Hello From Brazil and Asking For Suggestions!

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unadoptedlamp

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 19, 2014
742
1,368
Hey alottalatakia - I have a house in Sao Paulo, and spend some time there each year. The only decent tobacconist I could find was in Moema, Tabacaria Nacional.

They used to get some great imported blends, but they came from a guy who would bring suitcases full of tobacco back from trips, so it was hit and miss. And quite expensive. Same for Cuban cigars. It's outrageous how much they charge.

The last few times I was there, they only had national blends of aromatic burleys, which I didn't find too interesting. I think their "importer" stopped importing.

Know any stores in Sao Paulo that stock good tobacco? I was once caught out and didn't bring enough with me. I had 3 orders in a row from the U.S. returned at the border because of the no imports law and I got so desperate that I went to a voodoo shop and found some pungent rope tobacco to smoke.

Now my suitcase is always packed full when I go, but it would be nice to know of an emergency stash just in case.

Enjoy the summer!
 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,433
I always feel profligate suggesting blends for those outside the U.S. because availability is so spotty and customs can be so high, or the items get sent back or simply appropriated. My best suggestion is to sample in small quantities what is available, and jar whatever you don't like to try again later when it's aged, and when your tastes may have evolved. Focus on what you can purchase, and don't get romanced about what you cannot. Mixing single leaf or blends sometimes produces a blend better than the sum of its parts. Welcome aboard from central North Carolina.
 
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unadoptedlamp

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 19, 2014
742
1,368
There is at least one online shop that will mail to Brasil. Most don't though, because it's straight up not allowed to import tobacco for any reason. Brasil is very protective of almost everything. I don't know why, their domestic tobacco is not very good, on the whole.

In fact, if you wanted an almost free trip to Brasil, you could bring a new macbook or something similar. If you have a buyer lined up, the price you will get for it will nearly, if not completely, pay for your flight down there. It's crazy.

My experience has always been that they are nice enough to simply send tobacco back. There is no fine, for either party. The problem is that even with paying for fast shipping, by the time it clears customs, the fastest I've ever had was 4 weeks. Double that if they inspect it and send it back... I had to triple that time once, and nearly lost my cool.

I've had one of my tobacco orders escorted to my door by armed guards. That was a unique experience in getting mail. Apparently mail couriers were getting bumped off in the neighbourhood, so they responded with pistolas... I wish I had gotten a picture, though they had no idea what they were delivering.

Now I just bring a year's worth in my suitcase and hope for the green light at customs off of the plane. One day they're going to get me... and there's no telling what happens when someone opens up a suitcase with that kind of loot! I have permanent residency status there, but they still give me the willies at the border control.
 

alottalatakia

Lurker
Jul 28, 2019
15
12
Hey alottalatakia - I have a house in Sao Paulo, and spend some time there each year. The only decent tobacconist I could find was in Moema, Tabacaria Nacional.

They used to get some great imported blends, but they came from a guy who would bring suitcases full of tobacco back from trips, so it was hit and miss. And quite expensive. Same for Cuban cigars. It's outrageous how much they charge.

The last few times I was there, they only had national blends of aromatic burleys, which I didn't find too interesting. I think their "importer" stopped importing.

Know any stores in Sao Paulo that stock good tobacco? I was once caught out and didn't bring enough with me. I had 3 orders in a row from the U.S. returned at the border because of the no imports law and I got so desperate that I went to a voodoo shop and found some pungent rope tobacco to smoke.

Now my suitcase is always packed full when I go, but it would be nice to know of an emergency stash just in case.

