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How to spot a counterfeit....

alienmisprintalienmisprint Posts: 3,964 ✭✭✭
in Cigar 101
Okay, so I had what was supposed to be an ISOM Cohiba this morning. The draw was so tight I couldn't even smoke it. Then I was pretty dissapointed with the Romeo and Juliet I had a little while back. This got me to thinking, are the ISOMs they sell here fakes?

The Cohibas come in two wrappers, a conn. and a darker wrapper, but not maduro; and two sizes, a robusto and a churchhill. The label on them is half yellow and half black-and-white checkers and just says Cohiba and Habana, CUba on it. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

The R&J's I think have a better chance of being real, as they are pretty similar to one I had when I was in th Carribean a few years ago on vacation. They all come in red and white aluminum tubes with red caps, cedar wrapped. I figure if these are fakes, they are going way out of their way here.

Any thoughts?

Comments

  • mustluvcigarsmustluvcigars Posts: 686
    I personally wouldnt know anything about this subject,,but I found this for you
    http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/counterfeit/index.html
    I ran across another similiar to this when i first started looking up cigar info it listed ALL the codes and such but cant remember where I saw it. Hope it helps.
  • j0z3rj0z3r Posts: 9,403 ✭✭
    The fact that it had a very tight draw, so much so that you couldn't smoke it, would speak to its authenticity I think. Cuban cigars have a notoriously tight draw which is one of the reasons people recommend aging them for 1-2 years minimum. I'd have to see the cigars and bands to be even half sure, but I think you got the real deal.
  • madurofanmadurofan Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭
    j0z3r:
    The fact that it had a very tight draw, so much so that you couldn't smoke it, would speak to its authenticity I think. Cuban cigars have a notoriously tight draw which is one of the reasons people recommend aging them for 1-2 years minimum. I'd have to see the cigars and bands to be even half sure, but I think you got the real deal.
    I concur.

    But here is a link to compare bands. http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Counterfeits/Counterfeit_Gallery/0,3390,,00.html
    I hate CA but they're good for this.
  • alienmisprintalienmisprint Posts: 3,964 ✭✭✭
    madurofan:
    j0z3r:
    The fact that it had a very tight draw, so much so that you couldn't smoke it, would speak to its authenticity I think. Cuban cigars have a notoriously tight draw which is one of the reasons people recommend aging them for 1-2 years minimum. I'd have to see the cigars and bands to be even half sure, but I think you got the real deal.
    I concur.

    But here is a link to compare bands. http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Counterfeits/Counterfeit_Gallery/0,3390,,00.html
    I hate CA but they're good for this.
    Well, looking at the bands, the ones here do indeed seem to be authentic, and they have practically no aging, just however long it took them to get here. You have to buy them within the first day or two because they don't maintain the humidor they keep them in. Thanks for all the info guys, I appreciate it. I think I am gonna try to bring a couple back and let them age for a while.
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947 ✭
    Counterfeit Cubans- Are kinda pasty white, have no accent, do NOT like cigars, blink nervously a lot and walk funny and.......eerrr ...you were talking about the cigars wern't you?
  • madurofanmadurofan Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭
    gmill880:
    Counterfeit Cubans- Are kinda pasty white, have no accent, do NOT like cigars, blink nervously a lot and walk funny and.......eerrr ...you were talking about the cigars wern't you?
    LMAO ... I was like wtf is he talking about.
  • Rob1110Rob1110 Posts: 1,577 ✭✭✭
    I found a great page a while back that compared counterfeits to authentic ISOMs that was pretty informative. There are a few things to look for:

    1. The band - this one is tough and you really have to train your eye, but cohiba is a great example. counterfeits typically use a different font than the original. The c and o on the original are typically more elongated, however this can be somewhat hard to spot. Also, colors may be off or just totally wrong, as well as texture with special bands (limited editions).
    2. The cap - Apparently authentic cubans will always have a triple cap in addition to excellent quality in the roll as well as the wrapper. Any veins, water spots or lack of the triple cap are all red flags.
    3. The ash - I saw this first hand when I bought what I knew would be a fake cohiba in Mexico. I just wanted to compare the difference and see if it was that obvious. The band wasn't perfect, the roll wasn't perfect, the wrapper was a very odd color and the ash had this burnt plastic look to it. It was too smooth and uniform and didn't look like typical cigar ash. Also, with all the rave about top quality cigars producing white ash - cubans produce dark grey ash.

