Cuba

[NADZ]

As promised at the Herf get together in London over the weekend, here is some of my input on buying cigars in Cuba. Keep in mind I have only been to Cuba twice but my friends and family go quite often hence this is when I rely on this type of info to explain to them where they can pick up my gifts :smile:

Note: most my references come from these pages; I suggest reading through them in more detail -
http://www.marty.514crew.com/cigarsmain.html (http://www.marty.514crew.com/cigarsmain.html)<O:p</O:p
http://marty.514crew.com/cigarguide.html (http://marty.514crew.com/cigarguide.html)
<O:p</O:p
Cost ? I have used this list for over five years (updated) and it has been quite spot on for the cigars I purchased or from people whom reported back prices; http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html (http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html)
<O:p</O:p
Where to buy ? Most of it is here; http://marty.514crew.com/cigarstores.html (http://marty.514crew.com/cigarstores.html)<O:p</O:p
I won?t dwell too far into the fake vs. real debate as it is posted everywhere online. Here are my conclusions;
<O:p</O:p
(i) Don?t buy of the street, beach, or host family as they will likely be fake. These are offered at a typical rate of $25-30/box regardless of the variety (whereby the fake boxes, cigars, and seals generally look authentic). <O:p</O:p
(ii) Stick to the above store list or any other government run outlets
(iii) Airports are fine, but can have limited selection.<O:p</O:p

What to buy ? Keep your options open as depending on when you go the stores may be low on your favorite(s) as cigars are obviously one of Cuba?s main exports. I usually make a plan B and C using the following as a reference http://www.cigars-review.org/ (http://www.cigars-review.org/) (helpful to use in conjunction with the above price list). I look at the date on the bottom of the box to find the oldest box I can to help get through the ?sick period?.

This is a high level summary, please ask if you have any other questions. NADZ<O:p</O:p

[Mr Moore]

You know whats suprising, the fact that the prices are not too far away from what you would pay with one of the swiss web sites, good info.
cheers mate.

[Robusto]

Nadz.
Thank you, Sir. I was looking forward to this for recce purposes.
Will read at leisure.
Bryan

[Stevieboy]

You know whats suprising, the fact that the prices are not too far away from what you would pay with one of the swiss web sites, good info.
cheers mate.

You're right there Mick...I was expecting many bargains...much cheapness.

Great bit of research NADZ :thumb:

[whisky77]

Great info NADZ.I think everybody thinks you can go over on holiday and pick up some quality smokes at dirt cheap prices.
It`s simply not the case.

[Peanut]

nadz, you are a gem and I thank you!

Next time I see you I will give you a free back rub.

[NADZ]

No problem guys, that is the most comprehensive Cuban price list I have come across. Please let me know if you know of others. Cheers, NADZ

[PoohBore]

These prices are hot off the plane last week. The exchange rate was 1.26 CUC's o the pound.

Bolivar Gold Medal (10's) 54CUC
Partagas Series D No 4 (25's) 142.5 CUC
Montecristo Sublime (10's) 113.5 CUC
Cohiba Maduro Secretos (25's) 160 CUC

I'll get the rest of the prices next time I visit the wrinklies.

[cj121]

Those prices ring bells.

When I bought my sticks in January, admittedly there were loads of singles, but I remember the 10ct box of RyJ No.2 Tubos were around 35CUC, from the Hotel Nationale, Havana. That's about ?29 at today's exchange rate:eek::smoke:
El cheapo.

[yankeefan]

that was awesome i have never drooled that much since the first time i looked ahhhhhhhhhhh mean read playboy.lol thanks again

[TJCoro]

nadz, you are a gem and I thank you!

Next time I see you I will give you a free back rub.

:yo:Hola Senor :deal:Nadz,

I just got my first look at your post (I've been out of touch lately, you understand) and found it to be a wealth of invaluable infromation for those lucky enough to visit Cuba. I have already added the links to my favorites:proud:.

I don't know about a back rub, however...I'll leave that to you and the Peanut to resolve:der:, but you certainly deserve a job well done :thumb: and several 'ataboys :41::41::41: for an excellent post!

:bandit: Names, TJ, TJCoro, and I know a good post when I see one, muchachos:lol:

[snooky]

Thanks Nadz very useful. :smoke:

[eggopp]

Havent ever been to Cuba, not yet anyway... its on the list.. link saved for future reference, thanks :41:

[tippexx]

[QUOTE=Peanut;16094]nadz, you are a gem and I thank you!

Brill.

[rollzst]

Does anyone know how much a box of 10 cohiba maduro 5 magicos costs from cuba? I need to find out asap, thanks

[PoohBore]

http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html his prices iirc aren't that far off.

Edit - link already on page 1:stupido2: (http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html)

[Cigar-aficionado]

Buying in Cuba is an awesome experience, like being a kid in a candy store:smoke:

First time we went in 1999 I spent an absolute fortune at the Casa del Habano on 64th street in Varadero and last year was similar on our 4th visit when we stayed at the Conde de Villanueva in old Havana, their shop is terrific

[rollzst]

How many cigars are you allowed to bring back to the UK from Cuba?

I think i read somewhere that its 50 but does it depend on the value? Im planning a trip there with the mrs so i can bring back double my allowance as she doesnt smoke.

[PoohBore]

there is a thread on the export numbers. iirc its 50 in sealed boxes wirh a receipt to leave cuba plus some singles. i don't know what the allowance is into the uk.

[Gryph]

My recent trip, LCDH Varadero and in duty free - all about the same price as Cigars of Habanos website (for Cohiba 25s at any rate)

[moidoid]

there is a thread on the export numbers. iirc its 50 in sealed boxes wirh a receipt to leave cuba plus some singles. i don't know what the allowance is into the uk.

I'm pretty sure it is 50 per adult.

£78 for a box of Sublimes is good going. My pal is going to Havana on Sunday - I'll tell him to fill his boots.

Any others that will be particularly less over there - that are nice too of course?

[jacques]

Cohiba Gran Reservas, apparently

[Cigar-aficionado]

Where do you find that price for Sublimes????

[moidoid]

These prices are hot off the plane last week. The exchange rate was 1.26 CUC's o the pound.

Bolivar Gold Medal (10's) 54CUC
Partagas Series D No 4 (25's) 142.5 CUC
Montecristo Sublime (10's) 113.5 CUC
Cohiba Maduro Secretos (25's) 160 CUC

I'll get the rest of the prices next time I visit the wrinklies.


Here!!! :rolleyes:

[PoohBore]

that was in april last year! Give me .11 weeks and i'll give you some hot off the plane prices again :-)

[moidoid]

that was in april last year! Give me .11 weeks and i'll give you some hot off the plane prices again :-)

Ahhhh...the 'old post, current thread' switcheroo. Guess I been too previous.

Never mind, I'll know how much they are in a couple of weeks when he brings them back. :849:

[PoohBore]

iirc the exchange rate was around 1.25 whereas now its 1.50 ish so you will be lucky hopefully. :-).

[Cigar-aficionado]

Cheers Tim:smile: