Havana Cuba
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God I hope so. I went to the Dominican Republic 2 years ago and managed to sneak back a humidor of really nice Cubans and I'm starting to run low. I would much rather buy them here than try sneaking back more next year lol.
No, I don't believe we will.
They're making it harder and harder to get tobacco grown and produced right here in the United States by U.S.citizens. As far as importing tobacco in, hell they've got one ban in place, I don't see them givin' that up,...as a matter of fact I'd be on the lookout for additional bans.
I had a friend who attempted to carry six Cuban cigars back home a few years ago. He won't do that again. :mrgreen:
They're making it harder and harder to get tobacco grown and produced right here in the United States by U.S.citizens. As far as importing tobacco in, hell they've got one ban in place, I don't see them givin' that up,...as a matter of fact I'd be on the lookout for additional bans.
I had a friend who attempted to carry six Cuban cigars back home a few years ago. He won't do that again. :mrgreen:
Maybe when Castro dies . Until then just carry them over the Mexican border trust me no one is looking .
I hope to visit Havana before the death of Fidel Castro. I'd like to see the sights before any sort of regime change. Maybe next year. Canada has been close to Cuba for decades, that is the only advantage we have on the US when it comes to tobacco.
I can't wait to saunter through the old town and sample the best rum and cigars I can possibly afford. Not to mention it would be an interesting foray back in time, a chance to witness their conditions and get a feel for that slice of history. The proposition of sun and beaches also doesn't sound too bad to a frozen Newfoundlander.
I can't wait to saunter through the old town and sample the best rum and cigars I can possibly afford. Not to mention it would be an interesting foray back in time, a chance to witness their conditions and get a feel for that slice of history. The proposition of sun and beaches also doesn't sound too bad to a frozen Newfoundlander.
Ok,let me be a little more specific,......I have a friend who went to Mexico for a few days....where he purchased six Cuban cigars for a friend. Attempting to carry them across the border he discovered that particular day was the day for his number to come up. 8O
Following a short stay in a stainless steel room with a couple of fine officers and a razor blade, (with which he was forced to cut the cigars to pieces lengthwise in front of the officers), he swore to himself and the heavens above that he would never try that again because it wasn't worth the risk.
He lived to tell about it, as will you,.....but I ain't taking the risk, especially not for anything as un-important as a few good cigars.
My sister in law was not so lucky,....she ended up making several trips back and forth to Texas and spent thousands and thousands of dollars on attorneys and the courts. She lived also. But she's never going back.
Following a short stay in a stainless steel room with a couple of fine officers and a razor blade, (with which he was forced to cut the cigars to pieces lengthwise in front of the officers), he swore to himself and the heavens above that he would never try that again because it wasn't worth the risk.
He lived to tell about it, as will you,.....but I ain't taking the risk, especially not for anything as un-important as a few good cigars.
My sister in law was not so lucky,....she ended up making several trips back and forth to Texas and spent thousands and thousands of dollars on attorneys and the courts. She lived also. But she's never going back.
I wouldn't want to mess with US Customs at the Canadian border, forget about the Mexican one. I've heard of too many people getting detained for accidentally crossing the border - nevermind intentionally smuggling forbidden Cuban goods on your person. A package is one thing; bite the bullet on your losses and move on. I'd be nervous as hell about pulling into the checkpoints and facing those Customs officers, though.
There are legal Cuban cigars available in the USA. Our local B&M has cigars made from pre-embargo Cuban tobacco. The stuff was warehoused in Florida since 1958 and rolled in Central America then re-imported and certified as legal.
The shop also has Cuban cigars that were rolled in 1955 and imported into the USA that same year. Also certified.
I've had both and they are very good. They run around $12-$15/stick which is a great deal considering the prices for Cubans outside the USA. Also, be aware that many "Cuban" cigars sold in Mexico are fakes. So unless someone who knows cigars is buying there's a risk of being ripped-off there.
Anyone interested in these can contact me for the name and number of the B&M in Whitehall, Pa.
Long ashes,
John
The shop also has Cuban cigars that were rolled in 1955 and imported into the USA that same year. Also certified.
I've had both and they are very good. They run around $12-$15/stick which is a great deal considering the prices for Cubans outside the USA. Also, be aware that many "Cuban" cigars sold in Mexico are fakes. So unless someone who knows cigars is buying there's a risk of being ripped-off there.
Anyone interested in these can contact me for the name and number of the B&M in Whitehall, Pa.
Long ashes,
John
I'm not a cigar guy but have a couple friends who are, cigar fantatics more like, from what I gather the Cubans of today are nothing close to the cubans of yesteryear. When you arrive in Cuba, on the streets as a tourist you will be offered several chances to buy the famous Cuban cigar. The vast majority even finely presented in boxes are just cheapos, that may or may not even be made in Cuba. Some say the cigar industry is coming back to it's quality roots in Cuba, but in a slow process. The Dominican Republic IS producing some of the worlds finest. But Cohibas today are not the Cohibas of the 1970's early 80's and later. I on the other hand would love to go to Cuba, just to see the streets filled with old American cars! :D
IMHO Cuban Cigars are overrated.
I spent 6 weeks in Mexico a few years ago.
I bought and smoked a number of varieties while there "in quantity".
To tell you the truth; the economics have had a seriously adverse effect on the Cuban tobacco farmers and the quality has suffered.
You would do well just to save your money and buy good Nicaraguan cigars. They are of a much higher quality... IMHO.
I spent 6 weeks in Mexico a few years ago.
I bought and smoked a number of varieties while there "in quantity".
To tell you the truth; the economics have had a seriously adverse effect on the Cuban tobacco farmers and the quality has suffered.
You would do well just to save your money and buy good Nicaraguan cigars. They are of a much higher quality... IMHO.
Tried one some time back and was not all that impressed. But then I enjoy a cheap nasty Swisher Sweet now and then.
I agree that the Cuban tobacco crops have suffered over the past and that they are overpriced in most markets. But I will say that the Montecristo #2 (torpedo shape) is still one of the world's finest cigars. I have one left and am saving it for that"special"day, whenever that comes.
According to several articles I've read over the last three years, 90% of "Cubans" are fakes. This could possibly account for the “not so greatness” of many "Cuban" cigars.
There are many millions of dollars to be made by going to great lengths to manufacture counterfeits.
Authentic cigars that I have sampled over the years, obtained from friends in other countries, have been nothing short of incredible.
I will never forget the response I got from a good friend in Canada who has been smoking Cubans for decades.
"Buz, how can ya' tell a real Cuban from a counterfeit?"
"That's easy,....as soon as you taste it."
I can attest to that.
There are many millions of dollars to be made by going to great lengths to manufacture counterfeits.
Authentic cigars that I have sampled over the years, obtained from friends in other countries, have been nothing short of incredible.
I will never forget the response I got from a good friend in Canada who has been smoking Cubans for decades.
"Buz, how can ya' tell a real Cuban from a counterfeit?"
"That's easy,....as soon as you taste it."
I can attest to that.
I was gifted a #2 several years ago and saved it for the day I got my 20 years on the Fire Dept. It was a smoke and a day that I will never forget. :mrgreen:
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