Spotting Fake Cuban Cigars with Expert Max Levitan | The Cigar Standard | Episode 2

Welcome to The Cigar Standard with Nate Janousek. In Episode 2, Nate is joined by Max Levitan, owner of Humidecor and renowned Cuban cigar expert. They light up a 24-year-old 2002 Sancho Panza Belicosos and dive into the wild world of Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are the most commonly counterfeited consumable product in the world. Max shares his expert tips on how to spot fake Cuban cigars, why you cannot always trust verification codes, and how to safely buy from authorized La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers. He also drops some serious knowledge on humidor maintenance, why 65% Boveda packs are king for Cubans, and the sweet spot for aging your collection without risking tobacco beetles. If you are looking to level up your humidor game or want to make sure you never buy a fake Cuban cigar again, this episode is packed with essential advice. -- What we smoke in this episode: 2002 Sancho Panza Belicosos Topics discussed in this episode: How Max got into cigars after quitting cigarettes. New World vs. Cuban cigars and the unique soil of Pinar del Rio. How to authenticate Cuban cigars and spot counterfeits. The best ways to age your cigars for maximum flavor. Humidor temperature limits and avoiding tobacco beetles. -- Like, subscribe, and let us know your favorite Cuban cigar in the comments! -- VIDEO CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro and the 2002 Sancho Panza 1:14 - From Rehab to Cigar Expert 3:03 - The Magic of Cuban Soil 3:57 - Spotting Fake Cuban Cigars 5:11 - Where to Buy Authentic Cubans 8:45 - Don't Trust Verification Codes 11:12 - The Art of Aging Cigars 14:08 - Humidor Maintenance and Boveda Packs 16:07 - Outro and Final Verdict