Buying a Real Cuban - How do I know?

C130ops

When traveling to other countries and I see a offer for Cubans, how can I know I am really buying a Cuban? Zero experience and I just want to try.

Are duty free shops trustworthy?

My other experiences:

Jamica - Monte Cristo's - I asked for a box and the seller said "no box, cheaper in bulk" - I passed.

Mexico - Romeo Juliettas - Seller had them boxed but in a tupperware container - I passed.

Both places were really expensive and both had labels that said "Habana".

Is there a way to tell?

Thank you, 

avengethis

There are ways to tell but you need to know what to look for

jlmarta

Well, first, visit the welcome to newcomers thread, introduce yourself, and hopefully stick around and become a solid member. 

In in the meantime, you can study this website to learn how to answer your question;

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/brand.aspx?brand=Cohiba0

[Deleted User]

Buy from an LCDH store and you will always be good to go. La Casa Del Habano. They have shops all over the world. 

miller65rod

^^^^What he said^^^^

dirtdude

I am 35 miles from Nogales and every little shop has cubans but only saw one that stored them in a humidor, at 18% rh here I doubt they would be in very good shape without humidity. asking price is 20 a stick which seems reasonable, I was concerned about the condition

Usaf06

dirtdude said:

I am 35 miles from Nogales and every little shop has cubans but only saw one that stored them in a humidor, at 18% rh here I doubt they would be in very good shape without humidity. asking price is 20 a stick which seems reasonable, I was concerned about the condition

Besides cohibas most are under 10 a stick

jgibv

james40 said:

Buy from an LCDH store and you will always be good to go. La Casa Del Habano. They have shops all over the world. 

kswildcat

Just take Brad @avengethis on your trips and he will point out the real from fakes.. Just have to feed him with food, cigars and booze. And of course a place to rest..lol

CigarFanatic

When I go abroad, I bring my reference binder with me. It has a lot true bands and pictures as well as tips from cigar websites as well as known fakes.

Look into a few websites. The biggest and first giveaway I look for is the seal on the box. I use this image as reference all the time. I never buy cubans unless it is by the box or the box has been opened in front of me.

dirtdude

I will look for the LCDH store if Nogy has one. The link for the cuban cigar website is cool, spent a long time wandering around there.
ok, I see the closest LCDH is Hermosillo, about a 5 hr drive, did it about 35 yr ago but not advisable these days, too many bandidos. However I see they have free shipping on orders over $168, just need a friend in Nogy with an adress.

reggie713

Pm @dirtdude