I buy Cuban here in Britain, but new world cigars are so good so I end up smoking/buying more Nicaraguan or Hunduran blends. Cuban carry a brand awareness so will allways be in demand
Same here. I live in the North West, where there are only one or two B&M shops nearby. My dad introduced me to Cubans, mostly RyJ and Punch, when I was 16/17yo. I grew up smoking Cubans, but over the last 2-3 years I branched out and tried some New World varieties. My humidors now are 70/30 in favour of New World over Cuban. The massive variety in Vitola, blends, strengths etc is a can of worms I am very happy to open!
That is the deal with any and every counterfeit product. The most popular brand is the go-to template for knockoffs. You see that a lot in states that haven't legalized marijuana with those cannabis vape carts, which are counterfeited and sold in illegal states like crazy. There are some brands that you just want to avoid if a counterfeit is a deal breaker. Unless it is from a trusted source that straight up went to a legal state and smuggled it back.
Tim, retired Air Force and world traveler. I’ve had Cubans all over the globe. Although the high end sticks are very nice, they aren’t the holy grail. What we have here in America is the smorgasbord of fine tobaccos. The market drives innovation and honestly, we (America) are the market. Every producer is trying to capitalize on this American market, and we get the lions share of the best stuff the market produces. I love our country! Market share brings me the very best! Obrigado!
I think Tim has hit the nail on the head with the “forbidden fruit” theory. We all want what we can’t have, whether that’s cigars or any other thing you could think of. I have smoked Cuban cigars (being born and bred in England) since I was 16/17 years old. 2-3 years ago, out of curiosity, I branched out and experimented with New World cigars…and haven’t looked back. My humidors are now 70/30 in favour of New World sticks, mostly Nicaraguan and Dominican sticks, with some Honduran’s thrown in too. Just the mind-boggling variety of every component and element on offer is a can of worms I’m happy to open. Great video.
As a canadian (Quebec), I’ve been to Cuba several times. I can definitely say for myself that my top 3 cigars are cubans (Hoyo de monterrey Epicure #2, Partagas D4 and Romero y Julieta Wide Churchill). They have a distinct signature profil that I really enjoy. However, I can definitely confirm that there are a lot of « new world » cigars that are very very excellent cigars that I enjoy as much, they are only differently good. And so much choices in USA market. I smoke a lot more « new world » cigars, simply because they are more accessible and cheaper. (Cubans in canada are RIDICULOUSLY expensive, I only buy cubans in Cuba). And I compared Cuba’s Cohibas, Romeo y julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey, etc… with the the same non-cuban brands … absolutely nothing in common, totally different cigars. I don’t know why they share the same brand names 🤷🏻♂️.
The names are the same for different reasons depending on the company, but for a lot of companies, the reason is that when communism took hold of Cuba many people fled the country for obvious reasons. This includes cigar makers, who took their brand name with them to different countries. They can try to imitate what they had in Cuba, but they're working with tobacco from a different region, which will impact the flavor, even if they have the original tobacco they used in Cuba that you started growing in whatever country . At the end of the day, all that separates Cuba from all the New World cigars is flavor profile, lesser quality control, and how much they cost to the average consumer.
@@animalyze7120 its probably for just for marketing, in my opinon lol. I tried several times both, and even though, Dominican’s Romeo are great cigars, the Cuban’s are very much superior. But I’ll admit that the gap between Romeo’s is smaller then Cohiba’s for instance. It’s not even funny haha
@@YTWgamer I agree ! I understand they wanted to carry their heritage and keep the name. Its just that it is misleading for the ones that starts and discover cigars and you buy a Cohiba, for instance, thinking it is THE Cohiba (which I think its the cuban cigar that comes in mind when a non-connoisseur think of Cuban’s) and you end up smoking a Dominican’s without knowing, it doesn’t do justice to the prestigious and legendary original Brand. Even worst thing is when it look like a Cuban’s but you got a fake one ! (They are the most counterfeit cigar in the world, even when you buy in Cuba, you really need to be careful, I bought fake one and bought one in an official store and by the look, you can easily get fooled but the taste and construction are way different)
I live in Korea and order cigars from COH in Hong Kong. I used to exclusively smoke Cubans. But now Cubans have just about tripled in price and Habanos SA is having serious supply issues. More to the point, I can smoke great cigars like Olivas and Alec Bradleys for a quarter to a third of the price and get a great smoke. Yes, new world are a game changer.
