Cuba is a mecca for cigar aficionados who long for the perfectly-crafted smoke. But even if they’re not that into smoking, many visitors will buy cigars anyway just to try one or to bring a box back with them.
After all, Cuba is open to American tourists and they can bring back as many cigars and as much Cuban rum as they can fit in their luggage.
With the international market ever expanding, the demand for cigars has risen. But that demand has a downside as well, many fake cigars are emerging on the market.
If you’ve never bought cigars before or don’t know what to look for in a high-quality Cuban cigar, then you could end up getting swindled and never know the true luxury of a proper roll.
That’s why we put together this helpful guide to help you spot fakes and get your hands on the best when buying Cuban cigars.
Know the Cost of Buying Cuban Cigars
Today you can spend more money in Cuba than ever before on cigars and bring them back home with you. In fact, if you want to fill up your luggage with cigars and leave your clothes behind, that’s an option for you.
We wouldn’t blame you. Cuban cigars are like none other in the world. The demand for Cuban cigars has always been consistent and helped the price to stay around $7-25 per cigar.
You also have the option of buying a box of 25 cigars starting at around $120. This can be a great way to save some money and you can give the additional cigars away as presents if you want to.
Consider Your Street Vendor Carefully
If you have ever been on a Havana tour, then you know that there are street vendors everywhere who are selling Cuban cigars. But not all of these vendors are looking out for your best interest.
If you choose to buy from one of these people, then you need to be careful that you are buying a high-quality product. Many street vendors will sell outdated cigars or fakes for the same price as the genuine article.
Choose carefully, and if you want to be truly sure you are getting the genuine article, head to a government-regulated shop to make your purchase.
Be Wary of Fake Cigars
Of course, any cigar that creates smoke can’t be fake. But rather, fake cigars are those that have been falsely labeled.
In order for a cigar to be of superior Cuban quality, the tobacco for it has to be grown in a very specific region of Cuba where the soil has the right nutrients to create the most aromatic tobacco in the world.
This is similar to the way Champagne is only Champagne if it comes from the right region of France. Otherwise, it’s just sparkling wine.
Buying just any Cuban cigar simply won’t do. If you want the full experience, you will need to track down a hand-rolled cigar freshly made from tobacco grown in the proper region.
The Best Cigars Come From Shops
While there are some street vendors that sell legitimate cigars, they are few and far between. And, if you aren’t familiar with buying cigars, then it is especially difficult to spot a fake.
But beyond that, even if a cigar is real, a street vendor may be trying to sell you a stale cigar that hasn’t been kept in a humidifier. That’s why it’s always best to buy your cigars from a shop that can guarantee their quality.
Shops are also great because you will have the time to explore your options and get answers to any questions that you might have. It makes the purchase less stressful.
Make Sure You Check for Freshness
If you don’t have time to take a day trip to a cigar manufacturer, then you will need to make sure you check your cigars for freshness.
One good way to do this is by rolling the cigar in your hands and seeing how bendable it is when you try to squeeze it. If the tobacco feels dry and brittle, then you should buy another cigar.
Be Sure Your Cigars Have the Right Seal
The easiest way to tell if a box of cigars is the genuine article is if their seal is the right one and still in place. If the seal on your box is broken or the ink looks off, then you are most likely looking at counterfeit cigars.
Don’t Buy a Cigar Box with a Plastic Lid
When you buy a box of cigars, they will always come in a nicely packaged box. Don’t purchase cigars sold in wooden boxes with plastic lids, they’re much more likely to be fake.
Make Sure You Have a Humidifier for Your Cigars
When you buy Cuban cigars early in your trip, you will make need to store them in a humidifier to ensure they stay fresh. Since this may be difficult, you should wait until the end of your trip to buy cigars to bring back home.
How to Get Around When Shopping
If buying Cuban cigars is a major focus of your trip, as it is for many, then you will want to spend a lot of time shopping around and visiting the various regions of Cuba to see where the tobacco is grown.
But getting around isn’t always easy, that is unless you ride with us! We are the number one transfer and shore excursion company in the country. Our local guides will help you make the most of your trip and help you hunt down the best cigars.
Contact us today to book a reservation for your party.