    I'm no expert, but I read as much as I could before I went on my cruise so I knew I wouldn't be getting ripped off. Found a La Casa Del Habana (apparently one of the few places you know you can trust because it's owned by the cuban governent), and purchased a few ISOMs. If I can find that article, I'll post it.
  • dutyjedutyje Posts: 2,263 ✭
    madurofan:
    gmill880:
    Counterfeit Cubans- Are kinda pasty white, have no accent, do NOT like cigars, blink nervously a lot and walk funny and.......eerrr ...you were talking about the cigars wern't you?
    LMAO ... I was like wtf is he talking about.
    They can't roll crepes, either.
  • rwheelwrightrwheelwright Posts: 3,296 ✭
    I have had plenty of Cuban Cohibas and Romeos. I have never liked any of them. With the Cohibas, most of them were a tight draw. The Romeos got really mushy and hot.
  • j0z3rj0z3r Posts: 9,403 ✭✭
    rwheelwright:
    I have had plenty of Cuban Cohibas and Romeos. I have never liked any of them. With the Cohibas, most of them were a tight draw. The Romeos got really mushy and hot.
    Try a Bolivar, an Upmann or an El Rey Del Mundo. All excellent specimens IMO.
  • rwheelwrightrwheelwright Posts: 3,296 ✭
    j0z3r:
    rwheelwright:
    I have had plenty of Cuban Cohibas and Romeos. I have never liked any of them. With the Cohibas, most of them were a tight draw. The Romeos got really mushy and hot.
    Try a Bolivar, an Upmann or an El Rey Del Mundo. All excellent specimens IMO.
    I have a few Monti #2 and some Partagas series P in my humi. Plus I have a few Hoyo robustos. I have had Upmans before and I think one Bolivar. Never had an El Rey Del Mundo though.

    Have you every had a Cuabo? One of my favorites! Top 3 for me!
  • kaspera79kaspera79 Posts: 7,257 ✭✭✭
    j0z3r:
    rwheelwright:
    I have had plenty of Cuban Cohibas and Romeos. I have never liked any of them. With the Cohibas, most of them were a tight draw. The Romeos got really mushy and hot.
    Try a Bolivar, an Upmann or an El Rey Del Mundo. All excellent specimens IMO.
    Can't wait to try that Upman 'ya sent me brother Joe, It is resting comfortably for it's big day on July 4th.. Hey wait a minute...Is that okay if I smoke a Cuban Cigar on the fourth of July? Maybe I'll have a CAO Americana too, and sort of even it out.
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947 ✭

    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    rwheelwright:
    I have had plenty of Cuban Cohibas and Romeos. I have never liked any of them. With the Cohibas, most of them were a tight draw. The Romeos got really mushy and hot.
    Try a Bolivar, an Upmann or an El Rey Del Mundo. All excellent specimens IMO.
    Can't wait to try that Upman 'ya sent me brother Joe, It is resting comfortably for it's big day on July 4th.. Hey wait a minute...Is that okay if I smoke a Cuban Cigar on the fourth of July? Maybe I'll have a CAO Americana too, and sort of even it out.

    It doesn't matter now bro we're a socialist regime , we'll be lucky if they don't abolish the holiday! Too much worrying about freedoms and not working enough hours so we can pay more taxes. Maybe we should have a "Washington Tea Party" and dump all the politicians in the drink .......hope I don't get a visit from the super sensetive new president police for typing that .......

  • jaytothenjaytothen Posts: 55
    Want to scare you? Check out justfakes.com. They sell authentic bands, seals, boxes, everything you can imagine. Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes. Unless you absolutely trust your source and know from first hand or people you trust, chances are its fake. Ironically, even fakes, may technically be 'cuban', just not prime tobacco , rather the trimmings, leftovers, and sweepings of the floor off the factory. It's a sad reality really.

    The main way to know a cuban is by taste and smell, they have a very distinct aroma, one that can't be duplicated any way.
  • j0z3rj0z3r Posts: 9,403 ✭✭
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
  • kaspera79kaspera79 Posts: 7,257 ✭✭✭
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
  • madurofanmadurofan Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947 ✭

    madurofan:
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.