I live in Eu and some cuban cigars are really good but I prefer New World cigars. Better quality control and the cuban prices are unjustifiably too high.
You can bring Cuban cigars to the US and they have websites you can order authentic Cuban cigars and they will ship them. Not sure why everyone keeps screaming they aren’t allowed in America I get them all the time and usually bring a box or 2 when I come home to the US for personal use. Lastly I will say I have had my fair share of New World Cigars being that I’m from Atlanta Georgia and Cubans when I lived in Kuwait for 5 years and traveled to Dubai often, neither is better than the other I look at it as one is a Ferrari and the other is a Lamborghini. Both are good but give 2 different experiences so it’s just all depends on what mood your in and taste your looking for.
I was about to put a comment in that I believe it is legal to bring a certain quantity of Cubab cigars into the US nowadays. Good that you confirmed that
You used to be able to bring in Cubans starting at the end of the Obama admin and then in I believe at the end of 2017/beginning of 2018, the Trump Admin reverse all the Cuban policies that got changed. You can't bring Cubans into the country anymore.
As a South African with my local cigar retailer stocking both Cuban and "new world". I can honestly say hands down, I prefer the new world cigars. The variety of flavours, quality of construction and the comparative value for money here in SA. Make the vast majority of new world cigars winners in my book. It's a lot harder to get many of the new world cigars as well. Cubans are also less interesting by comparison.
@@lesibamoja1901 Hi there RU-vid keeps blocking my reply to you. Search online for a place with the words South Africa and Club. You'll find the best place.
They have good flavors, generally of Latin coffee, wood/cedar, nuts, black pepper and spice. But I've come to find I like Honduran the most for their full flavors but mild strength. Nicaraguan and Dominican. Sumatran leaf is good too. So, Cubans are good, but nothing to write home about to me now that I've tried a few brands/styles of them. I still have some Partagas Super Partagas and Millie Fleurs in a box in the cabinet.
I agree with some earlier posters and Tim in terms of the “non lightning fast delivery . My “ friend “ordered and received both Partagas Serie D #4 and Ramon Allones Superiones LCDH from reputable Swiss exporters like I Havana”s and Cigars of Habaano”s and received all of them in 3 weeks . My ‘friend asks that the boxes be opened and inspected before shipping . They will age for 12 months minimum. There were no additional import fee’s and the freight is covered by the shipper . Buying Cuban’s may be the newbies version of Coor”s beer , but the taste is different than Nicaragua , Dominican and especially Honduran cigars . “He” hasn’t bought any since the 2x price increases have been announced but prior to that the above sticks came in right about the price point of OPUS . “He may not buy any more at those # ever .. but they’re there is “He” wants one .
Good video! I've been in the military for quite a while now so I've been overseas a few times and have had chances to buy Cubans many times. They are good but like you said and like I tell everyone who asks me there are plenty of other cigars available in the US that are every bit as good or maybe even better than Cubans. For the most part it is the forbidden fruit thing. If they became completely legal in the US they wouldn't be able to keep them on the shelves for a period of time but eventually it would be just like any other cigar. With that I just recently found myself in Germany for a few days and you better bet I picked myself up a few Cubans while I was there. lol
I agree. USA has always been a great market for cigars. My friends that live there told me that for a cigar enthusiast, you guys are really enthusiastic about cigars. If Cuban cigars become legal, you guys would deplete it in no time, and then the same problem arise, the supply cannot meet the demand.
