Some of the best cigars in the world come from Cuba. The island produces over 90 million cigars a year, which may make choosing the best Cuban cigars tricky. Purchasing an authentic stick at a good price takes a little research, but we’ve gotten you started with this article.
What Makes Cuban Cigars So Special?
Cuba is venerated for its cigars largely due to its traditions and the quality product born from that long history. The island’s climate allows it to grow quality tobacco for the filler, binder, and wrapper of a cigar. In this environment, a flavorful cigar with notes of sweet hay and earth is born. When lit, the leaves produce a thick grey ash that gives smokers an even, slow burn. A trip to Cuba is sure to be an amazing experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant culture; and it would be perfectly punctuated with a cigar purchase.
Buying a Best Seller
Just as you would plan your itinerary, your hotel, and your flight, you need to plan your shopping excursion. Start with knowing your own flavor profile and the best sellers in those categories.
Mild cigar smokers will enjoy the creamy flavor of Fonseca’s cigars. If a medium palette is your favorite, then Romeo Y Julieta has a large portfolio to explore. If you want to splurge, try a Cohiba Siglo VI. It consistently cracks the top 25 list for well-known cigar reviewers. Montecristo Platinum is a popular stick by a lauded brand. It was created specifically for smokers interested in a full-bodied cigar.
Authenticity
Cuban cigars are widely seen as a luxury item, like a designer handbag; and like designer bags, they are sometimes counterfeited. To make sure you’re purchasing be mindful of three things: location, brand and markings.
Location
Street-side markets are notorious for trying to pass off cheaply made cigars as authentic Cubans, so always buy from a reputable store. When in doubt, just buy from the distributor directly. Many farms have visitor’s centers and gift shops? Romeo Y Julieta and Partagas both have factory stores that are guaranteed to sell genuine Cubans.
If you try a cigar on your trip and want to buy more when you return home, a trusted online retailer can help you source your stogies.
Brand
You’re guaranteed to get a quality smoke if you stick to well-known names. Staple brands like Cohiba, H. Uppman, Punch and Hoyo de Monterey go to great lengths to ensure customers get the real thing. Smaller brands are much easier to copy and pass of as authentic.
Markings
Markings are one way big brands control quality. Check your bands for imperfections and check the barcode on your box to make sure it’s genuine.
Price Points
Once you’ve found a reputable store, check the prices. Just like with wine, overpaying for the product doesn’t make it taste any better. Some stores may overcharge tourists because they know visitors expect to pay more.
Generally, Cuban cigars cost less in Cuba—with starting prices around $10 or $11 USD. If you’re looking to purchase a box of something that’s not a special release still expect to pay $300 USD or more. Cohibas are a premium brand even on the island, so don’t expect any discounts or “steals.”
Deep discounts on brand names mean you may be looking at seconds. Seconds are cigars that didn’t make the cut because of a cosmetic flaw or other mistake. Below seconds are sticks rolled with leftovers that amount to little more than floor sweepings and damaged leaves. Remember: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Trip Home
Making sure you can pass customs without forfeiting your prize is important. If you are a U.S citizen, the general rule is no more than 100 cigars every 31 days and no reselling! If you intend to purchase more than 100 cigars, you’re subject to pay additional tax. If you intend to resell, you have to obtain special licensure.
Canadians can bring at most 50 cigars back without special declarations or additional fees. Be sure to check your country’s policies before going on a shopping spree.
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I didn’t know that Cigars could be counterfeited. I also didn’t realize how much one Cigar would cost. It makes me wonder how long it takes people to normally smoke just one.
My father love Cigar. And he always told me that Cuban Cigar is the most expesive cigar.
You can finally bring them to the US legally? My dad bought some Cuban cigars about 20 years but got in South Korea and in secret. My grandpa loved those things a lot though!
I don’t use cigars neither does my friends it’s the first time am getting to know that best cigars are from Cuba. Great article
I have always been intrigued about Cuban Cigars. Thank you for the history and explanation of how to go about buying them. This was really informative!
My husband loves Cuban cigars. There is a town nearby called Ybor City where we found the best cigars. Hopefully, we can visit Cuba soon and enjoy the town, the food, and their cigars.
I have always enjoyed authentic Cuban cigars via my former employer on the island of Dominica, where trade is allowed, although it took a whole bunch of smuggling logistics to get them through US customs. My favorite Cuban puros are Vegas Robana, Cohiba Maduro 5 Magico, and Partagas.
Fascinating article, something I had never thought of but if I ever go to Cuba I will use this advice when buying a cigar!
I remember thinking how fancy Cuban cigars sounded! Thank you for sharing this!
Not a fan of cigars and cigarettes but this article would be helpful to my smoking friends.