Cohiba cigar bands

Monday, November 29 1999

Q. I noticed that Cohiba cigar bands differ. Some have a red dot in the "O" while others do not. What's the difference?
- Jim B. in Deer Park, NY
A. Great question. The Cohiba with the "red dot inside the bold black letters is the "officially licensed" blend made ONLY by General Cigar in The Dominican Republic. It's an excellent cigar and gives the Cuban version a good run for its money, too. Anything else labeled "Cohiba," unless you're sure it's a genuine Havana, is a copycat or counterfeit.