I've smoked a lot of Cuban cigars as well as Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican. Someone stated that Cuban's are just different and not better. I do agree. They do exhibit a smoothness and beautiful aroma. However, their quality control leaves something to be desired but has improved a significant amount since 2008 or so. Given that the prices of Cuban cigars have doubled or tripled over the past few years has cooled off my friendship with those cigars. They also announced even more price hikes recently. So I have begun to get back into smoking Non Cuban cigars that have superior Construction and some stronger tobacco. Oliva, My Father, some Fuentes and Espinosa, top of my list.
This a good video. Every cigar I buy I come to this channel and 1 other channel to see if y'all did a review on them. That helps a lot with information about them.
Couple of details on the legality of Cuban cigars. There is a pretty large gray area in the law when it comes to Cuban cigars. You are allowed to possess them, you are allowed to smoke them; the rules have gone back and forth about bringing them home with you from a trip, until recently you were allowed to bring in less than 100. It is definitely not permitted to purchase and have them shipped into the country (although it happens all the time). For the appeal, I have to admit that I really enjoy Cuban cigars and their medium body and generally low strength profile; though their construction is absolutely terrible. Where they are different, like other countries and region is they have a unique flavor profile because of their location. If you like that profile you really won't find it elsewhere at least not consistently or predictably. Are they "better"? Absolutely not; but they are unique and that's really it. There's nothing mythical or particularly special about them. Get a great cuban and they are something special, the other 95% of them are pretty run of the mill, mid-grade cigars that now carry an exorbitant price tag.
I’ve had a few Cuban cigars as of late, the flavor is something different.as you’ve stated it is just the forbidden thing that we always want. But it doesn’t compare to to padron 1926 or 64’s
I live in Mexico and I buy Cuban cigars in Casa del Habano owned by Habanos SA and from Duty Free shops when I travel. I also buy cigars from USA and of course the ones made in Mexico. I can tell you that I liked less than one third of the different cubans I tried, and I noticed that quality of construction is not always the best given the high price tag. Having said so, some of my favorite cigars are cuban, mostly Trinidad, Cuaba, H Upmann and some Cohibas.
Honestly, when they ever become legal in the United States I will gladly give them a shot. If I like them I will buy more lol. But I’m not in a hurry. We have so many different blends out there and new cigar makers starting all the time. There is plenty to keep me busy trying new stuff until that happens.
If you have smoked a real Cuban, the flavor is unmistakable. I love New World Cigars, my daily. Yes Cuban Sticks are expensive, so are Opus x, Padron and so on. One last thing, If you go to Cuba and buy any cigar, it is not fake, still Cuban tobacco, it may be a fake name brand.
The very first time I walked into a cigar shop I was talking with the people there and asking general cigar questions and eventually they mentioned Cubans and being illegal and I asked what the big deal was and if they're better and they all agreed they're only sought after for being illegal so since then I haven't been looking and I just enjoy the vast variety I can get here.
I think Cubans are worth trying, but don't think you're missing out if you haven't gotten the chance to try one yet. I managed a cigar lounge and came across quite a few Cubans, thanks to the relationships I built with reps and customers. H. Upman made the best Cuban, in my opinion, but the best cigar from recent memory I had was the Zino Platinum Crown 2020 limited. Ecuadorian Habono wrapper with a Dominican/Honduran blend. Man, that was the most perfect smoke. There's lots great cigars in the states, many of which might be a world changing smoke for you.
I have a humidor full of cubans and love them. However, I've been smoking Perdomo, Leaf, Estell and Fuentes and love them as well and my humidor is full of them too.
As a U.K. smoker I think the whole Cuba v new world thing is clearly a bigger deal for you guys. Here we mostly smoke Cubans because… well just because we can. New world smokes here in the U.K. are probably a bit more niche, often for the smoker who either wants to be a bit different or is more budget conscious (not in all cases but a lot more than in the states). I also see so many comments online from Americans saying “Cubans are overrated” “I had a Cuban and it was terrible” “I can get a $7 Nicaraguan that’s way better than a Trinidad” etc etc unless all these people were seriously unlucky I’m guessing they smoked a fake.
