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Introduction: The Global Cohiba Counterfeit Problem

Cohiba is the most counterfeited cigar brand in the world. With non-Cuban versions (like Dominican “Cohiba”) muddying the waters, even experienced smokers get fooled.

This guide will teach you:
✅ How to spot fake Cohibas in seconds
✅ Key differences between Cuban vs. non-Cuban Cohiba
✅ A gallery quiz to test your eye (answers at the end!)

(Spoiler: By the end, you’ll never overpay for a fake again.)

1. The Two Types of “Fake” Cohibas

A. Non-Cuban Cohiba (Legal but Misleading)

• Made in: Dominican Republic (by General Cigar)

• Legal? Yes—but NOT authentic Cuban Cohiba.

• How to ID:

  • Band says “Cohiba Red Dot” or “Cohiba Nicaragua”

  • No “Habana, Cuba” on label

  • Cheaper ($10-$25 per cigar)

B. Counterfeit Cuban Cohiba (Illegal Scams)

• Sold as: Fake Behikes, Siglos, or Espléndidos

• Red Flags:

  • Sloppy holograms

  • Misspelled words (“Habano” vs. “Habana”)

  • Too-good prices ($50 for a “Behike”)

2. Real vs. Fake Cohiba: Side-by-Side Gallery

Take the quiz! Which of these is real? (Answers at the end.)

1. Band Holograms

(Left or right?)

Clue: Real Cohibas have crisp, shifting holograms. Fakes look blurry.

2. Taino Head Logo

(Real one has sharper details—which is it?)

Clue: Authentic bands show clean lines in the Taino’s face.

3. Wrapper Quality

(One has visible veins—does that mean real or fake?)

Clue: Cuban Cohibas use aged, vein-free wrappers.

(Scroll down for answers!)

3. How to Avoid Fake Cohibas: 5 Expert Tips

1. Check the Source

• Buy from: LCDH (La Casa del Habano) or trusted online retailers.

• Avoid: Street vendors, auction sites, “too cheap” deals.

2. Study the Band

• Real Cohiba:

  • Gold embossing feels raised

  • “Habana, Cuba” under Taino head

  • Holograms shift when tilted

3. Inspect the Cigar

• Fake signs:

  • Uneven cap

  • Glue stains

  • Rough wrapper

4. Price Reality Check

• Real Behike 52: $100+

• Fake Behike 52: “$50” (🚩 scam)

5. Verify the Box

• Real: Serial number matches Habanos seal.

• Fake: Sticker labels, no barcode.

4. Quiz Answers

1. Holograms: Right is real (left is pixelated).

2. Taino Head: Left is real (right is smudged).

3. Wrapper: Left is real (right has thick veins).

How many did you get right? Comment below!

5. What About Non-Cuban Cohiba?

General Cigar’s “Cohiba Red Dot” (Dominican) is legal but not the same.

Verdict: Non-Cuban Cohibas aren’t “fake”—but they’re not authentic Cuban.

6. Share Your Experience

Got fooled by a fake Cohiba? Share your story in the comments—we’ll feature the wildest scams in our next update!

👉 Want real Cohibas? Shop Verified Cuban Cohibas Here