Cuban Cigar

[TomS]

So, a buddy of mine got a hold of a few Cuban cigars. I indulge in cigars once in a while, and was excitied to try a good Cuban. Long story short, I wasnt moved by it. In fact I've had a few Connecticut Valley smokes that were better, and a couple of Jamaicans that were every bit as good. Whats the deal? I'm guessing I'm just not a serious enough smoker to *get it*?
Best,
Tom

 

[gtdean48]

I've had Dominicans that are just as good as the Cubans I have smoked. It is more the mystique than the taste if you ask me.

 

[Rathdown]

Fruit from the forbidden tree is always thought to taste better, even if it's sour apples. The run-of-the-mill Cuban cigar is nothing to write home about, in much the same way that during the Cold War Russian vodka achieved almost mythic status, despite the fact that most of it tasted like Ronson lighter fluid.

 

[TomS]

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only fella that drew that conclusion!

 

[G MAN]

It would depend on the Cigar, many cigars are made in Cuba, good one's and cheap one's
The other thing to consider is that most Cuban cigars that friends offer me are fake. I even bought a box of Montecristo #4's at the Airport duty free in Holguin Cuba and when I got home and opened the box they were fakes.
I don't think Cuban cigars are any better than cigars made in other places. I can get a Cuban at my local shop anytime but I don't think they are worth the high price.

 

[BobC]

I believe the best cigars in the world are coming from Nicaragua now, not Cuba.

 

[TomS]

I believe the best cigars in the world are coming from Nicaragua now, not Cuba.

Do you have a particular brand that you're friendly with?

 

[ambulatingreader]

I've had a few decent, and a few mediocre cubans, but I prefer JR Ultimates (Maduro or Natural wrapper), and Romeo y Julietta Habana Reserve Robustos. Plus, they're a lot cheaper.

 

[1961MJS]

Fruit from the forbidden tree is always thought to taste better, even if it's sour apples. The run-of-the-mill Cuban cigar is nothing to write home about, in much the same way that during the Cold War Russian vodka achieved almost mythic status, despite the fact that most of it tasted like Ronson lighter fluid.

Hi I have a similar reaction to Coors Beer (remember Smoky and the Bandit?). Forbidden Fruit, no Coors West of the Mississippi until (?).

Later

 

[Warlord of The Weejuns]

You have to be sure you're not getting ripped off. When I have bought them I always made sure the box was sealed and knew what the official government seal looked like. That said if you have ever had a Cuban Cohiba that was fresh (not the stale ones you get in Canada) I think you would understand what the big deal is. There are not many things better in life.

 

[Atticus Finch]

You have to be sure you're not getting ripped off. When I have bought them I always made sure the box was sealed and knew what the official government seal looked like. That said if you have ever had a Cuban Cohiba that was fresh (not the stale ones you get in Canada) I think you would understand what the big deal is. There are not many things better in life.

I don't smoke anymore, but once, back in the day, I got my hands on a real Cuban Cohiba. It was given to me by a friend who had just returned from an "unauthorized" trip to Cuba. As I recall, the cigar had a wonderful, mild taste, but it was wraped so tightly I could hardly smoke it.

AF

 

[old barnacle]

Arturo Fuente Opus X is the best cigar, I had the pleasure consuming.

 

[scotrace]

The best, I think, do indeed come from Nicaragua. Any Padron is fantastic.

 

[TomS]

I appreciate all the suggestions, gents. I'll have to head out to the cigar store.
Best,
Tom

 

[Bassman]

As said earlier, you may have gotten counterfeits. But there are both good and bad Habanos. They are also plagued with construction issues. Some are really delicious.
My favorite "domestics" are Nicaraguan..."Padron" cigars at any price point are excellent. "Arturo Fuente" smokes are also quite good.

 

[Warlord of The Weejuns]

As a matter of personal taste I don't particularly care for Padrones. I smoke Arturo Fuentes 858 cuban carona, I prefer maduro wrappers. Before that it was Punch (also maduro). In addition to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic produces good cigars. It has been said that their soil and climate are closer to that of Cuba. In addition to Cohibas, I have had Cuban Romeo y Julietas, which are very mild, yet good. I've heard in the past it is very difficult to get a good cigar in Cuba, they are all imported because no one there can afford them. Let me say again that if you are ever lucky enough to smoke a Cuban Cohiba you will understand what the big deal is about Cuban cigars.

 

[bowlerman]

I believe the best cigars in the world are coming from Nicaragua now, not Cuba.

Only an occasional cigar smoker, but I'm glad to hear you say that, BobC! I got a few on a recent trip to CA where the shop had their own roller, and I bought a handful of his Nicaraguan maduros-- easily the most sublime cigars I've experienced.

 

[fortworthgal]

My husband is a cigar smoker, and wanted me to chime in on this. He keeps a pretty good humidor stock at home. Like everyone else has said, there are good & bad Cubans (just like with every other cigar), and lots, lots, LOTS of fakes out there.

You don't have to go to France to find a good wine. There are lots of great cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. Much like good wines, the guiding rule should be drink (or smoke, in this case) what tastes good to you personally. You don't necessarily have to seek out the top name brands, most expensive, or particular countries of origin.

 

[BobC]

Do you have a particular brand that you're friendly with?

Sorry, I must have missed this. There are many Nicaraguan puros available. Perdomo and Espinoza y Ortega Murcielago, Cubao and 601 should give you some things to start with.

 

[jayinhk]

Here in Hong Kong, all we get is Cubans (even at 7-11)! I don't think I could find a US-market Dominican (aside from in one of my humidors) anywhere in town.We do get some Dutch and American imports in terms of cheaper cigaritos (cigarillos), and Davidoff do have Dominican offerings, but it really is Cubans anywhere you look here.

Fakes are much less of an issue here since there's no kind of embargo, but some of the smaller cigar bars do carry fakes purely to make higher profits. The good places here are official Habanos outlets, so there's no worries whatsoever. Tax here is very high on tobacco, so I tend to get mine in from Switzerland. I had an absolutely outstanding Cuban out of one of my humidors about six weeks ago, and I can't for the life of me remember what it was. A buddy of mine from PA was in town and he bought himself a Siglo II tubo. I brought one from my humidor. It was a lesser known producer. Let me look it up:

Ah yes, a Fonseca No. 1. Absolutely amazing smoke. Smooth, mild, and with incredible flavor. I've never had a non-Cuban that could compare, and I've tried some of the best Padron, Arturo Fuente and Ashton have to offer. Some Cubans aren't quite as good as others, of course, but IMO Cubans really are much better in general. Give them one or two years in a good humidor and they'll really shine. I'm also very fond of Cuaba. Cohiba and RyJ are good, but tend to have less character.