I agree that the hype is about the “forbidden fruit” in many instances. I got my start into the cigar world when I lived abroad and Cuban cigars were practically the only option. I enjoyed them and still enjoy them now-there’s definitely a different profile to them, in general. I get them from my long time tobacconist. But I don’t necessarily thinks it’s better or worse, just different. I encourage people to try them when they’re over for a herf just so the itch can be scratched. That being said, my favorites are from DR, and Fuente line. We do live in a golden age where we have so many options.
Not trusting packaging and marketing is the first step in sentient realization. I don't know anyone that feels like we're missing out because we don't have genuine Cuban sticks. I would imagine that it's like finally meeting your hero. Once the introductions are done, the let down can be depressing. Saka has me covered so I'm good to go :). Yes, there are lots of other fine sticks to enjoy to have a broad spectrum and we are fortunate in this for sure. I even have a great friend in Europe who sends me sticks I don't see here. I definitely don't feel like I'm missing out by not having a "real" Cuban. Try an Oscar...that's all grassy meadow and hay and leaves. Close enough, I guess.
Living in Arizona and not a chaser of Cuban's...Great video on all the confusion of Cuban Cigars....So much good in the United States...Cheers Brother...
I’m from Malaysia but I spend half my year in the U.S. and a quarter traveling. I like some Cuban Cigars like the Partigas Series D and P. But my top 3 favorites are new worlds. Undercrown 10, Plasencia Alma Del Campo. And Camacho Triple Maduro.
In the UK, I can get genuine Cubans in the Supermarket (Waitrose). I can easily get them in my local shop. I CHOOSE to smoke predominantly New World - Nicaraguan in particular. I prefer the variety of taste that Nica/DR/Brazil/Honduras leaf offers.
Good shit, Tim. You answered a ton of my questions. I always go back to "what's the big deal on Cuban cigars?" Call me crazy but the RP A-10 hits just fine for me :)
Cubans are legal to bring back into the US for personal use. Shipping of Cuban cigars are legal to purchase and have shipped from countries outside of Cuba to the US.
Hey great, do you have any data to refer to? The embargo was adjusted back to its original status (cuban goods begin totally illegal), so if something has changed since then, I would love to know about it.
They’re definitely still illegal and customs can seize if they want to. It just seems like they don’t care about them anymore. There are still stories of them being seized on Reddit but it rarely happens and in most cases the vendor will refund you or send another box.
I am 55. Have smoked everything that is smokeable…and a few that were not worth mentioning. If you have smoked cigars forever like I have and you live in a place where Cubans (Europe, Monaco) are readily available, as are new world, you will not need to choose, you just go for what the best is. I tried new world and it’s just not an item for me.
My first ever cigar was a Cohiba Siglo II I bought a the duty free in Spain. I bought a pack of three tubos for a wedding. I loved them so much I became a cigar smoker. I don't really smoke cubans anymore because here in the UK, they're way too expensive, so I buy the new world stuff and don't really miss the cubans at all, and just to confirm, we do get a bit jealous of some of the special editions, exclusive blends and smaller boutique brands that only people in the U.S. have access to.
Well, I'll say this, I live in Japan, I often buy Cubans, I like Arturo fuente, AJ Fernandez, oliva and etc, but Cubans are pretty damn good, most Cuban brands have a tight draw, but I do like Cuban montecristo, Bolivar and Cohiba, really good stuff, can't say Cubans are better than non Cubans, but both have a space and relevance in my humidor. Something about Cubans that other brands can't replicate
It's definitely a forbidden fruit thing. I'll be going on a cruise in November that stops at Cozumel where they now have a La Casa Del Habano. So I will definitely smoke at least one real Cuban cigar from there, but it won't be the first time I have had Cubans. Tried a couple in Toronto from a reputable tobacconist and one was was very good and one was not so much. I'm happy with the legal cigars that we get here in the States.
