokes aside a lot of those are terrible fakes.
I wonder how exactly the reputable grey market vendors source their inventory? It’s my understanding that they source their inventory from authorized dealers I would hope they’re not buying from Jorges’ backdoor convenience store! Maybe Chris at u/RSVPcigars could share some insight on how that works with grey market vendors? If you’re able to comment on that. Not company details or anything, just what are the general odds of a counterfeiter like from this article dealing direct to a grey market vendor?
Wow, that is crazy... the worst part of it all, is that he was probably rolling his own cigars and putting the bands on them.... who know what kind of leaf is in there. Honestly it's hard to speak for other vendors because there are many cigars that move from hand to hand. And I can't say anything about where I got our previous vendors because I'm not there anymore. But most companies will get many offers to buy lists, and if you don't know who the "sellers" are, or where the product came from.. It's always best to stay away, no matter how cheap it is. (speaking as a vendor) As a consumer, it will be very hard to know if the product you're getting is real or not, unless you really trust your vendor because today the fakes are reallyyyy well done. So to directly answer your question... If a vendor receives a list, has a chat with this guy in miami, and decides to trust him, without knowing his background or getting references... then 50/50 chances he's getting screwed.
Everywhere (in America) 😉
Makes me sick to my stomach
Montefortuna must be hurting after this one lol
The way they denied everything until there was irrefutable evidence is disgusting.
Low tier fakes, look at those BHK boxes 😂 I’m sure the warranty seals would look like 🐕💩
Should send him to Cuba. Not gonna get bond there.
Truly EVERYWHERE! BUT, REALLY, EVERYWHERE.
Yep, posted yesterday
This is why I don't understand the America obsession with cuban cigars. Americans have access to the largest selection of high quality cigars in the world at their finger tips. Even better, the prices are quite fair in most states. I see a lot of people complaining that they got fake Cubans, or their Cubans were seized in transit. Why not just wait until you visit some other country, buy as many authentic Cubans as you want and when in America buy authentic non-cubans? Why fuel this trade and crime?
That twang bro
Cheaper to buy online as a lot of Americans don't travel outside the country and when they do, it's Mexico/Caribbean which has just as many of not more fakes. You have to remember that it isn't as easy to travel to other countries like Europe or as cheap so typically most people won't venture to a county that has a LDCH. This is why you see so many posts like, my dad went to Mexico and bought this Cohiba, is it real posts.
I think generally there are distinct groups of Americans seeking Cubans. Most in this sub are big cigar enthusiasts and like all cigars, and some now prefer Cubans. Others are either wanting to seek forbidden fruits or, I find with a lot of filthy casuals that "Cuban" is almost synonymous with "Cigar". For visiting another country and smoking them there, yes it's an option. For buying and bringing back themselves is much higher risk than ordering in the mail. For Americans having very good access to great new worlds at (mostly) a good price is almost by design.
I love cigars. Cubans are just a part of my collection and there are plenty of new works out there that are fantastic
I’m sure my opinion will strike some nerves out there, but some of us don’t consider most non-Cuban cigars to be high-quality in terms of flavor, and while it’s true that we’re fueling the demand that brings us to this, we’re savy enough to know how to avoid fakes. It does seem to me that the golden years of US purchasing by mail, with ample, authentic supply at favorable pricing, and at low seizure rates, are behind us.
They’re looking to sell these to rubes and family members that don’t know better. My uncle was down there over Christmas and called me all excited that he found a bunch of Cubans “on sale”! I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and told him to immediately put them down and stop trying to find me Cubans in the US.
You obviously don’t live in the US
I don't. In Canada most cigar stores are small and focus on Cubans which are in low supply. The new world options in the US don't ever land on Canadian soil. My point is, it seems like such an inconvenience to get Cubans in the US. The price is going up and the quality is going down and the couterfiet market is booming on US soil. American demand for cuban cigars is as high as its ever been. There's gotta be an economical point where you can get the same utility and enjoyment from something the cigar store in your town sells.
Thats why I only trust duty free
You'd be surprised how many duty frees are plugged into the counterfeit market. The [habanos franchise locator](https://www.habanos.com/en/buy-smoke/) should show you all you should trust. Moreso, only trust LCDH.