Image via WikipediaFor those feeling a little decadent…..or like Che!!

There are not many places in the world where Cuban cigars are unknown. So sought after are they, that there is quite a market for them, even fake ones, normally sold to unsuspecting individuals. Buying from a reputable dealer can dramatically reduce the chance of you being supplied with counterfeit versions. If you are going to spend a large sum on them, try using a specialist mail order cigar supplier.

If you have an opportunity to purchase a box of purported Cuban cigars, but have your doubts, take the time to examine the box before purchasing it. Using that information, here are some facts about identifying the genuine cigars from the fakes you would do well to learn. If you look carefully at the box you will see a white and green warranty seal on the front left side of it plus a seal with a picture of a hat and shield in the form of an insignia and these will help distinguish a genuine Cuban cigar box. On the upper right hand corner of the box, you should find a white sticker that is placed diagonally with the word ‘Habanos’ printed on it.

These cigar boxes should also be in good condition with a clean appearance, no damage or ink that has smudged so be wary of anything that does not meet this criteria. A heat stamp is also used to imprint the word ‘Habanos’ onto the bottom of the box. Often fake Cuban cigar boxes try to use a printed paper label or a rubber stamp to try and recreate this mark but this is quite noticeable. Each cigar box should also have a coded factory stamp on the base in blue, black or green ink, which can tell you exactly when and where the cigars were rolled.

Even if the cigars are the real things, their quality may have suffered in transport. Dedicated cigar smokers will recognize the deep rich aroma which an unmistakable sign of a Cuban cigar. If that distinct aroma is not there or particularly weak, the chances are that you have a fake box of Cuban cigars. The top row of cigars may also appear slightly flatter than the rest but they should all be facing the same way.

The caps on all the cigars should appear the same, and the foot of each cigar should be cut clean and the bands on all the cigars should be identical. It is a good idea, if allowed, to touch the cigars as they should have a firm but pliable feel without any hard or soft areas. Although there is quite an amount to remember, these are special cigars and any connoisseur would want to ensure that his next box of Cuban cigars is the real thing.