La casa del habano shops sell real ones and duty free at airports in certain countries as well I bring a few back in my carry on all the time (not supposed to I know but nobody ever says anything) They aren’t the best cigars now a days plenty better here in the states but they are some of the most smooth and flavorful cigars.. my wife doesn’t smoke cigars but she will if I light up one of my Cubans it’s something about the taste.. great video man
From what a person told me as I wouldn't ever do this, but some people bring Cuban cigars back to the US, using this method. 1) Purchase non-Cuban cigars; 2) purchase that same ring size, length and amount of Cuban cigars. (you can bring 100 cigars through Customs with no tax); 3) remove the bands from the Cuban cigars, put them in an envelope and mail them to yourself. Now you have unbanded cigars and a receipt of purchase of non-Cuban cigars. 4) declare the cigars at Customs, show them the receipt and they let you pass every time as there is no way to prove they are Cuban cigars. 5) when your home, put your bands back on your cigars and put them in your humidor.
Hey Tim very cool. I’m always interested in Cuban Cigars just to see what there about and the only place I buy them is Montefortuna recommend by CO Obsession. But still how do I know if there authentic 🤷🏻♂️
Sadly, unless you're buying, in person, from an authorized dealer there is no way to be absolutely sure. It's a danger you run when you shop online for products that might be counterfeit.
It's very easy for Tim to claim fake cuban and there are tons out there he's not wrong. But it doesn't benefit us dealers if you buy cubans it means you're not buying their products. Montefortuna doesn't sell fake cigars. Even dutchcigars used to get cigars there and they own lcdh now who you can also order from. Lots reputable cuban dealers out there, and they didnt get there selling counterfeit cigars. Remember us dealers are biased in this regard.
Glad to be beginning my journey of a cigar hobby. Got some great selections of cigars from Foundation Cigars, Drew Estate, Cohiba, and Arturo Fuente. Also going to Curaçao in June and will be planning to smoke a couple of cubans while I'm down there. Any recommendations of the best beach cigars besides a cuban?
One of the great things about living in So Cal is our proximity to Mexico. Local B&M's here, once they know you, all seem to have Cubans. Getting one is no problem. I just picked up 2 cohiba Lonsdale. They all get them from LCDH. They are good and great to have in your humidor for that moment, but like u stated, New World cigars are so amazing and I find myself searching more for a new flavor from either Nicaragua or Honduras and even the Dominican.
Great info. Was fortunate enough to travel to Cuba in 2015 and bring back a few boxes. Last year went to the DR, and as you say, the COHIBAS were fake in one of the finest shops in the DR.
My go to cigar retailer here in Australia just sent an email to inform their subscribers that Habanos, the global distributor of Cuban cigars, will soon be increasing their prices between 10 and 200 percent, which will likely further impact their market globally.
yeah, I have been reading about this. It's going to be interesting to watch... especially as taxes on cigars throughout the world already make make the cigars 3x - 5x more expensive than they are through most of the US.
Cubans are the smoothest in my opinion. Nicaraguan cigars have much more spice and have fuller flavors if you are into a flavor bomb….Cubans are grown in Cuba whereas other cigars are a melting pot of crops from different nations. I am biased as a cuban american but having a cuban is a treat in the US…that taste you cannot replicate but i get it many people want the stronger stuff..nice video
Living in the United Kingdom and having cuban cigars readily available is a great commodity. However, we do play a premium for them. The United Kingdom have multiple companies that import these Cuban cigars before selling them to distributors, who will quality check them. The boxes get stamped with an EMS certification (English marketing standard) such companies have been created for the pure reason that Cuban cigars are notorious for having bad quality sometimes. Although this drives the price up for the consumer here in the UK, every time I buy a Cuban cigar from a brick and mortar I’ve never been disappointed with its quality or construction.
I got a cuban cigar from a buddy who was in cuba as a retirement gift. It's in my humidor. I was just thinking that it could still be a fake. I love all the varieties we can get here, so I'm saving that cigar when my buddy and I get together again.
I have brought back cuban cigars quite a few times, if you're traveling with a female, tampon packaging makes great cigar hiding spots lol My opinion is that they are different, but not necessarily better. It all comes down to preference. I keep a few in my humidor just for bragging rights but that's about it.
