Q: ...Cuban Davidoff N'...these cigars are authentic?
Q:Cohiba Lancero's and am wondering if they are FAKE
Q:Bolivar Belicosos

Q: I have received a box of Cuban Davidoff N'1 as a gift. How can I be sure that these cigars are authentic? Thank you. (Johnny K., London. 11/97)

A:You must give us more details about this box : factory and date code, the stamp of Cubatobaco, etc. If any of these elements isn't concurrent, we can conclude that it is not authentic.
For example, if the logo of Habanos S.A. is on the box, you can be sure that it is counterfeited, because Habanos S.A. didn't exist when the last Davidoff N¡1 boxes were made; it was still Cubatobaco back then.
There are very well made imitations. Even when all the above elements seem to be correct, it's not sufficient to proof that the box is authentic. The ultimate proof will be the cigars themselves, the smell, the consistence, the weight, the finish, the old ring -( old rings do not have the same shiny white color, they are a little bit fade).
If you need an official certificate, we recommend that you visit personally one of Davidoff's boutiques or contact Christies in London.

Q: I bought some Cohiba Lancero's and am wondering if they are FAKE. If you have any defining info let me know. THANX. (Erik, Canada 02/98)

A: First, the cigars must be in a wooden varnished box with the Habanos sticker on the side. Engraved on the bottom there must be Habanos logo + the words "HECHO EN CUBA" and "Totalmente a mano" in italics. You must also find the box date code and factory name (example: EL NNSA). The wooden box is wrapped in a carton with two stickers: one for "Republica de Cuba" another for "Cohiba Lanceros".
The ring of each cigar is made of three colors: The black part measures 4.5 mm with square white dots (not round dots) and the yellowish part measures 9 mm. On this part is written in italics " La Habana, Cuba". The dimensions mentioned above are the dimensions of the bands usually used for the Lanceros at El Laguito Factory.
Check the cigar's edge, the lanceros end at the top with a special external node, this is another characteristic of the Lanceros. The ultimate test is the Cuban smell, then the " TASTE ", and you are the one who can tell.
We need more information about the box code you have, the place where the cigars were purchased and of course the price to answer your question with more detail.

Q: I was impressed with your website while I was surfing gathering information regarding Cuban cigar counterfeits. I came across some Bolivar Belicosos through a supposedly "reputable" dealer and assumed by the size it was a Belicosos Finos.
Using my text book references, and through fellow aficionados, the Bolivar seemed genuinely Cuban. The scent prior to smoking displayed the unique stronger odor compared to most premium Dominican brands. When smoking, again the aroma was more pungent, and of course the taste was just as expected for Cubans.
When I replied to the shop owner with my more than satisfied opinion towards the Bolivar Belicosos, I was told that they also (the shop) had other Bolivar Belicosos which measured approxiately one inch longer than the one I tried. Assuming the Belicosos I tried was indeed the Belicosos Finos, I researched all I could find and could not find any other Belicosos that Bolivar produces. Only the Belicosos Finos.
I immediately became sceptical even though I was reassured that this was a new item to the Bolivar inventory. Are manufacturers able to produce different sizes and not have them shown in reference books until the publishing is up to date? Or are these "Belicosos" indeed NOT genuine Cuban Bolivars? If your club has any information concerning these Bolivars I would appreciate finding out.
I am obsessed with any knowledge regarding genuine authentic Cuban Manufactured cigars. Being that there is so much negative information towards Cuban cigar counterfeiting, I was hoping my experience would have been true and honest. Please share any information that you are aware of and I would be deeply grateful. Thank you for your time and dedication to preserving these precious jewels for true cigar connoisseurs to enjoy the whole purpose behind genuine Cuban cigar smoking.
(Nicholas, Hawai 03/98)

A:Many details in your mail reveal that you have a fine connoisseur's palate. Congratulations.
Concerning the Bolivar Belicosos Finos: As you know there is ONE Belicosos Finos from Bolivar, and there are TWO presentations. The first comes in SBN boxes (Semi Boite Nature) and the second is conditioned in a 25 cigars Cabinet. Both have the same size (L = 14cm, G = 2.6cm). The cigars in the SBN have a the Bolivar ring, which is not the case of the Belicosos in Cabinets ( SLB 1/40).
Theatrically, both Belicosos must have the same taste, but we know that the cigars of the Cabinet undergo a higher quality control and are matured in excellent conditions. To date, we confirm that Bolivar does not have any other Belicosos or Torpedo.
The second cigar (assuming the first one is truly a Belicosos Finos) you are talking about might be:

1- A new Cuban Torpedo, but not a Bolivar. In fact, the Cubans have launched many new shapes (Churchills, Torpedos, Robustos) hand-rolled in Cuba, not referenced as a new brand, without rings, and presented in common " Bundle " of 50 cigars with no labels, or in small carton cases of 5 cigars. These cigars have been launched at low prices compared to other famous Cubans. The purpose of this maneuver is to test the market and to offer a wider range of equivalent shapes at a better price.

2- Not a Cuban cigar, or a Fake Cuban.

To conclude, if the merchant is presenting a torpedo shape -(not a Belicoso shape)- as a Bolivar, we can say that the cigars presented are not BOLIVAR.
Replying to your obsession with any knowledge regarding genuine authentic Cuban, we inform you that:
  - There are many counterfeits of Cuban cigars. The Habanos logo and the Cuban Republic warranty are no longer enough to tell if the box is genuine. The best way to recognize a genuine Cuban puros is the feel, the touch, the smell and the taste. We are confident in your expertise in all this.
- Many " fake makers " take advantage of the marketing for a new brand or a special event to launch some professionally counterfeited cigars (as it was for the Cohiba Cristals. These counterfeited "Cohiba Esplendidos", made in Nicaragua and presented in boxes with a glassy top, have been sold in the market - even at la Havana -as special boxes launched for the 30th Cohiba anniversary).
- For more information about counterfeiting, check our report : "Fake or not fake ".