Is my Cohiba cigar a fake?

A: If you’re asking if it is a fake Cuban, yes. But then, it clearly states on the band that was made in the Dominican Republic, so at least they’re being somewhat honest, even if they might have fooled you with the band.

There are many “faux” Cohiba cigars produced in the DR, not to mention the genuine counterfeits that are supposed to fool customers into believing they have purchased “true” Havanas. Personally, I stay away from them, but have experimented with a couple on occasion.

Here’s the deal, and I’ve touched on this in similar questions past: If you want a genuine Cuban Cohiba, you’ll have to buy one in a country that sells them legally. If you want a genuine Dominican Cohiba, trademark issues aside, you’ll have to buy the version made by General Cigar with the red dot. They are definitely the best in quality and flavor made outside of Havana.

Finally, I don’t know what you paid for the cigar, but if it tasted good, smoked well, and you enjoyed it, the least you can do is chalk it up to a positive experience.