Very well said. Ever since I started smoking cigars, all my buddies talk about "is that a Cuban?!" Like no... Granted, do I want to try a Cuban? Sure. It's the allure of not being able to get them. Am I in a rush to buy them, especially at their price points? Absolutely not. One day I'll have my chance, but it won't be today. Until then, I'll enjoy the world of variety that we have offered to us here.
I agree we have the most amazing blends available here. I'm in Michigan and have smoked many Cubans while in Canada, they're good but we have comparable blends and even better blends available here in the US. The madness is mind blowing 🤯
In Europe even cello less cigars are sold in cello because of the warning labels. And in Hungary for example you can only buy tobacco products at tobacconist "specialist" stored that all have the same supplier. (This does not mean that most tobacconists know how to store cigars thought, for those wanting to come to Budapest)
Cuban tobacco definitely has a very distinct flavor profile. It's all about preference really. Personally, I really enjoy certain Cubans enough to put a few at the top of my "all time favorites" list. Are they worth the price? Now days, no. Additionally, Non-cuban cigar quality has come a long way over the past 10-15 years as well. There are newer "new world" cigars that are better than most Cubans for a fraction of the price, IMO.
Completely agree with Tim regarding variety of new world available in the US. Add to this the amount we’re taxed on the UK, I’m jealous. An 8 dollar stick in the US retails £20+ here. Add to this that although we can get cubans, they’re still so rare and sought after they go for silly amounts £130+ for a single siglo VI if you can find it. Grass isn’t always greener, but great to share this hobby with international friends.
I'm a truck driver that goes into Canada all the time and I bring back Cubans constantly just pull the bands off them and put them in a regular cohiba box boom they never know
Cubans are the best. The flavors, aromas and overall profile of the cuban tobacco is just different. I have smoked cubans only for more than 2 decades. The last few months I have tried anything and everything that people recommend that is non Cuban but with a similar profile. Nothing Non Cuban even comes close. Non Cuban cigars have come a long way for sure but there i still something missing. There are even a few non Cubans that I enjoy enough to buy boxes of. It's nice to enjoy some cheaper sticks while the real cubans age. IMO Cubans really shine when they get some age on them and that is really the key. Partagas and H Upmann need a minimum of 5-7 years before they show their true colors.. They are good fresh as well but with age they turn into something spectacular. My understanding is that Tatuaje is producing cigars that will be good now but great with 2 years or more of age on them. I wont really know for about 2 years how true that is. Others have mentions some other brands and I agree with them. Several other brands are putting out very good cigars. Even my cuban palate can enjoy some of them. Hopefully one day the Non Cuban producers who price themselves on coming from Cuba and bringing that experience with them, can also figure out how to manipulate the tobacco to produce that Cuban profile. When they get that sorted out they will have a winner.
They're actually not outlawed exactly....if you buy Cuban cigars outside of the US, but NOT in Cuba, you can bring them through customs just fine. You're limited to 100 cigars. I've brought authentic Cubans home from Mexico and Canada, purchased Duty Free, sealed w/Habanos labels and still have them in my humidor. Perfectly legal to bring into the USA as long as you don't buy them in Cuba.
This is great advice 👏 I have found many Cigars to be great tasting and they don't have to be $20 sticks. Americans seem to think, that the more they pay, the better they are. Keep challenging all of us to think about what is important 🤔
to me cigars coming from honduras have been my favorite, as someone highly involved in black market distribution of many things i ocassionally find a source for cubans, or have them given to me as a gift from people who deal in other types of contraband. overall ive been fairly unimpressed with them on the whole and have really only smoked them when they are given to me. though due to my involvement in contraband the people ive gotten them from have been pretty reliable and i have no doubt they are real. my mother bought a bundle of 50 cubans for me when she went on a cruise in mexico. once again found them to be average at best.
I enjoy both. Cubans have a unique flavor and aroma you can’t find anywhere else. So, it’s ok to enjoy Cubans because they’re different, but probably not the best. Maybe though.