Enjoy the summer!
Hello!!! I was born in São Paulo and there were good tobacconists there. Nothing left, unfortunately. We make it do with some grey importers, but it works! There's a shop in Ipiranga where you can find good Brazilian blends. They are made here in Brazil with really decent tobacco. The quality is slowly improving and since the base tobaccos are mainly sourced locally you'll have not much trouble getting it. the only caveat is that they need to be ordered in advance and the blender prepare them for you...You can even change the recipes according to your requirements. The blend is called Little Witch- their line includes- A Virginia cake- mainly bright virginias with some orange Va. A VaBur, also cake. A VaPer and a Valatakia. There's also a brand that I'm helping the blender to develop the line. It is called Sinergia- several English Mixtures, some VaBur, a strong Vaper and a Va/orientals. Don't expect nothing brilliant, but many times I was surprised with their results. Bellow I send the links.i hope you can speak Portuguese, otherwise I can help and talk directly to the guys. Finally Cachimbaria- he deals with imported tobacco and can even order some for you. The prices are high though but the delivery is guaranteed.

 
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alottalatakia

Lurker
Jul 28, 2019
15
12
There is at least one online shop that will mail to Brasil. Most don't though, because it's straight up not allowed to import tobacco for any reason. Brasil is very protective of almost everything. I don't know why, their domestic tobacco is not very good, on the whole.

In fact, if you wanted an almost free trip to Brasil, you could bring a new macbook or something similar. If you have a buyer lined up, the price you will get for it will nearly, if not completely, pay for your flight down there. It's crazy.

My experience has always been that they are nice enough to simply send tobacco back. There is no fine, for either party. The problem is that even with paying for fast shipping, by the time it clears customs, the fastest I've ever had was 4 weeks. Double that if they inspect it and send it back... I had to triple that time once, and nearly lost my cool.

I've had one of my tobacco orders escorted to my door by armed guards. That was a unique experience in getting mail. Apparently mail couriers were getting bumped off in the neighbourhood, so they responded with pistolas... I wish I had gotten a picture, though they had no idea what they were delivering.

Now I just bring a year's worth in my suitcase and hope for the green light at customs off of the plane. One day they're going to get me... and there's no telling what happens when someone opens up a suitcase with that kind of loot! I have permanent residency status there, but they still give me the willies at the border control.
Our law allows you to bring 250gr of pipe tobacco. I just got 4 tins (to be on the safe side) of HU tobaccos (absolutely wonderful blends made in Germany, I strongly recommend). No problems.
I had some bizarre stories about tobacco gifts some American friends insist in sending me. All passed, some with taxes added, some not. Once a friend sent 16OZ of a Blend from WatchCity Cigars.., I though I would be jumped by the police. They retained the package, opened it, send to lab analysis. It disappeared from tacking for two weeks. One day the package arrived at my door! Wrapped in customs tape. All tobacco inside ( I weighed it to check). No note, no tax charged... Mystery...and I will never, ever ask why!!
to be on the safe side, just order the locally made blends.., you may like them...
 

diamondback

Lifer
Feb 22, 2019
1,215
1,932
54
Rockvale, TN
Hello from Middle Tennessee.

Since your handle indicates a taste for Lat, and you’re looking for an all-day, plus have mentioned that burley might be nice: C&D’s Morley’s Best. This is my personal favorite of the Runowski blends and it’s available in bulk.

YMMV of course but nonetheless, welcome!

Please keep us updated as to the success of getting blends into Brazil. (My best friend is from Vitoria Brazil, so I extend a double welcome).
 
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alottalatakia

Lurker
Jul 28, 2019
15
12
Thanks everybody for your suggestions...Some blends already arrived!!! and enjoying all of them!
Errm..., actually many of those are quite heavy, but there are more acoming, on the light side. Comoy's cask n.4, n.7, Sutliff Va slices, Red Va ribbon and PS Natural Dutch Cavendish...that will last until New Year's

10960
 
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olkofri

Lifer
Sep 9, 2017
8,033
14,644
The Arm of Orion
Don't you already have some of the finest and strongest ropes already available at your local market, senhor Latakia? ?

Not that I'm saying you shouldn't buy the stuff you're getting. Smoke away! puffy
 
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alottalatakia

Lurker
Jul 28, 2019
15
12
Don't you already have some of the finest and strongest ropes already available at your local market, senhor Latakia? ?

Not that I'm saying you shouldn't buy the stuff you're getting. Smoke away! puffy
Oh.., none of those can compare with our local ropes...! Strength wise... I noticed that they need to be blended with Virginias or a toasted Burley.
 
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