    So he could enjoy them while every one else suffered , thanks Jack. Wonder what happened to the boxes that were left after Oswald's feat of un-rivaled marksmanship? Hmmm ...

  • j0z3rj0z3r Posts: 9,403 ✭✭
    madurofan:
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.
    Ahem...Petit Coronas.
  • madurofanmadurofan Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭
    j0z3r:
    madurofan:
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas Petit Coronas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.
    Ahem...Petit Coronas.
    Better?
  • kuzi16kuzi16 Posts: 14,633 ✭✭✭✭
    i havent had time to post much as of late (work and all) but ive been following this thread.

    if you have a real keen eye you can look at the foot of the cigar. most cubans are bunched in a very specific way. the rollers are good and they bunch that way for a reason. if its fake the rollers they use (or the cigars they use) are not as of high quality. the bunches tend to be different and not as expertly rolled.
    Kuzi's Forum Links Page
  • j0z3rj0z3r Posts: 9,403 ✭✭
    madurofan:
    j0z3r:
    madurofan:
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas Petit Coronas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.
    Ahem...Petit Coronas.
    Better?
    lol...just bustin ya. Damn sneaky Kennedys, first he get Marylin killed then he tries to bogart all the Cuban cigars for himself...no wonder that bullet jumped up and bit him. ...man, that's in poor taste, ah well me backspace is broken, or I'm just lazy...meh.
  • madurofanmadurofan Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭
    j0z3r:
    madurofan:
    j0z3r:
    madurofan:
    kaspera79:
    j0z3r:
    I think stating that "Most cigars, even with real bands and boxes, sadly, are fakes." is a bit over-reaching. In certain places, like Mexico, yeah I'd agree that most are fake. I do agree with the last statement though, there is nothing quite like the taste.

    Kas: I don't think it would be a problem to burn up that Upmann on the 4th, just think of it as destroying a piece of Communism. Or another way to look at it, Upmann cigars were the choice of JFK...do it for Jack.
    Hey Joe, with that view point, It will be a patriotic gesture, do it for America, in memory of JFK !!
    H. Upmann candelas Petit Coronas actually. He sent his secretary out to buy a ton of boxes right before he signed the embargo.
    Ahem...Petit Coronas.
    Better?
    lol...just bustin ya. Damn sneaky Kennedys, first he get Marylin killed then he tries to bogart all the Cuban cigars for himself...no wonder that bullet jumped up and bit him. ...man, that's in poor taste, ah well me backspace is broken, or I'm just lazy...meh.
    HA!
  • PuroFreakPuroFreak Posts: 4,131 ✭✭
    Ya know, if old Jack woulda been wearing a pair of "Tough Skin" blue jeans on the back of his head I think he would still be with us today!

    I'm serious! Oswald woulda been laughing so hard he wouldn't have been able to hold that gun steady! haha
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947 ✭

    PuroFreak:
    Ya know, if old Jack woulda been wearing a pair of "Tough Skin" blue jeans on the back of his head I think he would still be with us today!

    I'm serious! Oswald woulda been laughing so hard he wouldn't have been able to hold that gun steady! haha

    What did Oswald smoke .....evidently only Kennedys. I know , that was sick and twisted and I apoligize in advance !!!

  • kaspera79kaspera79 Posts: 7,257 ✭✭✭
    gmill880:

    PuroFreak:
    Ya know, if old Jack woulda been wearing a pair of "Tough Skin" blue jeans on the back of his head I think he would still be with us today!

    I'm serious! Oswald woulda been laughing so hard he wouldn't have been able to hold that gun steady! haha

    What did Oswald smoke .....evidently only Kennedys. I know , that was sick and twisted and I apoligize in advance !!!

    'Ya all guys ain't got no respect 'fer the dead !!
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947 ✭
    kaspera79:
    gmill880:

    PuroFreak:
    Ya know, if old Jack woulda been wearing a pair of "Tough Skin" blue jeans on the back of his head I think he would still be with us today!

    I'm serious! Oswald woulda been laughing so hard he wouldn't have been able to hold that gun steady! haha

    What did Oswald smoke .....evidently only Kennedys. I know , that was sick and twisted and I apoligize in advance !!!

    'Ya all guys ain't got no respect 'fer the dead !!

    Yea that was a cheap shot ( uhh no pun intended) but I did apologize Kas !

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