I bring in multiple boxes of Cubans of Cuban cigars every month from habanos in Panama or Bogata. These are officially licensed Cuban cigar retailers. You still can check the barcode numbers with habanos online. Cuban cigars have great flavor but definetly more chance for errors in construction and cigar beetles. New world cigars are by far the smarter choice but to me it’s hard to replicate the flavor of Havana. Is it worth the difference in price. Up to the buyer. They are easy to bring back into the country. No problems.
American opinion with experience: For other Americans out there clamoring for the cuban cigar... understand we really are lucky to have what we have in America! I served 9 years in the Navy, therefore I was afforded the opportunity to try Cuban cigars from around the world. Cuban cigars are good, and if you can try one you should...if not just to knock it off a bucket list; but when you visit cigar shops around the world, everything on the shelves overseas are Cubans. Even with the excitement of cubans around me inside the store, I realized that the lack of variety that you grow accustomed to in America, shouldn't be taken for granted. Cigars available in America really do offer a wholly unique flavor experience that take you on a far more tasty journey than my experience with cubans. What I can say about cubans are that they are, for the most part, rather smooth. But don't expect much more than 3 flavors or so (give or take) throughout the entire smoke. Cigars in America take you on a journey of ebs and flows that are far more of an experience than their cuban counterparts. If you can try an authentic one, try it. But you are far more lucky in a sense to have what you have in America now. For what its worth my favorite Cuban cigars were the Cohiba Behike and the Cohiba Maduro 5. Happy cigar smoking, all.
From the UK and I can get Cubans easily. They're not particularly special. There are many NW cigars that are on the same level as Cubans. I enjoy Oliva and Montecristo for example, there's a greater variety with NW too. It's worth mentioning that cigars over here are VERY expensive, what may be $5 in the U.S. can be £15-£20+ for one cigar. I'd much rather have the U.S. markets variety and their prices.
I have family in Zürich and used to get get Cubans all the time. At one point I was the “I only smoke Cubans” guy. But no longer. They’re great and I think people that complain about construction issues are either getting fakes or lower tier Cubans from Mexico. The moral of the store is- Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican and Cuban cigars are all incredible, and at this moment in time I’ll take convenience over anything plus last I checked Cubans are like double what I was paying a few years ago!
Oliva O Nicaraguan is my favorite, I have had one Cuban from Canada a bit too much like leather for me or is this because I am just used to the American selections.
I agree the brands are well established when it comes to cubans. Also at Maybourne hotel in beverly hills LA they serve and sell cuban cigars at their cigar bar. Brand new 2021 cubans from Laguito and Partagas factories.
Hi Tim enjoyed the video. Would like to make a suggestion. In your background and I don’t mean to be picky but would it be possible for you to put the flag on the other side where it is on your left looking at you and on your right from behind. Thanks my friend and always be safe. If you check the placement out and I am wrong please let me know.
I never had an issue bringing to US from duty free shop. Always buy a few boxes when I fly overseas. Even claim it to customs. They just ask how many boxes. Usually 2-3. All good.
I am not even remotely curious about Cuban cigars. I have heard plenty of others say the same thing you said about the variety we can get now as opposed to what you could get from Cuba. My opinion why there is a demand is that it's something we're not allowed to get so there is a natural human response to do it.
I’m in Australia and fairly new to the cigar scene so I’m still trying to Find what works on my palate. So far I’ve tried Partagas and Trinidad’s and they are up there in my top pics. And I’ve tried quite a few Dominican, Nicaraguan’s and Honduras brands.
I have smoked Cubans and still have some in my humidor that are 18 yrs old. I will tell you that an Andalusian Bull, a Padron 1826 or an Olivia Medrano V , in my estimation , are just as good, if not better. I would also put a Placencia Alma Fuerte up against my Cuban. My opinion only.
Hey Tim, I never had an interest in Cuban cigars. One thing I have been looking for was this amazing coffee cigar I had in Ybor City in Florida which happened to also be my first. I didnt get into the hobby until a couple years later. It was so many years ago and I can't remember the name of it so I have been searching all the different types of coffee cigars.
