Robert McConnell's reported three separate blends using Cuban leaf are their 100% Cuban, 100% Havana and their Caribe blend, which also consists of Cuban leaf. I have several pipe smoking friends who indicate all three are the same blend. I do not know if this is true or not.
The above blend(s) are not sold in the USA due to the Cuban embargo. Roth was certainly correct in his statement above and his post absolutely has bearing on samanden's query. If McConnell's Caribe does indeed contain tobacco that originated in Cuba, and if the OP lives in the USA, owns a tin and has it in his possession, then he is in possession of contraband. And Piperl12, Roth simply let him know that fact in a nice way. He threw no jabs at anyone or made his post in jest. I read Roth's post and thought he was just trying to be helpful. I know I don't want to waste my time searching the Internet in the hopes of purchasing something that I won't find because it is illegal for me to own.
Best,
Pipestud
Great post Pipestud, many thanks for this clarification, as well as pointing out Roth's helpful intentions, I had no idea that if I had a tin of McConnell's Cuban that it'd be illegal contraband, are these archaic laws still enforced? Do they actually prosecute people for having Cuban bacca? I read something about when Kennedy imposed the embargo in the first place, before it was law, didn't he himself obtain a whole bunch of Cuban cigars?!?!? Typical politician shit.
I've actually considered getting some of the stuff from Germany, because I've been wanting to try their Kentucky and Burley offerings from the "pure tobacco" line...maybe the shop wouldn't send it and tell me it's unavailable in my country?
http://www.cigarworld.de/en/pfeifentabak/pfeifentabak/robert-mcconnell-pfeifentabak-90003858
I noticed that SmokingPipes has recently began offering the McConnell's Pure Virginia, maybe the Kentucky and Burley are on the way too!
I can only hope.
As to the OP's original question, I've smoked a good bit of Pure Caribe. I even enjoy it all by itself, it's pretty damn good, very satisfying and full, although it tends to burn quickly due to its shagginess. It's not exactly a super-strong cigar flavor, I mean the cigar flavor is there, but its not too overwhelming, it has a slight nuttiness as well. It can be added to limp-wristed blends to add backbone without greatly altering the profile too much, one must experiment with the percentages added until one gets it just right for personal preference.
Robt. McConnell (are they made by K&K?) makes some of my fave bacca blends, and I'm really glad they offer these quality straight "pure" versions for all of us to play with.