The famous Cuban Cohiba is one of the most coveted and counterfeited cigars in the world. Its rich reputation, unique flavor profile, and high prices have made it a prime target for counterfeiters. This guide will walk you through the distinct features of an authentic Cohiba band so that you can confidently spot a real one when you see it.
1) Holographic Taino Indian Head
At the heart of every authentic Cohiba band is the iconic Taino Indian head. When you look closely, you’ll notice a unique detail—there's a smaller, almost "ghostly" head within the larger one. This “head-within-head” holographic effect is a key indicator of authenticity.
2) Holographic Elements
Beyond the Taino Indian head, holograms of the word “Cuba” and the logo are repeated along the top gilded edge of the band. These holographic elements shimmer under the light and add an extra layer of sophistication that’s challenging to fake.
3) Nine White Squares
A signature of the Cohiba band is its checkerboard pattern of nine rows of white squares. This pattern runs from the top edge down to the solid gold line near the bottom of the band. Authentic bands feature full, intact squares without any partial ones on the top or bottom rows.
4) Repeating Logos
The gilded, holographic top and bottom edges of the Cohiba band display a repeating pattern of the "Cuba" text and the Taino Indian head logo, offering another level of detail that’s hard for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.
5) Embossed Lettering
The name "Cohiba" appears on a white background with a square, gold border, embossed with a rich, metallic gold hue. This lustrous color stands out but is not holographic—a subtle distinction that contributes to the band’s sophistication.
A Brief History of the Cohiba Band
Cohiba’s unique packaging and presentation are deeply tied to its history and identity. Created in 1966 and commercially released in 1982, Cohiba became known for its signature canary-yellow accents and classic black-and-white checkerboard band. At the center of it all is the Taino Indian head, a nod to Cuba’s native tribe, whose name for tobacco—“cohiba”—gave the brand its identity.
The current Cohiba bands, crafted by Vrijdag Premium Printing in the Netherlands, feature a modern design infused with security measures that make counterfeiting incredibly difficult. The larger band incorporates a Behike-style hologram and golden Taino Indian head, displayed prominently above the word "Cohiba."
As explained by cigar expert Gordon Mott in his article "50 Years of Cohiba," the brand's aesthetics have evolved but remained true to its roots:
"Cohiba's labels and bands have evolved, but in one form or another that same Indian head has remained part of the design, even if it has become less prominent over time."
The Evolution of the Cohiba Band
The original Cohiba bands featured a row of white dots on a black background with the word "Cohiba" in black letters and a yellow stripe at the bottom. Over time, these dots transitioned into the square checkerboard pattern we see today. The words "La Habana, Cuba" were also added under the logo, eventually with the "La" omitted to leave "Habana, Cuba" in a gilded, gold style.
Interested in Learning More?
For an in-depth look at the evolution of Cohiba’s aesthetics and history, check out Gordon Mott’s article "50 Years of Cohiba" or watch videos that explore how to spot counterfeits in detail. Becoming familiar with these intricate details can make all the difference between spotting a rare, authentic Cohiba and a cleverly crafted fake.