Been enjoying D-4’s and Monti 2’s for 25 years. With the huge price increases I have to move on. The new search for what I like will be fun but I would appreciate any suggestions from the group.
I've had quite a few Cuban cigars, most of which I think were the real deal. Other than a single Cohiba which I really liked, all the rest were only so-so. I prefer Nicaraguan cigars by far.
I buy and smoke Cubans here in Canada and they are fantastic, great construction, burn ash, and flavour. Yet I only keep a few on hand because the variety of flavour compared to the rest of the cigar world isn't there (plus they cost double almost any other cigar). I don't think that they are any better or worse, I think they were just a bar for the new world of cigars to reach and in some cases I think they may have surpassed the Cuban masters.
I had a Cuban from a cigar shop from Cancun. And a Cuban cigar my dad's friend got me from Cuba. They both tasted the same. There were good and mild. I prefer central American cigars. I don't know if they were fakes. But if they were fakes they were quality fakes.
As a Brit where about half of the cigars I smoke are Cuban, I can confirm that American cigars are very highly coveted, and while not impossible to get they’re certainly much harder to get than Cubans
Made a work trip to Canada a few years back, and had my driver stop at a cigar shop before heading to the airport. Bought about a half dozen different “affordable” Cubans and brought them home in my luggage. Wasn’t aware at all what the rules were. Figured the worst thing might be that they were taken by customs. Nothing happened, and I successfully “smuggled” them in 🤣. Smoked all but one (which I shared with a cigar smoking buddy). Verdict: They were ok. Not a one was what I would consider exemplary. Maybe it was the specific cigars I bought, but I purposefully chose different brands and sizes to have some variety. Even saved the bands for a time, but eventually discarded them as there wasn’t anything I would chose over the cigars I usually smoke. Moral of the story, for me anyway, the grass isn’t greener in Cuba. Support your local cigar shops. Buy for value online when it makes sense (like the Black Friday deals I just scored), and smoke what you like. Don’t be lured by the “legends” about Cuban cigars. Like many other stories, they just grow bigger over time.
So are the Cohiba Nicaragua cigars that are in a glass tube with a cork legitimate? Are they the same Cohiba brand but a different branch with tobacco grown in Nicaragua?
Had a friend bring me a Cohiba from a factory tour. I smoked it alongside an identical Cohiba from my local shop. I tried to find a difference in aroma, flavor, draw, etc. and I couldn’t find it. My bad someone else can, but not me.
Would love to buy some,.. Ones I got last year are finally a year old, but now it’s double the price!! Even triple for some brands so I’ll be waiting till they drop back down
I made a trip to mexico in October 2021, and had zero problems bringing Cuban cigars in to the United States. The customs guy even asked me if I brought anything back and i responded "yes! I bought some Cuban cigars." Dude at customs said "ok, have a nice day." I bought about $400 worth as well. Again they had no issue. Did something change since then?
As always brother, a very entertaining video! I agree, you are spot on. I've been given several "Cuban" cigars and a couple of them may have been real, but most of them were obvious fakes. I think the last time I saw actualy stats it said something like 95% of all "Cuban" cigars in the US are fake.
In the military, I've smoked real cuban sticks in a few different countries, and it's all hype! The grass is definitely not greener, especially if you are a beginner.
Good video, even though I’m not interested in a Cuban. I like a lot of what the local B and M has and of course Cigars Daily. I won’t buy from a liquor store or gas station though, ever.
My local liquor store (more like a Costco for liquor), has some pretty good cigars in their humidor (Rocky Patel, Padron, etc.), but you pay a premium for the convenience.
I do enjoy the cubans but with the new prices that hit europe recently I felt compelled to explore the new world sticks. I admit, it took awhile to find one that I really enjoyed. Camacho Connecticut is my new go-to-cigar. Anyone who usually go for cubans; try that camacho. I was really amazed by it.
