Fake Cigars Is this a Genuine Cuban Cigar?

[Trevor2118]

This one?

http://www.friendsof...showtopic=81599

Absolutely. Many thanks Rob.

[Smokntaz]

This is great information for the new and old aged smokers alike. Thank you Trevor!

[Trent0341]

Thanks Trevor and Rob

[JPS72]

Great stuff - thanks Trevor!

[Drguano]

This is great information for the new and old aged smokers alike. Thank you Trevor!

I like to think of myself as a mature smoker, rather than aged.

Great thread, Trevor!

[GPSGUY]

Thank you very much for the info Trevor.

[nishdog007]

This is fantastic!! thanks again.

[pedro7913]

Great post and thanks

[Charltonc]

Excellent info, it took me a while to recognize that grey market does not mean fake.

[Stanislaw]

wow, brilliant read and very informative... fascinating what cigar sales have become.... does the forum have any sort of annual awards for best posts, because this is some FoH pulitzer stuff right here....

[Duxnutz]

Great read Trev. Your a legend!

[cottierm]

Many thanks for this superb info Trevor.

Best,

Michel

[vitruvius]

Amazing source of information Trevor ! I personally have several fake CC I bought from an online shop for which I have been (partially) refunded. I thought I would keep them for future reference.

I have taken many detailed pictures of the CC themselves, the two boxes and the bands. If they can be of any interest to you let me know.

[OZCUBAN]

Thanks Trevor

Great post invaluable info

Cheers

[Trevor2118]

I have now finalised this post, and I thought it might be worthwhile highlighting my summary:

Summary

Now....a final piece of advice:

Buying your Cuban cigars from a known reputable source is the best possible way to avoid fakes.

If you buy elsewhere......use this information to guide you.

And if you are unhappy with a purchase....talk to the seller and explain your specific concerns.

This post will be updated as necessary.

It is also available on my website at: http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/fakes.aspx

Edited March 7, 2014 by Trevor2118
Link updated

[Colt45]

Trev, thanks again. This has been great - thanks to Robbo as well for the parallel import discussion

[Nino]

Excellent job, Trevor !

Very informative - recommended reading.

[Hohenthal]

Thanks a lot, Trevor!

You are a star!

Alex

[puros71]

That was great

[canadianbeaver]

Great page about fakes!!!

The only thing I would add is if the duty and Habanos labels are separate from, not applied to the box. That drives me nuts.

[Trevor2118]

The only thing I would add is if the duty and Habanos labels are separate from, not applied to the box. That drives me nuts.

Now updated. Packaging section amended (see in bold) as follows:

Packaging

Check that the various stamps and stickers are correctly applied and appropriate to the box date. Note that the stickers must actually be applied.....they are never placed loose in the box.

[Ghabanos]

This is so awesome. Thanks trev

[Pilgrims]

Brilliant Trev

[Trevor2118]

Some exceptions to the backaging rules added:

Exception to the Rules

For the standard dress box, all the appropriate stickers and stamps are on the outside of the box.

Some Special Releases in upmarket varnished boite-nature boxes come in a plain or decorative protective cardboard outer. Some of the stickers and stamps are placed on this outer packaging (for example, see the Cohiba 1966 LE2011).

Some boxes (such as several of the recent 898B10) have the date factory and date codes inside the lid.

Another part added:

Internal Special Release Notices

Many special releases have a unique internal notice providing pertinent details regarding the release.

Edited February 24, 2013 by Trevor2118
More added.

[BMack]

Very nice post indeed, well written! Some of these fakes are pretty darn good, I had to tell a friend on Facebook that his Cohibas were fake...the bands looked real from the thumbnail but upon looking at them they were not embossed and the "Havana, Cuba" font was off. I hate seeing people get taken advantage of.