Recently on a trip to Mexico I picked up some "Cuban" Hoyo de Monterreys and Cohibas. Even as I was buying them I knew that there was a chance that only the bands were authentic. I know, I know, just send you the cigars and you'll check them out for me. Seriously, is there any way to tell with a reasonable certainty? After smoking a couple, I gotta tell you, I like the legal Hoyos better anyway,no Cuban maduros. Regarding the Cohibas, I've got no basis to compare.

I just saw an article on a different website on how to check the seal of the box for counterfeit email me at [email protected] if interested.

I just bought some singles, 5 of each. He opened,(I realize that's no guarantee), a fresh box of the Hoyos. The Cohibas came out of one already opened.

Search the archives here ... there has been extensive postings and several links on those threads you can reference.

ooops. Chances are, if it comes out of Mexico, it is probably counterfeit. That has been my experience at least. Far better to buy online from a reputable dealer overseas.

Can you suggest any reputable overseas dealers?

If you bought them at a La Casa del Habano, they have a good chance of being real. If you bought them anywhere else, they are counterfeit.

THL, I posted this 2 weeks ago:

Thread Subject: Email me...

Author: E-Chick Date: 10/12/2002 04:19 AM

...for the inside scoop...just met a guy named Gerry...owns the largest cigar shop in all of Mexico...great connection! Not to compete with our sponsor here...stuff you can't get on cbid otherwise I would NEVER have posted...

Inquiring minds can reach me at: marlapf at excite dot com...you won't regret it!

You mean as far as enquiring about the cigar store, or just generally speaking? (heh heh)

Smart ass!

You know... *sniff* that really, really hurts. *sniff*

But then, if it makes you *sniff* feel better about yourself tossing undeserved insults at people *sniff*, then I guess that's what's important... *HONK!*

You take a chance anywhere on buying Cuban cigars that they could be fakes or cigars made with inferior Cuban tobacco instead of the tobacco that you would normally associate with a reputable cigar maker like Monte, Partagas, etc. However, you might get genuine Cubans more often if paying through your nose for them--like most dealers charge. Those that see Cuban cigar prices "that look to good to be true" tend to shy away. Do your research and you'll find that "reputable" dealers are marking the prices sky high on Cuban cigars instead of selling them at prices we all can afford. For example, there used to be a site called Cigar Nexus (http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/cubanprices/index.html) that is still up but doesn't update the site anymore. On there was a price list on Cuban cigar prices from 1999/2000. After looking at that list you'll see just how much you are getting gouged for buying your genuine Cubans from reputable dealers...

THL

out of respect we don't post competitor's sites on cbid. if you want some info, [email protected]

OFinnish

before slimboli jumps in, it isn't nice to post web sites. i did check out your site and the prices stink. you may contact me for info if you like. [email protected]

It's not only in bad taste to post competing websites on our hosts forum ... CigarBid has asked that we don't do this. Read the General Guidelines.

Rick ... I know prices in England are high, but if Cuban cigars go below what they sell for in Cuba, you can be certain they are fakes. The demand is just too high for them to be discounted ... and you won't see it with genuine Cuban cigars.

Is it "legal" to buy Cubans from overseas dealers?

off the internet or through the mail?

It's not illegal for other countries to sell to the USA ... it's illegal for you to have them imported into the USA ...

The Trading with the Enemy Act ...

The person who is on the receiving end pays if caught ... and it hasn't stopped many!