Off to Cuba

[Fratton]

Hi guys

I'm being forced to go to Cuba for a 2 week holiday next year by my better half . Obviously, much against my will, I'll be forced to help the local economy by purchasing and testing the local cigar produce.

Firstly, any recommendations on other cigars to try whilst out there (tastes tend to be Monte 4, R&J Churchill, El Ray De Mundo).

Secondly, any advice on where to purchase (not based in Havana but hoping to get there for a day or two).

Finally, what is the limit on how many can leave Cuba (and how many can get back into the UK).

Great site.

Thanks

Fratton

[Robusto]

That's a great thread, Fratton! I'm hoping to make a similar pilgrimage in a year or two so would welcome this information.

I'd like to add that I've seen 'cigar tours' advertised online and wondered if anyone would recommend such tours, or whether it would be better to plan one's own itinerary.

[Deano]

You'll probably find your hotel will have a cigar cave or similar.
If not, try the cigar factory in Havana while you're there - it has a large cigar shop, and the tour is a definite must for about ?5 each.

[Deano]

Oh and by the way - you can bring up to 50 cigars each back into the UK - two standard boxes size.
So between you both, 100.

BUT buy from a reputable source, like the factory shop or hotel shop, and MAKE SURE you get receipts. If you don't, they'll confiscate them from you at customs.

Locals selling cigars "straight from the factory" on the street etc, are selling fakes and you won't get receipts.

[Montesmoke]

You will enjoy cuba, i loved it, i will go back again in near future

[Major_Tom]

Sister went to Cuba a few months ago (without my prior knowlege) and so I have not reaped any benefit

She did bring me back a R&J tubed churchill though of her own volition. Unfortunately she is saving it for my birthday and refuses to give it to me for me to keep humidified! Will be dry and crispy before I get my mitts on it.

[cohiba-cohiba]

Hi

Deno I visit all the time and as you said make sure you get for reputable shop, of the Factory. I bought 100, and my wife got 100 cohiba, along with rum. rum and a cigar cant beat it.

If any of you guys go do not go to Havan for the factory as there is a cigar factory nearly in every district selling complete box sets that are cheaper than the Hotel shops. Oh and if you tip 5 tourist pasos to the roller she will double wrap you cigar for a longer lasting smoke. Whilst also poping an extra few cigars your way.

She nearly even kisssed my feet, I usualy visit 5 regular factories who have a better custom and also a better price.

[Deano]

Lucky u got past customs then - you're only allowed 50 each.

Odd - the factories I visit won't allow you to purchase cigars from the rollers - shop only, and the prices are comparable to everywhere else.

There's only three main factories that do tours too.

Their is a huge line of quality checking that occurs after rolling - so I can't understand how you're buying from the rollers.


This is the one I've been too:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/2ca6a8/

[Montesmoke]

Good old partagas factory, good pic dean i know for sure you cant buy from rollers too, you can buy off the street, i have known people to buy of the street only to find the cigars are filled with banana leaves id rather eat bananas not smoke them.

[cohibaIV]

I can't wait to go to Cuba, heard so many good things about the place from other people....
May be in a couple of years for me....