The big business behind counterfeit Dominican Cigars

 

Dominican cigars are some of the finest rolled anywhere. Popular brands such as Ashton, La Aurora, Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo are all known for the tobacco flavor that is derived from their Dominican cigars, and this is only to name a few. Many of the world’s leading producers and manufacturers of fine smokes rely on tobacco from this region because it is considered among the best in the world by aficionados everywhere.

 

Now you will find a lot of vendors that sell cigars in their stores, on the beach or on the streets of Punta Cana. The BAD NEWS is that cigars sold by these vendors are almost always fake! There is a lot of money and corruption in counterfeit cigars. That’s probably why the Government has done nothing to stop these illegal activities of selling counterfeit cigars to tourists anywhere in the Dominican Republic.

 

The problem with fake cigars is that not only do they taste awful. They can contain worms that will destroy your entire cigar collection should you make the mistake of bringing them back home. Do a google search for Dominican cigars and you will see many places where you can order online and what the real prices are for these. Then, when someone on the beach asks you for $50 for a box of Cohiba you will know they are fakes. A decent cigar will cost at least $4 usd up to $15.00 for a truly superb smoke. You wouldn’t buy a Rolex at a shady store and think it’s real. So why on earth would you think you can buy genuine cigars at unauthorized dealers? Remember: a good cigar is not cheap.

 

So be very careful as there are a lot of fakes out there; many are second-quality made from scraps and sweepings. Buying your cigars from reputable retailers—not on the beach, not in the street, not in someone’s home—is step one to getting a genuine cigar. Like said just as you don’t expect to get a genuine Rolex or a real Louis Vuitton bag for a few bucks off a card table on a New York City street, you’re not going to find a real box of Montecristo—worth anywhere from $300 to $1,000—for $25 from a guy on the beach.

 

Respected brands DO NOT sell to businesses that do not have the proper display and climate conditions (70F/70% humidity). If the cigars are on the beach or outside in the sun on a table, they are definitely NOT ORIGINAL nor of good quality. 


These are recommended places to purchase authentic cigars in Punta Cana:

 

Don Lucas, the area’s largest producer of cigars and selection of world renowned cigars. Complimentary pick up from your resort.
http://donlucascigars.com.do

 

El Rey Caribeno, in La Plaza de Brisas/Bavaro. Handrolled Class-A Cigars and handmade Amber and Larimar Jewlery store. All Cigars handrolled right there, FREE Roundtrip Transfers from all Hotels.
htts://elreycaribeno.com

 

Vivaldi, now located inside the residential complex Cocotal/Bavaro.
http://vivaldicigars.com/

 

Domenico, in Avenida Estados Unidos/Bavaro.
https://richner-cigars.com

 

Other factories in DR not far from Punta Cana:

 

Tabacalera de Garcia – La Romana, Dominican Republic
One of the largest hand-made cigar factories in the world, employing more than 4,000 people. Here you will see the proud handwork of the cigar industry’s most experienced craftsmen and women. Their Cigar Shop carries a wide selection of premium Dominican cigars.

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm | Saturday: 8 am – 12 pm (Tours by appointment only)

 

La Flor Dominicana – La Romana, Dominican Republic
Hailed by Cigar Aficionado as “the most creative manufacturer in the cigar business”, La Flor Dominicana Cigar Factory consistently produces some of the hottest brands on the market today. Come visit the most amazing boutique hand-made cigar factory in the world, all under the watchful eyes of cigar legend Master Blender Jose Seijas.

Daily: 8 am – 6:30pm (Tours open to public)

 

While we don’t think smokers intentionally buy counterfeit cigars, sometimes the allure of finding cigars that are cheaper than the market price can be tempting. Nowadays there is a tendency to wear and show off brands. People exposing an aspirational, high-end lifestyle on social networks focus some of their Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat posts on the brands they wear. Some followers often obtain similar results by buying counterfeit brands, and it can seem to the naked eye as an authentic item. However, clothes and accessories are not in direct contact with your health. Cigars are. So be very careful.