How to Spot a Fake Cohiba Cigar

So, did you rely on that friend James's 'factory hookup,' or did you simply score a crazy cheap, glass-top deal on a beach in Mexico? Either way, you now face the burning question: Is your precious Cuban Cohiba genuine, or did you just acquire a 'Fohiba'?"

Easy Level (Use image below)

Holographic Taino Indian Head and Cohiba/Cuba wording - The main feature of the band is a holographic image of the Taino Indian head. A key sign of authenticity is the smaller head visible inside the larger one (the "head-within-head" effect). The top gilded edge of the band also displays repeating holograms of the word "Cuba" and the Taino Indian head logo.

Nine rows of white squares are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. They run vertically from the gilded holographic top edge down to the solid gold line at the bottom.

(Real Band)

Medium Level (Use images below)

Now you have fallen down the rabbit hole, and you want to go full CSI on the band?

Remember the nine rows of white squares? In real Cohibas the square will never touch the gold lines at the top or the bottom.

Embossing in the back is clearly visible while counterfeit versions often lack this detail.

The nine rows of white squares do not extend to the very edge or end of the band.

(Real Band)

Pro-Level (Use images below)

Get ready to zoom in—these are the details beyond the details.

Look for the micro-printed "Cohiba" wording inside the Indian head and repeating along the top and bottom gold lines.

Each white square features a subtle square trim outlining it.

The outline at the back of the neck on the Taino head slightly overlaps the square black trim.

(Real Band)

The Smoke

If you decide to smoke it, the ash is a final indicator:

Authentic Cuban Ash: Burns to a distinct gray or "salt-and-pepper" color, a result of the unique mineral content found in Cuban soil.

Counterfeit Ash: Frequently burns bright white, which typically indicates the use of non-Cuban tobacco (or potentially non-tobacco filler materials).

The simplest rule of all is: If it has a glass-top box, it is a 100% guaranteed fake.

Opening the Cigar

Often fake cigars carry trash and bugs inside. Like the toy in the happy meal you didn't ask for!

Fun fact, even premium real cigars can have insects in them. This is usually a sign of poor or no quality control from the factory.

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(FAKE BAND BELOW)

Ewww...

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Real Vintage (Image below only)

(Real Band)