Why i am writing about this?

I just encountered a new brand in South Africa and when i confronted the person of the brand in question, it was clear to me that he had no clue what he was selling.. using the excuse that he has been smoking for 40 years. 

On this specific new brand, i actually know where it was made as I had access to pictures of the box last year, and i know exactly what tobacco is put in those cigars, and no, its not Cuban grown tobacco..

Smoking cigars for X amount of years does not corresponde to knowledge!

While i do not like to denigrate any cigar brand, i find it highly frustrating when a person decides to sell something out of the blue without knowing exactly what they selling and specially when its based on lies, the South African market is small, not dumb.

To the person in question: I Wish you all the best on your sales!

I hope you will find this article interesting =) 

Beware the smoke and mirrors: Why you should think twice before buying from sketchy new cigar brands

In the world of cigars, where tradition and craftsmanship reign supreme, it’s easy to get excited about a shiny new brand promising exotic blends and unbeatable deals. But as any seasoned aficionado knows, not all that glitters is gold—or in this case, not all that smokes is premium tobacco.

Today, I’m diving into a growing concern: dubious new cigar brands popping up with zero backstory, shaky explanations about their origins, and red flags that scream “buyer beware.” Drawing from industry insights and common pitfalls, this article aims to arm you with the knowledge to spot these imposters and protect your palate (and your wallet).

The Allure of the Unknown:  Why New Brands Can Be Risky

New brands enter the cigar market all the time, often riding the wave of social media hype or flashy marketing. While innovation is great, many lack the transparency and heritage that define reputable cigar makers.

Without a solid background story—think family-owned farms, generations of expertise, or verifiable partnerships—these brands can leave consumers in the dark. And when their narratives don’t add up, it’s often a sign of something amiss.

Take, for instance, brands that claim impossible sourcing. If a company boasts about using Cuban tobacco but says it’s rolled elsewhere, like Panama, that’s a massive inconsistency.

Why? Because Cuba strictly controls its tobacco industry, and raw leaf tobacco isn’t exported for use in non-Cuban cigars.

This isn’t just trivia; it’s a legal and logistical reality stemming from Cuba’s state monopoly on tobacco production and the U.S. embargo, which further complicates global trade.

If a brand peddles this story, they’re either misinformed or misleading you—neither of which inspires confidence in what’s inside that wrapper.

Red Flags in the Blend: Inconsistencies and Lack of Expertise

Beyond sourcing tall tales, watch for brands where the owners seem clueless about basic industry terms. A prime example is not knowing what a “master blender” is.

In the cigar world, a master blender is an expert who selects and combines different tobaccos to create a balanced, flavorful profile—much like a chef crafting a signature dish.

These pros often have decades of experience, apprenticing under legends and honing their craft in places like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, or Honduras.

If a brand owner can’t explain this role or claims to handle blending without credentials, it’s a clear signal they’re not the real deal. Specially when they have no knowledge of what is used in the construction of their prized cigar! Ask questions about what filler, binder and wrapper is used, from which region, what seeds were used.  

These inconsistencies aren’t isolated; they often point to broader issues like subpar quality control or even counterfeit products. Reputable brands proudly share details about their blenders, farms, and processes.

Sketchy ones? They dodge questions or spin vague yarns, leaving you with a cigar that might burn unevenly, taste off, or worse, contain low-grade filler masquerading as premium leaf.

Social Media Smoke Screens: Followers Don’t Equal Legitimacy

In today’s digital age, Instagram is a go-to for cigar brands to showcase their wares. But here’s a tip: scrutinize those follower counts.

A profile with just four posts but a whopping 100,000+ followers? That screams bought bots or fake engagement.

Real growth comes from consistent content, community interaction, and organic buzz—not overnight explosions that suggest paid services inflating numbers. Tools and experts often highlight telltale signs like low engagement rates (few likes or comments relative to followers) or suspicious follower demographics.

If a brand’s online presence feels artificially pumped up, it’s worth questioning their overall authenticity.
This isn’t about gatekeeping; it’s about protecting enthusiasts from disappointment.

Fake followers can create a false sense of popularity, luring in buyers who assume high numbers mean high quality. In reality, established brands like Arturo Fuente or Padron build their reps through years of genuine fan love, not algorithmic tricks.

How to Protect Yourself: Tips for Smart Cigar Shopping

So, how do you navigate this minefield? Here are some practical steps to ensure you’re getting the good stuff:

• Research the Backstory: Look for brands with transparent histories. Check their website for details on farms, blenders, and production. If it’s all vague buzzwords, walk away.
• Verify Claims: Cross-check sourcing stories against known facts. Remember, authentic Cuban cigars are made entirely in Cuba—anything else using “Cuban” tobacco is likely bending the truth.
• Engage with the Community: Join forums like Reddit’s r/cigars or Cigar Aficionado discussions. Fellow smokers often call out shady brands based on real experiences.
• Start Small: If you’re tempted by a new brand, buy a single stick from a trusted retailer rather than a whole box. Taste test and see if it lives up to the hype.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off—be it inconsistent stories, lack of expertise, or suspicious social stats—there’s probably a reason.

At the end of the day, cigars are about enjoyment, relaxation, and sometimes a touch of luxury. Don’t let opportunistic newcomers spoil that with their smoke and mirrors.

Stick to brands with proven track records, and you’ll avoid the burn of regret.