How To Buy Cuban Cigars

Everyone knows that Cuban cigars are the most coveted of cigars, renown worldwide for their smoothness and rich flavors. There is an equally large market for fakes usually sold to unknowing and amateur cigar enthusiasts. There are ways to safeguard yourself though; buy purchasing them from a reputable cigar dealer. If you are going to spend a large sum on them, try using a specialist mail order cigar supplier.

No doubt you would jump at the chance of buying some Cuban cigars but it would be a very good idea for you to thoroughly check them first. To help you recognize the real cigars, there are a few things you need to know. There are a number of marks on the cigar box to look for including a white and green guarantee seal situated on the front left side of the box as well as a seal that has an insignia with a picture of a hat and shield. You should also see the word 'Habanos' printed on a white sticker affixed diagonally on the upper right corner of the cigar box; be wary if it isn't.

The overall appearance of the box should be neat and clean so if the box appears damaged, smudged, frayed, marked, or if the color of the box is dull, don't buy it. On the bottom of the box of cigars, you should find a heat stamp with the words 'Habanos'. 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. You should also find a factory code stamp at the bottom that is stamped in green, blue or black ink and this stamp will tell you when and where the cigars were rolled.

The cigars may have been damaged in transit even if the box wasn't so it is worth examining them as well. Cigar connoisseurs will immediately recognize the distinct aroma of a Cuban cigar if they are given the opportunity to open the box. A weak or an indistinct aroma is a sure sign that it is not a box of Cuban cigars. It is quite normal for the top layer of cigars to appear flattened but the row should be facing in the same direction irrespective of this.

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. If allowed, test the cigars out by pressing down on them and feel along the entire length of each cigar, checking for soft or hard spots as the cigars should feel firm yet pliable. 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.